The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Demond Wilson, the beloved actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Lamont Sanford on the classic NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. Wilson died on January 30, 2026, at the age of 79 from complications related to cancer, his family confirmed.
Born Grady Demond Wilson on October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia, Wilson grew up in New York City and began performing at a young age, appearing on Broadway and at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater before serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Wilson’s breakthrough role came in 1972, when he was cast as Lamont Sanford, the hardworking and often exasperated son of Fred Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, on Sanford and Son. The show became one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1970s, admired for its sharp humor, memorable characters, and cultural impact during its five–season run from 1972 to 1977.
As Lamont, Wilson became a familiar face in American homes, forming a dynamic and endearing on–screen partnership with Foxx that helped Sanford and Son earn lasting recognition in television history. The show’s blend of comedy and heart resonated with audiences for generations.
After Sanford and Son, Wilson continued his career with roles in television and film, including a starring part in The New Odd Couple and an appearance in the 1993 movie Me and the Kid. In later years, he returned briefly to acting with a role in the 2023 drama Eleanor’s Bench.
Beyond his acting career, Wilson was deeply committed to his faith and community work. He became an ordained minister in the 1980s and founded the Restoration House of America, a ministry dedicated to helping former inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
Wilson is survived by his wife, Cicely Johnston, whom he married in 1974, and their six children. Friends, family, and fans around the world have shared tributes reflecting on his talent, kindness, and the joy he brought to so many through his work.
Funeral and memorial service arrangements have not yet been announced. As news of his passing spreads, cherished memories of Wilson’s legacy — both on and off the screen — continue to endure.
