Grady Demond Wilson: The Man Behind Lamont Sanford

How Much is Grady Demond Wilson Worth?

Grady Demond Wilson, the iconic American actor, author, and pastor, boasts a net worth of $2.5 million. Best known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the hit TV series "Sanford and Son," Wilson became a household name in the 1970s. Over the course of the show's run from 1972 to 1977, he appeared in 135 of its 136 episodes, sharing the screen with the legendary Redd Foxx. After "Sanford and Son," Wilson went on to star in "Baby… I’m Back!" on CBS in 1977, where he earned a cool $1 million for the season.

Early Years: A Journey of Faith and Talent

A Childhood Rooted in Faith

Grady Demond Wilson was born on October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia. From an early age, Wilson's life was marked by both challenges and promise. At just six years old, he faced a life-threatening situation when his appendix ruptured. This harrowing experience left a profound impact on him, leading him to pledge his life to serving God in ministry when he grew up. That commitment would later guide his career and personal life.

Early Performances and Military Service

Wilson's journey into the performing arts began when he was just four years old, dancing in a Broadway show. By the age of 12, he was performing at the legendary Apollo Theater. But his path wasn’t solely in the arts. Wilson served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, where he was wounded and returned home as a highly decorated veteran. After his military service, Wilson transitioned back into acting, appearing in off-Broadway shows and making guest appearances on popular TV series like "All in the Family" and "Mission: Impossible."

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Sanford and Son: The Role That Defined a Decade

In 1972, Wilson landed the role that would forever define his career: Lamont Sanford in "Sanford and Son." The show starred Redd Foxx as Fred G. Sanford, a cantankerous junk dealer living in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, and Wilson as his son Lamont. Fred's character was a transplant from St. Louis, adding an interesting layer to their dynamic. Together, they created a sitcom that was not only hilarious but groundbreaking in its portrayal of African-American life.

The show was celebrated for its edgy racial humor, running gags, and memorable catchphrases like Fred’s iconic "You big dummy!" Beyond its humor, "Sanford and Son" was praised for its positive depiction of African-Americans, challenging stereotypes and offering a more authentic representation. The series was a ratings juggernaut, winning three Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 1973, and earning three Golden Globe nominations. It aired 136 episodes over six seasons and remains a beloved classic in syndication.

The Redd Foxx Salary Drama

During the taping of the 1973-1974 season, Redd Foxx walked off the set, claiming health issues, but it was really about money. Writers had to write his character out of the remaining six episodes that season. At the time, Foxx was earning $19,000 per episode, which is equivalent to about $130,000 today. That amounted to roughly $500,000 annually, or $3.5 million in today’s dollars. The production company retaliated with a $10 million lawsuit, but eventually, the issue was resolved.

In the settlement, Foxx’s salary was bumped up to $25,000 per episode, and he also secured a 25% cut of the producers’ net profits. This deal made him the highest-paid actor on TV at the time. However, Foxx’s move to ABC for a variety show called "The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour" in 1977, combined with declining ratings, prompted NBC to cancel "Sanford and Son." Wilson later expressed disappointment that he learned of Foxx’s departure from a newspaper reporter rather than directly from Foxx himself. Though they reconciled briefly in 1983 for a 50th Anniversary Special, their relationship remained strained until Foxx’s death in 1991.

Baby… I’m Back!: The Next Chapter

Following the end of "Sanford and Son," Wilson signed a $1 million contract with CBS to star in the comedy series "Baby… I’m Back!" in 1977. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $5 million in today’s dollars. However, the show only lasted one season, airing just 13 episodes. Wilson continued to act, starring as Oscar Madison in "The New Odd Couple" from 1982 to 1983 and playing a recurring role as Kenneth Miles in "Girlfriends" from 2004 to 2005. He also appeared in several films, including "Dealing," "Full Moon High," "Me and the Kid," and "Hammerlock."

Personal Life and Literary Contributions

A Life of Faith and Family

True to his childhood promise, Wilson became an ordained minister and founded a charity called Restoration House in 1995. He has been a frequent guest on Christian TV programs through the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Wilson has also authored several books, including Christian literature, children’s books, and a memoir titled "Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford & Son Years," published in 2009.

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Family Life

Wilson married former model Cicely Johnston in May 1974, and together they have six children. His life outside of acting reflects the values and commitments he established early on, blending faith, family, and creativity into a rich and fulfilling life.