'Sanford And Son' Lamont Actor Grady Desmond Wilson Dies

The actor, who played Lamont Sanford, was 79 years old.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Grady Desmond Wilson, who starred as Lamont Sanford, the son of Redd Foxx's Fred Sanford, in the classic 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 79. Wilson's son, Demond Wilson Jr., told TMZ that his father passed away at home in Palm Springs, California, due to complications from cancer.

Why it matters

Sanford and Son was a groundbreaking and influential sitcom that ran for six seasons in the 1970s, and Grady Desmond Wilson's portrayal of Lamont Sanford was a key part of the show's enduring legacy. His death marks the passing of an iconic television actor from that era.

The details

Grady Desmond Wilson, who was billed as Desmond Wilson on the series, played the role of Lamont Sanford, the son of Redd Foxx's character Fred Sanford, on the classic 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son. The actor died at his home in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 79 due to complications from cancer.

  • Grady Desmond Wilson died on January 31, 2026.

The players

Grady Desmond Wilson

The actor who starred as Lamont Sanford on the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son.

Redd Foxx

The actor who played Fred Sanford, the father of Grady Desmond Wilson's character, on Sanford and Son.

Demond Wilson Jr.

The son of Grady Desmond Wilson who confirmed his father's passing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Grady Desmond Wilson's death marks the passing of an iconic television actor from the 1970s, whose portrayal of Lamont Sanford on the groundbreaking sitcom Sanford and Son left a lasting impact on television history.