Grady Demond Wilson — best known for portraying Lamont Sanford, the devoted son of Fred Sanford on NBC’s sitcom Sanford and Son — has died. He was 79.
Wilson’s son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed to TMZ that the actor was pronounced dead Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs. He passed away due to complications related to cancer, though the specific type was not disclosed.
“I loved him. He was a great man,” his son said.Demond Wilson (born Grady Demond Wilson, October 13, 1946 – 2026) was an American actor, author, and pastor best known for his iconic role as Lamont Sanford on the hit NBC sitcom Sanford and Son.
Born in Valdosta, Georgia, Wilson was raised in New York City, where he developed an early interest in acting and performance. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was wounded in combat, later receiving an honorable discharge. After returning home, Wilson pursued acting, studying at the American Drama Studio in New York.
