For a generation of television viewers, the iconic opening theme of Sanford and Son is instantly recognizable, a nostalgic sound that transports them back to the junk-filled yard of Fred and Lamont Sanford. The chemistry between Redd Foxx as the cantankerous, heart-attack-faking Fred and Demond Wilson as his patient, long-suffering son Lamont was pure comedic gold. Their quick-witted banter and uproarious arguments created a comedic masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
As decades have passed since the show’s original run from 1972 to 1977, a common question arises among fans: “Are any of the original cast members still alive?” The answer, while bittersweet, offers a chance to celebrate the enduring legacy of the performers who brought these beloved characters to life. While many of the show’s most memorable stars have passed away, at least two key cast members are still with us, continuing to live their lives and carry the torch of the show’s legacy.
The Dynamic Duo: Where Are Fred and Lamont Now?
The heart of Sanford and Son was the tumultuous but loving relationship between father and son. Fred G. Sanford, the self-proclaimed “head of the household,” and Lamont, his ambitious but often grounded counterpart, were television’s most famous duo.
Tragically, the world lost the legendary Redd Foxx (Fred Sanford) on October 11, 1991, at the age of 68. The circumstances of his death are famously and ironically poignant: he collapsed from a heart attack on the set of his own show, The Royal Family, with co-star Della Reese reportedly believing he was faking, just as his character Fred often did. Foxx’s death was a profound loss to the world of comedy, leaving a void that has never been filled.
However, his on-screen son, Demond Wilson, who played Lamont Sanford, is alive and well. Born in 1946, Demond Wilson is now 79 years old and has led a fascinating and multifaceted life since leaving the junkyard behind. After his time on Sanford and Son, Wilson starred in several other television series, including Baby… I’m Back! and The New Odd Couple. He also wrote a candid memoir, Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford & Son Years, which offered an inside look into his complex relationship with Redd Foxx and the behind-the-scenes world of the show.
Wilson’s life took a significant turn in the 1980s when he became an ordained Christian minister. He founded Restoration House of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping former prison inmates and young people get their lives back on track. Wilson has largely stepped away from Hollywood, focusing instead on his faith and his charitable work, a testament to a man who found a new purpose beyond his acting career.
The Supporting Cast: Remembering the Beloved Characters We Lost
While the show was built on the foundation of Fred and Lamont’s relationship, it was the incredible supporting cast that made the world of Sanford and Son feel so rich and lived-in. Unfortunately, a number of these fan-favorite actors have passed on, but their memorable performances ensure their characters live on forever in syndication.
- LaWanda Page (Aunt Esther): The righteous, Bible-toting sister-in-law of Fred Sanford, played by the hilarious LaWanda Page, was arguably the show’s most beloved recurring character. Her epic clashes with Fred were legendary, often ending with her brandishing a purse or a fist at her “heathen” rival. LaWanda Page passed away on September 14, 2002, at the age of 81. Her career as a veteran stand-up comedian and her friendship with Redd Foxx were a major reason for the on-screen chemistry that captivated audiences.
- Whitman Mayo (Grady Wilson): Fred’s kind-hearted, somewhat naive friend Grady, who often filled in for Fred when he was “sick,” was played by the affable Whitman Mayo. His famous catchphrase, “Good Goog-a-moog!,” is still remembered by fans. Whitman Mayo passed away on May 22, 2001, at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and gentle humor.
- Nathaniel Taylor (Rollo Larson): Lamont’s smooth-talking, street-smart friend Rollo was portrayed by Nathaniel Taylor. As the leader of Lamont’s friend group, Rollo was a recurring source of comedic frustration for Fred. Nathaniel Taylor passed away on February 27, 2019, at the age of 80.
- Don Bexley (Bubba Bexley): Fred’s dependable, if a bit gullible, best friend Bubba was played by the multi-talented Don Bexley. His loyal friendship with Fred was a consistent source of support for the main character. Don Bexley passed away on April 15, 1997, at the age of 87.
A Hidden Gem: The Other Surviving Star
While Demond Wilson is the most prominent surviving actor from the main cast, there is one other key player whose career spanned the entire series run and who is still with us today: Lynn Hamilton, who played Fred’s long-term girlfriend, Donna Harris.
Lynn Hamilton’s character, Donna, was a calm and loving presence on the show, often serving as a much-needed voice of reason to Fred’s antics. Hamilton, born in 1930, is now 95 years old and had a prolific career beyond the show. She had a major recurring role as Verdie Foster on The Waltons and has appeared in numerous films and television series, including Generations, 227, and even Curb Your Enthusiasm. She remains a living link to the iconic sitcom and its golden age of television.
A Legacy That Endures
The question of which Sanford and Son cast members are still alive is more than just a matter of curiosity; it is a way for fans to connect with a show that brought so much joy into their lives. While we mourn the loss of comedic legends like Redd Foxx and LaWanda Page, we can also celebrate the continued lives and legacies of Demond Wilson and Lynn Hamilton.
Their presence today is a powerful reminder that the people behind our favorite characters are real, with their own stories, challenges, and triumphs that extend far beyond the television screen. The laughter from the Sanford junk shop will forever echo in our memories, a timeless tribute to a cast that gave us a lifetime of laughs.
