It is with deep sadness that we share that Demond Wilson, the beloved actor best known for playing Lamont Sanford on the classic NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at age 79 following complications from cancer at his home in Palm Springs, California.
Wilson brought a grounded warmth and thoughtful presence to a role that became part of television history, balancing the wild antics of Redd Foxx’s Fred Sanford with quiet strength. Sanford and Son was a breakthrough for Black representation on network TV, and his performance helped make it a cultural touchstone of the 1970s.
Born in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in New York City, Wilson’s career began early — from Broadway as a child to national fame on television. After the show ended, he continued acting in TV and film, and later became an ordained minister and author, reflecting a life shaped by creativity, faith, and service.
Wilson is remembered by fans and colleagues alike as a humble, disciplined performer whose work resonated far beyond laughs and catchphrases. He is survived by his wife, Cicely, their six children, and grandchildren — and by a legacy of performances that remain beloved across generations.
His loss marks the end of an era, but his impact on television and culture will endure.