Combination photos showing a more recent image of Grady Desmond Wilson and as a young actor.
January 31, 2026
‘Sanford and Son’ actor Demond Wilson dies at 79
Grady Demond Wilson, best known for his role as Lamont Sanford in television sitcom Sanford and Son, has died.
Wilson died at his home in California on Friday after a battle with cancer, according to US media reports. He was 79.
He was the last surviving main cast member of the classic 1970s sitcom which starred comedian Red Foxx as Lamont’s father, Fred G Sanford.
Wilson got hired for the role after his appearance as a burglar in hit sitcom All in the Family, whose executive producer Bud Yorkin developed Sandford and Son.
He also appeared in several other sitcoms including Baby…I’m Back!, The New Odd Couple and the more recent, Girlfriends.
