PALM SPRINGS—On January 30, comedian Grady Demond Wilson best known for his acting role as Lamont, in the 70s sit-com “Sanford and Son” died at his California home, from complications of cancer. He was 79.
Actor Redd Foxx was the crazy father, who referred to his son, Lamont, as, “You, big dummy” on the TV series. “Sanford & Son” first premiered on NBC in 1972 and ran through 1977. Wilson appeared in 135 out of the 136 total episodes.
Wilson was the last member the TV series to die. Redd Foxx died in 1991. His friend and fellow actor, Eddie Murphy paid for his friend’s funeral to ensure he had a proper send off. Murphy noted he would cover the cost of the funeral. In a memoir, Murphy indicated that the early comedians weren’t always paid well and didn’t always manage money well when they were paid.
Prior to “Sanford and Son,” Wilson starred in the action-thriller, “The Organization,” and “Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues.” (1971).
In the mid-70s ,Wilson also made some guest appearances on the sitcom “All in the Family,” playing a burglar who with another burglar held Archie Bunker hostage.
He starred in the CBS family sit-com, “Baby I’m Back” (1977-1978) and ABC’s television series, “The New Odd Couple” (1982-1983).
In 1986, Wilson moved away, leaving Hollywood behind. He made occasional guest appearances after that in “Me and the Kid,” “Hammerlock,” and had a recurring role on UPN’s “Girlfriends” (2023).
He was ordained a minister in the 80s in the Church of God in Christ. He was a journalist who published; “the New Age Millennium: An Exposé of Symbols, Slogans and Hidden Agendas,” his memoir “Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of Sanford and Son Years.” He also published children’s books: “Lil’ Mowande,” “Mr. Fish Takes a Wife,” and “John Neuman Smith,” (1999).
Wilson is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cicely Johnston, their 6 adult children, Christopher, Nicole, Melissa, Sarah, Tabatha, and Demond Jr., and two grandchildren.
