Grady Demond Wilson, the actor best known for playing Lamont Sanford on the popular 1970s NBC series “Sanford and Son, has died. He was 79.
His son, Christopher Wilson, said that his father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He died on Friday in his California home near the Coachella Valley.
Wilson rose to national prominence on “Sanford and Son,” where his performance alongside comedian Redd Foxx helped define the show’s signature father‑son dynamic. The sitcom became one of NBC’s biggest successes of the 1970s and a breakthrough moment for Black representation in primetime television.
After leaving the series, Wilson continued to work steadily, starring in the comedy “Baby… I’m Back” and later appearing in “The New Odd Couple,” “Girlfriends,” and numerous other television roles. Even with a long career, his turn as Lamont Sanford remained the role most closely associated with him and a lasting part of the show’s cultural imprint.
Mark Goldman, Demond’s publicist, told People Magazine in a statement, “The family of Demond Wilson is deeply saddened by his passing. At this time, they ask for privacy as they grieve. No further details are available, and the family has no additional information to share.”
“Personally, I had the privilege of working with Demond for 15 years, and his loss is profoundly felt. He was an unbelievable man, and his impact will never be forgotten. The family appreciates the support and understanding of the community during this difficult time,” Goldman added.
Wilson is survived by his wife, Cicely Johnston, and six children.
