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Demond Wilson, 1970‑s “Sanford and Son” Star, Dies at 79 From Cancer Complications

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Death Confirmed, Date, Location, and Cause Demond Wilson passed away on Friday, February 1, 2026, at his home near California’s Coachella Valley, aged 79 [1][2][3]. His publicist Mark Goldman relayed the news to the Associated Press, citing cancer complications as the immediate cause [1]. Wilson’s sons provided additional details: Demond Jr. told TMZ the death resulted from cancer complications, while Christopher Wilson specified prostate cancer in a statement to The New York Times [2][3]. The family’s statements align on the fatal outcome, though they differ on the cancer type.

Iconic Role Defined His Public Legacy Wilson is best remembered for portraying Lamont Sanford opposite Redd Foxx on NBC’s “Sanford and Son,” which ran six seasons from 1972 to 1977 [1][2][3]. The sitcom, produced by Norman Lear, became a cultural touchstone for its predominantly Black cast and humor about intergenerational dynamics [1]. Wilson’s performance earned him lasting recognition and solidified his place in television history [2][3].

Early Life, Military Service, and Acting Breakthrough Born Grady Demond Wilson in Valdosta, Georgia, he grew up in Harlem and studied dance as a child [2][3]. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded before returning to pursue acting [1]. A 1971 guest spot on Norman Lear’s “All in the Family” led directly to his casting as Lamont Sanford [1][2][3].

Post‑Sanford Projects, Ministry, and Final Credit After “Sanford and Son,” Wilson headlined the short‑lived sitcoms “Baby I’m Back!” and “The New Odd Couple,” each lasting one season [1][2][3]. He entered the ministry in the 1980s, becoming an author and pastor while continuing occasional TV roles, including a 2023 appearance on “Eleanor’s Bench” [1][2][3]. Wilson is survived by his wife, Cicely Wilson, and their six children [1].

Sources

Timeline

Mid‑1940s (c. 1946) – Born Grady Demond Wilson in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in Harlem, providing the cultural backdrop for his later work in Black‑centered television [1].

1960s‑early 1970s – Serves in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, is wounded in combat, and returns to New York to act on stage before moving to Hollywood, shaping his discipline and performance style [1].

1971 – Makes a guest appearance on All in the Family, impressing Norman Lear and securing the role of Lamont Sanford for the upcoming sitcom [1].

1972‑1977 – Stars as Lamont Sanford on NBC’s Sanford and Son, a six‑season series that becomes a cultural touchstone and defines his public image [1][2].

Late 1970s – Heads the sitcom Baby I’m Back!, which lasts only one season, illustrating the challenge of replicating his earlier success [1].

Early 1980s – Leads The New Odd Couple, another short‑lived series that expands his post‑Sanford television résumé [1].

1980s – Enters the ministry, adding pastor and author to his résumé and shifting his public identity toward faith‑based service [1].

1986 – Tells the Los Angeles Times that acting is “not challenging” and “emotionally exhausting,” revealing his candid view of the profession after years of fame [1].

2000s – Appears in four episodes of Girlfriends, demonstrating his continued relevance on television decades after his breakthrough role [1].

2023 – Makes his final on‑screen appearance in the series Eleanor’s Bench, marking the end of a five‑decade acting career [2][3].

Jan 31, 2026 – Dies at age 79 from complications of prostate cancer at his home near the Coachella Valley, California, as confirmed by his sons and publicist Mark Goldman [1][2][3].

Feb 1, 2026 – The Associated Press publishes an obituary that quotes his publicist describing him as “a devoted father, actor, author, and minister” whose life is “rooted in faith, service, and compassion” [1].

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