Grady Demond Wilson, Beloved Sanford and Son Star, Dead at 79
Grady Demond Wilson, Beloved Sanford and Son Star, Dead at 79 Grady Demond Wilson — better known professionally as Demond Wilson , the actor who played Lamont Sanford on the iconic 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son — has died at the age of 79 . His passing was confirmed by his son; Wilson died Friday, January 30, 2026 , at his home in Palm Springs, California , from complications related to cancer . Wilson rose to fame portraying the calm-yet-sharp-witted son of junk dealer Fred Sanford (played by Redd Foxx) on Sanford and Son , a groundbreaking NBC sitcom that aired from 1972 to 1977 and became one of television’s most popular shows of the era. His character provided emotional balance and comedic chemistry with Foxx’s Fred, helping the series resonate with millions of viewers and elevate Black representation in mainstream entertainment. Before his breakout role, Wilson had early television appearances and began his career in performance from a young age. After Sanford and S...