Demond Wilson, a trailblazing actor who played Lamont Sanford on the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son and later became a minister, has died after battling cancer. He was 79.
Wilson passed away in Palm Springs, California, on Friday, Jan. 30.
The actor’s spokesperson, Mark Goldman, confirmed his death to the Associated Press and said he died peacefully with family members by his side.
“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,” Goldman said in a statement. “Demond was surrounded by love throughout his final days.”
The actor is survived by his wife, Cicely Wilson, their six children, and two grandchildren.
Wilson was born in Valdosta, Georgia on Oct. 13, 1946, and grew up in New York City, according to his personal website.
After serving in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, he decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and landed roles in several Broadway and off-Broadway productions before moving to Los Angeles.
He later had roles in the films The Organization (1971) and Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues (1972). On television, he landed parts on Mission: Impossible, All in the Family, Baby I’m Back!, and The New Odd Couple.
But it was the role of Lamont Sanford, son of grouchy junk dealer Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx), on Sanford and Son that made him a household name. The series ran from 1972 to 1977, and was one of the first network sitcoms to feature a predominantly Black cast.
As news of Wilson’s death spread this weekend, he was fondly remembered on social media.
“Another entertainment icon gone. Demond Wilson has passed, actress Holly Robinson Peete wrote on Instagram. “This one hit home for me because I not only loved and grew up on the show, but my daddy was one of the writers on Sanford and Son so I got to go to a couple tapings when I was a little girl and y’all — they were outrageously funny!!”
“So saddened to learn that Demond Wilson has passed due to complications from cancer. He was 79. Thank you for your legacy and iconic role as ‘Lamont’ in Sanford and Son. RIP,” radio legend and former BET host Donnie Simpson shared on X.
“Condolences to his family and fans. Thank you Demond for all the laughs. Rest in peace,” comedian and TV host Loni Love added on X.
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