Demond Wilson, "Sanford and Son" and "The New Odd Couple" actor, dies at 79

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Cheerful Cheetah

Legendary Actor Demond Wilson Passes Away at 79

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of beloved actor Demond Wilson, who passed away on Friday at the age of 79 due to complications from cancer. Wilson was best known for his iconic role as Lamont Sanford in the popular 1970s TV show "Sanford and Son," which became a cultural phenomenon during its six-season run.

Wilson's career spanned over five decades, with notable roles in various films and television shows. He made his Broadway debut at just four years old alongside William Marshall and Ossie Davis in a revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Green Pastures." His impressive tap dancing skills earned him a spot at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater by the time he was 12.

Wilson's rise to fame began with an episode of the classic sitcom "All in the Family," where he played a burglar alongside Cleavon Little. This led to his breakout role as Lamont Sanford, the lovable and wisecracking son of Fred G. Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, in "Sanford and Son." Wilson's portrayal of Lamont became an iconic part of American television, endearing him to audiences across the country.

Despite facing challenges, including a cocaine addiction and personal struggles, Wilson persevered, eventually becoming ordained as an interdenominational minister. He also wrote the memoir "Second Banana: The Bitter Sweet Memories of the Sanford & Son Years," offering a candid look at his experiences during the show's production.

Wilson went on to star in various other projects, including CBS's "Baby... I'm Back" and "The New Odd Couple." His legacy extends beyond his acting career, as he inspired countless fans with his wit, charm, and resilience.

The news of Wilson's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment community. His family, particularly his son Demond Jr., has asked for privacy during this difficult time, expressing gratitude for the love and support they have received from fans worldwide.

Demond Wilson may be gone, but his indelible mark on American television will continue to entertain and inspire future generations.
 
I'm kinda sad that Demond Wilson is gone 🤕... wait, no I don't wanna be sad, he lived a good life, so I should be celebrating! But at the same time, 79's old, you know? Like, isn't that even getting up there for an actor? 😂 But on a more serious note, I'm gonna miss him, 'cause his show was actually kinda funny 🤣. On the other hand, I don't wanna think about all the struggles he faced, like addiction and stuff... that's just too much to handle 🙅‍♂️. Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that Demond Wilson was a legend in his own right 💫, but now he's really gone for good 😢.
 
🤕 Just heard about Demond Wilson's passing 🙏, it's sad news indeed... he was a true legend in the entertainment world 🎬, bringing so much joy and laughter to us with his iconic role as Lamont Sanford on "Sanford and Son" 😂. It's crazy to think that guy started performing at just 4 years old 🤯! His legacy lives on though, and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of his talented son Demond Jr. in the spotlight soon 👍. R.I.P. Demond Wilson, you will be deeply missed 😔.
 
😔 Man, 79 is old... feels like just yesterday he was killin' it on Sanford & Son 📺👍 I gotta give him props for how far he came from those early days as a kid at the Apollo Theater 🎭💃. But you can't ignore his struggles with addiction and personal demons - that's not something to be romanticized ⚠️. Still, his legacy lives on through the countless fans he inspired with his wit and charm 💕. I'm just glad we got to see him in other projects too, like Baby... I'm Back 🤣👴. Demond Jr., your pops may be gone but we're all gonna miss him 😊💔
 
😞 just heard about Demond Wilson... what a legend! I mean, who wouldn't love Lamont Sanford? 🤣 that show was so iconic back in the day. Wilson's career spanned so many years, he must've seen some crazy stuff. And you know, it's a shame he struggled with addiction and personal issues towards the end of his life. You'd think all that fame would bring more joy than pain... still, what an impact he had on TV and pop culture. I'm gonna miss seeing him around 🎬💔
 
Aw man, another legend is gone 🤕😢 Demond Wilson was just 79 yrs old, still got so much more to give! I remember watching Sanford & Son with my grandma all the time, she'd laugh so hard every time Lamont would crack a joke 😂. He may be gone but his legacy lives on through those classic episodes 📺. It's crazy how he went from being a 4-yr-old Broadway star to becoming an iconic TV character... what an incredible journey 💫. R.I.P Demond, you will be deeply missed! 👏
 
😔 just heard about demond wilson's passing... so sad he had an amazing career and inspired so many with his talent and resilience... 🤠 who can forget that iconic role as lamont sanford in 'sanford and son'? the guy could do comedy and drama with ease, like a true legend 🎬 sadly, struggles with addiction didn't define him but it's part of his story anyway... 🙏 let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible work he did on screen and off 🌟
 
😞 just when I thought 80s was old news... remember watching Sanford and Son with my grandma all the time? 📺 Demond Wilson's legacy lives on though, still making us laugh to this day 🤣. It's crazy how he went from Broadway at four to becoming a household name in the 70s. Tap dancing skills, huh? 🔥 who knew?! anyway, gotta respect the dude for persevering through life's ups and downs, including some tough stuff back in the day 🙏. He left behind an amazing body of work that still holds up today 📚, and his impact on American TV won't be forgotten anytime soon 💪. feel bad for his family having to deal with all this love... but at least we got the memories 🤗
 
