Demond Wilson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Demond Wilson
Wilson as Lamont Sanford in 1972
Born	Grady Demond Wilson (1946-10-13) October 13, 1946 (age 78) Valdosta, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, author
Years active	1968–present
Spouse(s)	Cicely Johnston ​ (m. 1974)​
Children	6
Military career
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1966-1968
Unit	4th Infantry Division
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Purple Heart

Grady Demond Wilson (born October 13, 1946) is an American actor and author. He is most famous for playing Lamont Sanford in the hit NBC comedy show Sanford and Son from 1972 to 1977. In the show, he played the son of Fred Sanford, a character played by the comedian Redd Foxx.

Wilson also starred as Oscar Madison in the show The New Odd Couple and appeared in the movie Me and the Kid (1993). Besides acting, he is also a published author and a minister.

Early Life and Career

Demond Wilson was born in Valdosta, Georgia, but he grew up in New York City. As a child, he studied dance and performed on stage. He made his first appearance on Broadway when he was only four years old. At age 12, he danced at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Wilson was raised in the Catholic faith. When he was 13, he became very sick after his appendix burst. He promised that if he got better, he would serve God as an adult.

From 1966 to 1968, Wilson served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was part of the 4th Infantry Division and was wounded in combat.

After returning home, Wilson acted in plays on Broadway and off-Broadway. He then moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in film and television. He had small roles in TV shows like Mission: Impossible and All in the Family.

Starring in Sanford and Son

In 1971, Wilson landed his most famous role as Lamont Sanford in the sitcom Sanford and Son. A sitcom is a comedy television show. The show was about a father and son who ran a junk and antique business together.

Wilson played the part of Lamont for the show's entire run. He became the main star for a short time in 1974 when Redd Foxx left the show over a disagreement. Foxx returned the next year, and they worked together until the show ended in 1977.

Years later, Wilson said he and Foxx were like family. He explained that even though they had disagreements, they had a lot of love for each other, which people could see when they watched the show.

Other Acting Projects

After Sanford and Son, Wilson continued to act. He starred in the comedy show Baby... I'm Back! in 1978.

From 1982 to 1983, he played Oscar Madison in The New Odd Couple. This show was a new version of a popular 1970s series, but with a Black cast. Wilson starred alongside actor Ron Glass.

He also appeared in movies like Full Moon High (1981) and Me and the Kid (1993).

Life as an Author and Minister

In addition to acting, Wilson became an author. He has written several Christian books. One of his books, New Age Millennium, discusses his views on the New Age Movement. He has also written books for children.

In 2009, he published a book about his time on Sanford and Son called Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford & Son Years. He said the book tells the true, behind-the-scenes story of making the historic TV show.

Wilson was ordained as a minister in 1984. He has often appeared on the Christian television program Praise the Lord.

Personal Life

Wilson married Cicely Johnston on May 3, 1974. Together, they have six children. He has dedicated much of his adult life to his faith and ministry work.

Film and Television Roles

Film

Television