‘Sanford and Son’ Fan Favorite Dead at 79 — Cause of Death Confirmed

Demond Wilson, the actor best known for playing Lamont Sanford on the hit 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has died. He was 79.

Wilson passed away Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California. His son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed the news to TMZ and said his father died from complications related to cancer. The family did not share what type of cancer he had. Speaking to TMZ, his son said, “I loved him. He was a great man.”

Wilson became a household name for his role as Lamont, the level-headed son of junk dealer Fred Sanford, played by Redd Foxx. The show aired on NBC from 1972 to 1977 and was one of the most popular sitcoms of its time. Foxx’s character was famous for calling his son “Dummy,” a running joke that became part of TV history.

Before landing the role on Sanford and Son, Wilson appeared in a 1971 episode of All in the Family titled “Edith Writes a Song.” In that episode, he and actor Cleavon Little played burglars who take the Bunker family hostage. That performance helped him get noticed by producers.

Sanford and Son was developed by Bud Yorkin and was based on the British comedy Steptoe and Son. It premiered on Jan. 14, 1972, and quickly became a ratings hit. Airing on Friday nights, it beat out popular shows like The Brady Bunch and The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. The series ranked near the top of the TV charts for much of its run and stayed in the top 10 for its final five seasons.

Wilson later reflected on his early doubts about the show in the 2011 book Black and Blue: The Redd Foxx Story. He said, “After learning about the series format, I was doubtful about my involvement in the project. I thought about it long and hard and decided to take a chance.” He also explained that both he and Foxx initially saw the show as a short-term move, saying, “Redd and I thought we could grab some quick cash, plus notoriety, then move on to the next project.”

In 1974, Wilson continued on the show when Foxx temporarily walked off due to a salary dispute. The storyline explained Fred Sanford’s absence by sending the character to St. Louis for a funeral. Foxx later returned but left the series for good after the 1976–77 season to host his own ABC variety show, which did not last long.

After Sanford and Son ended, Wilson chose not to continue the series on his own. Instead, he starred in the CBS sitcom Baby… I’m Back, where he played a man who returns to his family after leaving them for seven years. The show also starred Denise Nicholas, with a young Kim Fields playing one of their children. Despite early hopes, the series lasted only 13 episodes.

Wilson continued acting in the years that followed. He starred in one season of The New Odd Couple in the early 1980s and later appeared in films, including the 1993 movie Me and the Kid.

The news of his death was first reported by TMZ, with confirmation from his son. Demond Wilson leaves behind a lasting legacy as part of one of television’s most iconic comedy duos.

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