🤕 its sad news about demond wilson, he was a legend in his own right, been a fan of sanford and son since i was a kid 📺. the way he brought lamont sanford to life was pure magic. hes had such an amazing career, from tap dancing as a kid at the apollo theater 🕺 to becoming ordained as a minister. it says a lot about his strength that he overcame so much and kept on going 💪. RIP demond wilson, you will be deeply missed 👍
 
man I'm so sad to hear about Demond Wilson 😔 he was an icon 🙌 and his legacy is gonna live on for sure. I loved watching Sanford and Son with my family all the time, Lamont's wit and charm had us in stitches 💀🤣. it's crazy to think he started acting at 4 yrs old 🤯 what a talented kid! his story is also super inspiring, struggling with addiction and personal stuff but still managing to come out on top 💪. we'll always remember him for his amazing performances and that unmistakable smile 😊.
 
omg i'm so sad 😭 demond wilson was like a legend in my eyes i grew up watching sanford & son with my grandma all the time we used to laugh so hard at lamont's one-liners 🤣 he was so talented and funny but also went through some tough times with addiction etc its crazy how much life can change in a split sec but his legacy lives on ❤️ cant believe hes really gone now 😢
 
I'm shocked he was only 79, that's still pretty young for an actor 🤯! Anyway, I think it's interesting how people always say "a career spanning over five decades" is impressive, but honestly, what really matters is the quality of work, not just the length. I mean, some actors are great for like a hot second and then fade out, but Demond Wilson was consistently good for years. And can we talk about his iconic role as Lamont Sanford? That guy was hilarious and lovable at the same time 🤣. But what's even more impressive is that he overcame so many personal struggles to achieve success. I'm glad he got to pursue other passions like ministry and writing. He'll definitely be missed, but his legacy will live on 💕
 
just saw demond wilson passin away at 79 😔... can't believe another legend is gone 💔. thought he was still kickin' with them sanford & son episodes 📺. what a career, from greens pastures to all in the family and sanford & son 🤣... didn't know he struggled so much too, hope his legacy lives on ❤️.
 
😔 Just heard about Demond Wilson's passing at 79 🙏. He was a true legend, not just for his acting skills, but for the impact he had on so many people through his iconic roles in "Sanford and Son" and other projects. Lamont Sanford will always be remembered as one of TV's most lovable characters 😂. Wilson's struggles with addiction and personal issues are a reminder that even the brightest stars can have dark nights, but it's how they persevere that truly matters 💫. He left behind an incredible legacy that'll keep entertaining us for years to come 🎬💥
 
So sad to hear about Demond Wilson's passing 😔... I mean, 79 is old, but you're still going strong at that age! 🙏 He was an iconic guy and his legacy lives on through "Sanford and Son" and all the other shows he starred in. I loved him as Lamont Sanford, so funny and lovable 😂. It's crazy to think about how much talent he had from such a young age, performing on Broadway at 4 years old! 🎭 That's dedication! And his memoir sounds like it was some wild ride, but hey, we all have our struggles, right? 🤗 Anyway, my condolences to his family and fans everywhere. He may be gone, but his memory will stay with us ❤️.
 
Man... just heard about Demond Wilson passin' away at 79 🤕... I mean, it's crazy thinkin' he was actin' since he was like 4 and still killin' it till the end of his life 💀... people always talk about Redd Foxx but Lamont Sanford was the real star of "Sanford and Son" in my opinion 🤔... Wilson's got a lot more going on than just his acting career, from becomin' ordained to writin' that memoir, he lived a full life, you know? 😊
 
💔 Demond Wilson's passing at 79 is a huge loss for the entertainment world 🎬. I mean, can you imagine not seeing him bring Lamont Sanford to life on screen? His legacy is so much more than just his iconic character - it's about the impact he had on people's lives through his wit and charm 💁‍♂️. I love how he persevered despite facing challenges, including addiction and personal struggles 🤕. And wow, what a career span! From Broadway to TV shows and films, he truly left his mark on the industry 🎭.

I'm so grateful for fans like Demond Jr. who are holding on to their father's memory during this tough time ❤️. It's beautiful to see how the entertainment community is coming together to celebrate Wilson's life and work 🌟. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there's always hope and resilience to be found 💫. As an actor, he inspired so many young people to pursue their dreams and never give up 💥. He may be gone, but his memory will live on forever ⭐️.
 
man, 79 is still young 🙏 ... cant believe demond wilson is gone 😢 he was a legend on screen & off, who else can say they played lamont sanford & were ordained as an interdenominational minister? 🤯 he inspired so many with his wit & resilience, and i gotta give it to him for staying in the spotlight despite his personal struggles 🎬 what's crazy is he started acting at just 4 yrs old & was tap dancing by 12 🕺💃 we'll miss him but his legacy will live on 💖
 
🎬😢 Demond Wilson was more than just an actor to me - he was a part of my childhood memories watching Sanford & Son with my family. His wit and charm on screen were infectious, making us all laugh and feel good. I loved how his character Lamont would always keep it real and speak truth to power. He may be gone but his legacy lives on and will continue to entertain us for years to come 📺💫
 
omg u guys i'm still in shock demond wilson was literally my childhood idol 🤯 i used to watch "sanford and son" with my grandma all the time she'd make us laugh with his character lamont sanford lol he was more than just an actor tho he was a true artist, went thru so much but never gave up 💖 his story is super inspiring and i love how he wrote that memoir second banana it's like he's giving us this inside look into his life and struggles 📚 anyway, r.i.p demond wilson you will be deeply missed 🌟
 
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