Demond Wilson passes

Demond Wilson (born Grady Demond Wilson), 79, passed due to complications from cancer. The specific cancer was not disclosed.

Where do you know him from? He was the son, Lamont, on the Redd Foxx  television show  “Sanford and Son.” Prior to this, Redd Foxx was considered a “blue” comedian, one who cursed and got off-color a lot.  Having a 1972-1977 TV show (on which they made him more of a crusty likeable old guy, less of a comedian who would make jokes with punch-lines about sex) made Redd a big general star. The show was a top-rated phenomenon, and Demond Wilson played Redd’s beknighted son Lamont who always had to scramble to put out the fires and clean up the messes Redd created. It became NBC’s highest rated comedy and the second most-watched show on television. Why do we care 50 years later? He was one of us.

He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 and was in the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam, where he was wounded.  Wiki

Wilson returned to Hollywood periodically, but his later life was more faith-based.

Wilson married model Cicely Johnston on May 3, 1974. They had six children. In 1984 he was ordained as a minister in the Church of God in Christ and was an active Christian evangelist for much of his adult life.

Category: We Remember