‘Sanford and Son’ star Demond Wilson dies at 79, reports say

(Gray News) – Actor Demond Wilson, who starred on the popular sitcom “Sanford and Son,” died Friday, according to several reports. He was 79.

The New York Times said Wilson’s son confirmed his father died Friday at his home in California of complications from cancer.

Demond Wilson participates in a CBS “Face the Nation” discussion on school prayer on May 5, 1984, in Washington. The “Sanford and Son” star died on Jan. 30, 2026, according to reports.(AP Photo)

Wilson was well known for his role as Lamont Sanford in “Sanford and Son.” He starred in the show alongside Redd Foxx for six seasons, from 1972 to 1977.

It was NBC’s highest-ranking sitcom at the time. It was number two in ratings during its first two years, beating out “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” and “The Brady Bunch,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. It continued to stay in the top 10 for the duration of its run.

Following the end of “Sanford and Son,” Wilson went on to star in the short-lived sitcom “Baby… I’m Back,” and guest-starred on shows such as “The Love Boat,” People reported.

Wilson starred in several films during his career, such as “Full Moon High” and “Me and the Kid.”

According to People, he took a break from acting in the early 2000s that continued until his last project in 2023, when he appeared in the show “Eleanor’s Beach.”

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