On screen, Fred and Lamont Sanford were an unbeatable comedic duo. But behind the scenes, the relationship between Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson was much more complicated — filled with respect, tension, and ultimately, distance.
Redd Foxx was already a comedy legend when Sanford and Son began, while Wilson was an up-and-coming actor. Their chemistry on set was immediate, and fans adored the father-son banter. But as the show gained success, issues surfaced: Foxx clashed with NBC over pay and creative control, often walking off set. Wilson, meanwhile, became increasingly frustrated with the show’s tone and the way his character was written.
Despite their challenges, Wilson has often credited Foxx with teaching him how to navigate Hollywood. In interviews, he’s called Foxx “a genius — but a complicated one.” When Foxx left the show during Season 6 due to contract disputes, the tension between them grew — and they reportedly didn’t speak for years.
Later in life, Wilson became a minister and spoke openly about forgiveness and growth. Though they never formally reunited on-screen, he has honored Foxx’s memory many times since the comedian’s passing in 1991.
“He was my TV father,” Wilson once said. “And like a real father, we didn’t always get along — but I loved him.”
