LOS ANGELES/PALM SPRINGS, California, USA — Grady Demond Wilson, the beloved actor best known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 79. Family and media outlets confirm that he passed away on January 30, 2026, at his home in Palm Springs, after a battle with complications related to cancer.
Wilson’s death was confirmed by his son, Demond Wilson Jr., who told TMZ that his father died from cancer complications at home. The specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed by the family.
Born October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia, Wilson grew up in Harlem, New York, where he first pursued performance as a child tapping on Broadway stages and at the Apollo Theater. He later served in the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War before turning to acting full‑time.
Wilson’s breakout role came when he was cast as Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 to 1977 and became one of the highest‑rated sitcoms of its time. His portrayal of the sensible, level‑headed son to Redd Foxx’s Fred Sanford made him a household name and helped open doors for greater representation of Black actors on network television.
Beyond Sanford and Son, Wilson appeared in television series such as The New Odd Couple and the film Me and the Kid (1993). After taking a long hiatus from screen acting, he returned in 2023 with a role in the drama Eleanor’s Bench.
In addition to his entertainment career, Wilson became an ordained Christian minister and devoted much of his life to faith‑based work and writing. He founded the Restoration House of America, a ministry focused on supporting former inmates and others seeking new paths.
Wilson is survived by his wife, Cicely Johnston, and their six children. Friends, colleagues, and fans have shared tributes honoring his legacy and the joy he brought to audiences around the world.
Funeral and memorial service details have not yet been released. Heartfelt condolences continue to pour in for a life that touched generations and helped shape television history.
