Grady Demond Wilson, best known for his role on the beloved 1970s sitcom "Sanford and Son," has died at age 79.
His son, Demond Wilson Jr. confirmed the actor died on Jan. 30, 2026, at his home in Palm Springs, California, from cancer-related complications, TMZ reported.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wilson was born in the southern Georgia city of Valdosta. He was raised in Harlem and started acting at age 4, joining the Broadway ensemble for a revival of "The Green Pastures," and by age 12, he was performing dance at the Apollo Theater.
His acting education continued at American Community Theater and Hunter College, and he served in the United States Army's 4th Infantry Division for 13 months between 1966 and 1968, during which he was wounded. He later returned to acting and performed in various off-Broadway productions.
His breakout role came in 1972 when he starred as one of two titular characters on the hit NBC sitcom "Sanford and Son." He played Lamont Sanford, the son of junk dealer Fred G. Sanford, played by co-star Redd Foxx.
