- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Valdosta Today
By the People, for the People
Demond Wilson, 'Sanford and Son' Star, Dies at 79
The actor, who played Lamont Sanford, went on to become a minister after the show ended.
Feb. 2, 2026 at 5:31pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Demond Wilson, the actor best known for playing Lamont Sanford on the 1970s sitcom 'Sanford and Son,' has died at the age of 79 following complications from cancer. Wilson rose to fame as the straight-man son to Redd Foxx's cantankerous Fred Sanford character, and the show was among the first to feature a mostly Black cast when it premiered in 1972. After 'Sanford and Son' ended, Wilson starred in other TV comedies before becoming a minister in the 1980s.
Why it matters
'Sanford and Son' was a groundbreaking sitcom that helped pave the way for more diverse representation on television. Wilson's portrayal of Lamont Sanford was a key part of the show's success and cultural impact. His later transition to ministry also reflects his commitment to serving his community.
The details
Wilson was born in Valdosta, Georgia and grew up in Harlem, New York. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was wounded. After returning to New York, he began acting on stage before moving to Hollywood, where a guest appearance on 'All in the Family' led to his breakout role on 'Sanford and Son.' The show was a hit for six seasons on NBC, but ended when ABC offered Redd Foxx a variety show. After 'Sanford and Son,' Wilson starred in other short-lived TV comedies before becoming a minister in the 1980s.
- Wilson was born in 1947 in Valdosta, Georgia.
- He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s.
- 'Sanford and Son' aired on NBC from 1972 to 1977.
- Wilson became a minister in the 1980s.
- Wilson died on February 2, 2026 at the age of 79.
The players
Demond Wilson
An American actor best known for playing Lamont Sanford on the 1970s sitcom 'Sanford and Son.' After the show ended, he became a minister.
Redd Foxx
An American comedian and actor who starred as Fred Sanford, the lead character on 'Sanford and Son.'
Norman Lear
An American television writer and producer who created both 'Sanford and Son' and 'All in the Family.'
What they’re saying
“A devoted father, actor, author, and minister, Demond lived a life rooted in faith, service, and compassion. Through his work on screen, his writing, and his ministry, he sought to uplift others and leave a meaningful impact on the communities he served.”
— Mark Goldman, Publicist for Demond Wilson
“I said, 'C'mon, you can't put a comedian with a comedian. You've got to have a straight man,'”
— Demond Wilson
The takeaway
Demond Wilson's career and life journey exemplify the power of representation and the ability to positively impact communities through diverse creative pursuits and a commitment to service. His role as Lamont Sanford on the groundbreaking sitcom 'Sanford and Son' cemented his place in television history, while his later work as a minister demonstrated his dedication to uplifting others.
