Demond Wilson: Family, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth (2025)
Demond Wilson, born October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia, is an American actor, author, and pastor. He is best known for his role as Lamont Sanford in the classic sitcom Sanford and Son (1972–1977). After leaving Hollywood, Wilson became a minister and writer, focusing on faith and social issues. In 2025, he is 79 years old, stands 5′9″ (175 cm), and has an estimated net worth of $1.5–2 million.
General Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Grady Demond Wilson |
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1946 |
| Age (2025) | 79 years old |
| Place of Birth | Valdosta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnic Origins | African-American heritage |
| Profession | Actor, Author, Pastor |
| Height | 175 cm (5′9″) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (graying with age) |
| Children | 6 |
| Marital Status | Married to Cicely Loise Johnston (since 1974) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5–2 million (2025) |
| Social Media | Limited public presence |
Family Background & Early Life
Demond Wilson was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in New York City. Growing up in Harlem, he was exposed to both the challenges and vibrancy of urban life. As a child, he performed on Broadway and trained in dance, which gave him early exposure to the performing arts.
At age 13, Wilson suffered a near‑death experience after an appendix rupture. He later described this as a turning point that deepened his spiritual awareness. His upbringing combined artistic ambition with a strong sense of faith, which would later define his life’s trajectory.
Education & Military Service
Wilson attended local schools in New York before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served as a soldier during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in combat. His military service instilled discipline and resilience, qualities that shaped his later career in Hollywood and ministry.
Career Beginnings
After returning from Vietnam, Wilson pursued acting. He appeared in Broadway productions and small television roles before landing guest spots in shows like Mission: Impossible and All in the Family. His charisma and comedic timing quickly made him a standout performer.
Breakthrough & Recognition
Wilson’s breakthrough came in 1972 when he was cast as Lamont Sanford, the son of Redd Foxx’s character Fred Sanford, in NBC’s Sanford and Son. The sitcom became one of the most popular shows of the 1970s, praised for its humor and cultural impact.
Lamont Sanford was portrayed as the responsible, level‑headed foil to his father’s sharp wit and scheming. Wilson’s chemistry with Redd Foxx was central to the show’s success, and together they created one of television’s most iconic duos.
Filmography Highlights
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sanford and Son | Lamont Sanford | 1972–1977 |
| Baby… I’m Back | Raymond Ellis | 1978 |
| The Love Boat | Guest Roles | 1980s |
| Demond Wilson and Company | Himself | 1983 |
| Me and the Kid | Actor | 1993 |
Transition to Ministry
By the early 1980s, Wilson grew disillusioned with Hollywood. He struggled with personal issues, including substance abuse, before experiencing a spiritual awakening. In 1984, he left acting and became an ordained minister.
He founded the Demond Wilson Ministries, focusing on rehabilitation, family values, and Christian teachings. Wilson also became a prolific author, writing books such as Second Banana (about his Hollywood years) and The New Age Millennium (critiquing modern spirituality).
Net Worth & Income Sources
| Source of Income | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Television & Film Roles | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Theatre & Guest Appearances | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Book Sales & Publications | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Ministry & Speaking Engagements | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $1.5–2 million |
Demond Wilson Net Worth Timeline (1972–2025)
| Year | Career Milestones | Estimated Annual Earnings (USD) | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Cast as Lamont Sanford in Sanford and Son | $50,000 – $75,000 | ≈ $75,000 |
| 1975 | Peak popularity of Sanford and Son; syndication deals | $100,000 – $150,000 | ≈ $300,000 |
| 1977 | End of Sanford and Son; guest appearances | $80,000 – $120,000 | ≈ $400,000 |
| 1980 | Starred in Baby… I’m Back; TV guest roles | $100,000 – $150,000 | ≈ $500,000 |
| 1983 | Hosted Demond Wilson and Company | $120,000 – $180,000 | ≈ $650,000 |
| 1984 | Transition to ministry; reduced Hollywood income | $50,000 – $80,000 | ≈ $700,000 |
| 1990s | Focus on ministry and writing; book sales | $80,000 – $120,000 annually | ≈ $1 million |
| 2000s | Speaking engagements and faith conferences | $100,000 – $150,000 annually | ≈ $1.2 million |
| 2010s | Autobiography Second Banana and renewed interest in Sanford and Son | $150,000 – $200,000 | ≈ $1.4 million |
| 2020 | Classic TV conventions and interviews | $100,000 – $150,000 | ≈ $1.5 million |
| 2025 | Active in ministry, writing, and appearances | $150,000 – $200,000 | ≈ $1.7 million |
Analysis
- Hollywood Peak (1972–1977): Wilson’s earnings surged during Sanford and Son, making him a household name.
- Transition Era (1980s): After leaving Hollywood, his income dipped but stabilized through ministry work.
- Faith & Writing (1990s–2000s): Wilson reinvented himself as an author and pastor, generating steady income.
- Legacy Years (2010–2025): Renewed interest in classic television and his books kept his net worth growing modestly, reaching $1.7 million in 2025.
Anecdotes & Unique Facts
- Wilson was wounded in Vietnam but survived, later crediting faith for his recovery.
- He once owned a Beverly Hills mansion, symbolizing his Hollywood success.
- His autobiography Second Banana details his complex relationship with Redd Foxx.
- He has been married to Cicely Johnston for over 50 years, raising six children.
Awards & Recognition
While Wilson did not receive major industry awards, his legacy lies in cultural impact. Sanford and Son remains a landmark in African‑American television history, and his ministry work has been recognized in faith communities.
Legacy & Future Projects
Demond Wilson’s legacy is twofold: as a television pioneer and as a spiritual leader. His portrayal of Lamont Sanford helped redefine African‑American representation on TV, while his ministry work reflects his commitment to faith and family.
In 2025, Wilson continues to write, preach, and occasionally appear at conventions celebrating classic television. His life story embodies resilience, transformation, and cultural influence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Demond Wilson
Who is Demond Wilson?
Demond Wilson is an American actor, author, and pastor best known for playing Lamont Sanford in the classic sitcom Sanford and Son (1972–1977).
When was Demond Wilson born?
He was born on October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia, USA.
How old is Demond Wilson in 2025?
He is 79 years old.
What is Demond Wilson’s height?
He stands at 175 cm (5′9″).
What is Demond Wilson’s net worth in 2025?
His net worth is estimated at approximately $1.7 million, earned through acting, book sales, ministry work, and speaking engagements.
What are Demond Wilson’s most famous roles?
He is best known for Sanford and Son (1972–1977). He also starred in Baby… I’m Back (1978), appeared in The Love Boat during the 1980s, and acted in Me and the Kid (1993).
Did Demond Wilson serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was wounded in combat.
Is Demond Wilson married?
Yes, he has been married to Cicely Loise Johnston since 1974.
Does Demond Wilson have children?
Yes, he and Cicely Johnston have six children.
What books has Demond Wilson written?
He authored Second Banana (about his Hollywood years) and The New Age Millennium, which critiques modern spirituality.
What makes Demond Wilson unique as a public figure?
His ability to reinvent himself—from sitcom star to ordained minister and author—makes him a rare figure in American culture, blending entertainment with faith and social advocacy.
Summary: Demond Wilson is a multifaceted figure—actor, veteran, author, and pastor. From Sanford and Son fame to his decades of ministry, he has lived a life of reinvention. In 2025, at 79 years old, his net worth of $1.5–2.5 million reflects both his Hollywood success and his enduring impact as a man of faith.