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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (WGN) — Grady Demond Wilson, the beloved actor famed for his portrayal of Lamont Sanford in the iconic sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has passed away at the age of 79, as reported by various outlets.
Sources such as TMZ and BET confirmed that Wilson died on Friday morning at his residence in Palm Springs, California.
The cause of death has been attributed to complications from cancer, according to TMZ.
Wilson gained widespread acclaim for his role as Lamont Sanford, appearing alongside comedy legend Redd Foxx in the popular NBC series “Sanford and Son,” which entertained audiences for six successful seasons from 1972 to 1977.
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PARSIPPANY, NJ – APRIL 22: Demond Wilson attends the 2016 Chiller Theater Expo at Parsippany Hilton on April 22, 2016 in Parsippany, New Jersey. (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage) -
SANFORD AND SON — “The Over-the Hill Gag” Episode 24 — Pictured: (l-r) Demond Wilson as Lamont Sanford, Whitman Mayo as Grady Wilson (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
In addition to his memorable role in “Sanford and Son,” Wilson also took on the character of Oscar Madison in “The New Odd Couple,” a reboot of the classic sitcom “The Odd Couple” that aired briefly in 1982.
According to his IMDB page, Wilson’s final credit came in 2023, after a nearly 20-year break from acting, when he appeared in the show “Eleanor’s Bench.”
In addition to his career as an actor, Wilson was a United States Army veteran and served in Vietnam.