‘Sanford and Son’ star Damond Wilson dies in Palm Springs
Tributes have been paid to ‘Sanford and Son’ star Damond Wilson after he passed away in Palm Springs at the age of 79.
Grady Daymond Wilson, best known for his role on the beloved 1970s sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has died at the age of 79, his representative confirmed.
“Damond Wilson’s family is deeply saddened by his death. At this time, we ask for privacy as they grieve,” spokesperson Mark Goldman said in a statement to USA TODAY. “Personally, I had the privilege of working with Damond for 15 years and his loss is deeply felt. He was an incredible person and his impact will never be forgotten. The family would like to thank the community for its support and understanding during this difficult time.”
Goldman said no additional information is available at this time.
TMZ, citing his son Daymond Wilson Jr., first reported that the actor died on January 30, 2026, at his home in Palm Springs, Calif., from cancer-related complications.
Damond Wilson’s family is deeply saddened by his death. At this time, they grieve and seek privacy. No further details are available, and the family has no additional information to share. Personally, I had the privilege of working with Damond for 15 years, and his passing is deeply felt. He was an incredible man and his impact will never be forgotten. The family would like to thank the community for their support and understanding during this difficult time.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wilson was born in the southern Georgia city of Valdosta. He grew up in Harlem, began acting at the age of four, joined a Broadway ensemble in a revival of “Green Pastures,” and by age 12 was dancing at the Apollo Theater.
His acting education continued at American Community Theater and Hunter College, and he served in the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division for 13 months from 1966 to 1968, during which time he was wounded. He then returned to acting and appeared in various off-Broadway productions.
His big break came in 1972 when he starred as one of the two titular characters on NBC’s hit comedy “Sanford and Son.” He played Lamont Sanford, the son of junk dealer Fred G. Sanford, played by co-star Redd Foxx.
The comedy series is an American adaptation of the British sitcom Steptoe and Son, and ran for six seasons until ending in 1977. The comedy series is NBC’s most-watched series and ranked as the second most-watched show on television in season two. A spinoff series titled “Sanford” aired for one season without Wilson but was not renewed.
“After learning about the series format, I had my doubts about my involvement in this project. After thinking long and hard, I decided to take a chance,” Wilson said in the 2011 biography Black and Blue: The Red Fox Story, written by Michael Starr.
Other television shows include “The New Odd couple” and “Baby…I’m Back” and the film “Full Moon High” (1981).
Wilson eventually became a published author with the 2009 memoir Second Banana: Bitter Sweet Memories of the Sanford & Son Era. In it, he looked back on the era of the series.
In 1974, Wilson married model Cicely Johnston and they had six children.
(This story has been updated to include video.)
