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

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Demond Wilson, famous for his role as Lamont Sanford in the popular 1970s TV show Sanford and Son, has passed away at the age of 79.

Actor Earle H. Wilson passed away Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California, after a battle with cancer. His son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed the news to TMZ, but the family has not disclosed the specific type of cancer. Demond Jr. shared with TMZ, “I loved him. He was a great man.”

Fred Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, became a TV icon, and his son, Lamont, portrayed by Wilson, was a key part of the show’s success. ‘Sanford and Son,’ which aired on NBC from 1972 to 1977, was a hugely popular sitcom, and is remembered for Foxx’s recurring nickname for his son, ‘Dummy,’ a joke that became a classic moment in television history.

I remember seeing Redd Foxx in an episode of All in the Family way back in 1971, before Sanford and Son even happened! He and Cleavon Little played these burglars who held the Bunker family hostage, and honestly, it was a really memorable performance. I think that’s what really got producers to take notice of him – it definitely showed what he could do!

Sanford and Son, created by Bud Yorkin, was inspired by the British show Steptoe and Son. It first aired on January 14, 1972, and immediately became very popular with viewers. The show, which aired on Friday nights, consistently outperformed other well-known programs like The Brady Bunch and The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. Throughout most of its run, Sanford and Son was a top-rated show, and it remained in the top 10 for its last five seasons.

In his 2011 book, Black and Blue: The Redd Foxx Story, Wilson admitted he was initially unsure about the show. He explained that after learning how the series would work, he hesitated but ultimately decided to participate. Both Wilson and Foxx originally viewed the show as a temporary opportunity, hoping to earn money and gain recognition before moving on to other projects.

In 1974, when Redd Foxx had a disagreement over his salary and briefly left the show, Fred Wilson continued as his co-star. The show explained Fred Sanford’s temporary departure by having his character attend a funeral in St. Louis. Foxx eventually returned, but after the 1976–77 season, he left the series permanently to host his own variety show on ABC, though it didn’t remain on air for very long.

Following the conclusion of Sanford and Son, Wilson decided against continuing the show without Redd Foxx. He then took on the lead role in the CBS sitcom Baby… I’m Back, portraying a man returning home to his family after a seven-year absence. Denise Nicholas co-starred, and a young Kim Fields played one of their children. Unfortunately, despite initial optimism, the series only ran for 13 episodes.

Wilson kept acting after his initial success. In the early 1980s, he was a lead in the TV show The New Odd Couple, and he continued to appear in films, such as Me and the Kid in 1993.

TMZ first reported the news of Demond Wilson’s passing, which was later confirmed by his son. He will be remembered for his role in one of television’s most beloved comedy partnerships.

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2026-01-31 22:44