Who Passed Away On Sanford and Son: All Deceased Cast Members
For millions of viewers around the world, the theme song of Sanford and Son is an instant invitation into a world of laughter, curmudgeonly complaints, and an unbreakable family bond. The show, which ran from 1972 to 1977, was a television masterpiece that centered on the hilarious antics of a Los Angeles junk dealer, Fred Sanford, and his son, Lamont. The show’s brilliance was powered by its cast—a collection of comedic geniuses who brought to life some of the most memorable characters in sitcom history.
However, over the years, the show’s cast has suffered a series of heartbreaking losses. This article serves as a tribute to the talented actors who are no longer with us, celebrating their contributions to television and ensuring their legacies live on. From the iconic patriarch to the beloved supporting players, we remember the stars who made Sanford and Son a timeless classic.
The Patriarch: The Legacy of Redd Foxx
The heart and soul of Sanford and Son was, without question, Redd Foxx, who brought the cantankerous, feisty, and loveable Fred Sanford to life. As a stand-up comedian for decades before his television fame, Foxx was a master of improvisation and physical comedy. His exaggerated heart attacks, a catchphrase-worthy cry of “Elizabeth, I’m comin’!”, and his relentless schemes to get out of work were the show’s comedic core.
In a tragic, poetic, and utterly heartbreaking twist of fate, Redd Foxx passed away on October 11, 1991, at the age of 68. The circumstances of his death were eerily similar to his most famous gag. While on the set of his sitcom The Royal Family, Foxx suffered a heart attack. He reportedly collapsed, and his castmates, believing he was performing one of his signature gags, laughed. By the time they realized he was in real distress, it was too late. His death was a devastating loss for the entertainment world, and the irony of the situation has remained a somber footnote in television history.
The Supporting Cast Who Made It Shine
While Fred Sanford was the star, the show’s success was built on the incredible talents of its supporting cast. They were the perfect foils to Foxx’s comedic genius, and their passing has left a significant void.
- LaWanda Page (Aunt Esther): The rivalry between Fred and his righteous, Bible-toting sister-in-law, Aunt Esther, was one of the show’s most beloved running gags. The insults they hurled at each other, from Fred’s “fish-eyed fool!” to Aunt Esther’s “heathen!”, were pure comedic gold. LaWanda Page was a powerful presence, and her fiery personality and unwavering faith provided a hilarious contrast to Fred’s antics. She passed away on September 14, 2002, at the age of 81, a victim of complications from diabetes.
- Whitman Mayo (Grady Wilson): When Redd Foxx briefly left the show, the writers introduced the character of Grady, a friend of Fred’s who moved in to take care of the house. Mayo’s portrayal of the sweet, often-confused Grady was so popular that he was given his own short-lived spin-off. His character was a welcome change of pace from Fred’s constant scheming. Whitman Mayo passed away from a heart attack on May 22, 2001, at the age of 81.
- Don Bexley (Bubba): A close friend of Fred and Grady, Bubba was a recurring character who was often seen just trying to keep the peace and enjoy a quiet conversation, which was a rare occurrence in the Sanford household. He was a kind and gentle presence on the show. Don Bexley passed away from complications of a stroke on April 15, 1997, at the age of 87.
- Slappy White (Melvin): As a friend of Fred’s and an old stand-up partner of Redd Foxx’s, Slappy White’s character, Melvin, was a welcome presence on the show. A legendary comedian in his own right, White brought his own brand of humor to the series. He passed away on November 7, 1995, at the age of 74.
- Gregory Sierra (Julio Fuentes): Julio Fuentes was the Sanford’s Puerto Rican neighbor, whose friendship with Lamont was a source of constant irritation for the bigoted Fred. The jokes and insults that flew between Fred and Julio often pushed the boundaries of comedy in the 1970s. Sierra passed away on January 19, 2021, at the age of 84, from cancer.
- Lynn Hamilton (Donna Harris): Donna Harris was Fred’s loving and patient girlfriend, whose attempts to bring order to Fred’s chaotic life often led to hilarious arguments. She was a kind, stable presence who grounded Fred’s character and showed his softer side. Lynn Hamilton passed away on February 13, 2023, at the age of 93.
The One Who Is Still With Us: Demond Wilson
A common misconception among fans is that the show’s co-star, Demond Wilson, who played the long-suffering Lamont Sanford, has also passed away. This is not the case. At 79 years old, Demond Wilson is alive and well. After the show ended, he went on to become an ordained minister, dedicating his life to spreading the gospel and running his ministry, Restoration House.
Wilson’s choice to step away from the entertainment industry and into a life of faith is a powerful part of his personal story. His survival, and his spiritual journey, add a a reflective, almost spiritual, layer to the legacy of a show that so many assumed was lost to time. His life is a testament to the idea that a person can move on from the past and find a new purpose.
The Show’s Lasting Impact
Despite the passing of so many of its stars, the legacy of Sanford and Son remains as vibrant and relevant as ever. The show’s honest portrayal of a working-class Black family, its willingness to tackle social issues with humor, and its unapologetic characters paved the way for every major Black sitcom that followed. The genius of Redd Foxx and his co-stars lives on in syndication, where their flawless comedic timing and powerful performances continue to entertain new generations.
The show proved that Black lives were worthy of being seen in all their complexity, and in doing so, it changed television forever. The passing of these talented actors is a somber reminder of their incredible contributions, but the show itself is a living monument to their genius, a collection of performances that will continue to bring joy and laughter to the world for decades to come.
