Grady Demond Wilson’s work still stands up.
Playing the role he was best known for — Lamont Sanford, the son of Fred Sanford on the hit show “Sanford and Son” — he brought laughs into the living rooms of millions for decades.
Wilson, 79, died Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California. Wilson’s son, Demond Wilson Jr., told TMZ that his father died from complications related to cancer.
“I loved him,” Wilson Jr. told TMZ. “He was a great man.”
Wilson played Lamont Sanford on the show from 1972 through 1977. The beloved show’s re-runs continue to air today.
Wilson has a long list of acting credits with the last coming in 2023 for the TV series “Eleanor’s Bench.”
Wilson took a long break from acting prior to that appearance, with his last credit before 2023 coming in 2004 and 2005 on the series “Girlfriends.”
he also starred in 18 episodes of “The New Odd Couple” in 1982 and 1983, and starred in the 1993 film, ‘Me and the Kid.”
Other credits include “Full Moon High,” “Today’s F.B.I.,” and “The Love Boat.”
Wilson was a native of Valdosta, Georgia, and prior to his acting career he enlisted in the United States Army where he served from 1966 through 1968. Wilson was a member of the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam and was wounded. He returned home and began working on Broadway and off-Broadway stage productions. He has several acting credits in television and film along the way before landing his role on “Sanford and Son.”