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Trailblazer of 1970s TV dies of cancer

American actors Red Foxx (left) and Demond Wilson in a still from Sanford and Son — American actors Red Foxx (left) and Demond Wilson in a still from Sanford and Son (Getty Images)

Grady Demond Wilson, best known for his role as Lamont Sanford in the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has passed away at the age of 79.
Wilson, known as Demond Wilson professionally, died on Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California, due to complications from an unknown type of cancer.
His career began at a young age, including dancing on Broadway and acting at Harlem's Apollo Theater, before serving in the Vietnam War.
He made history alongside Redd Foxx on Sanford and Son, paving the way for other Black actors on television, and later appeared in films and became an ordained minister.
Wilson was married to Cicely Johnston since 1974, with whom he had six children, and he also founded the Restoration House of America to help former inmates.

Sanford and Son star Grady Demond Wilson dies aged 79 — In full