Demond Wilson Biography

Fast Facts

• Realizing a childhood dream, Wilson became in ordained minister in 1984, later founding the Restoration House, which provides guidance and vocational training for ex-prison inmates
• As of 2013, he has six children with wife Cicely Johnston
• At only 6 years old, he was nearly killed by a ruptured appendix, his recovery from which he has cited since as being an early inspiration of his Christian faith
• Prior to pursuing an acting career, he served in the U․S․ Army's 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam, where he was wounded before returning stateside as a decorated veteran
• Following his service in the U․S․ Army, first pursued acting by performing in Broadway and Off Broadway productions, before moving to Hollywood to seek TV and film roles
• Quote: "I love preaching the Gospel more than anything else I've ever done․ I'm so happy now․ I feel honored to be chosen․ Even when you've got everything - clothes, jewelry, nice house - you don't feel happy․ I was like Jonah, running from the Lord․"
• His most notable role was that of Lamont Sanford in "Sanford and Son," a U․S․ adaptation of the British series "Stepoe and Son․"
• In addition to penning several children's and Christian novels concerning the New Age Movement, he also authored "Second Banana," a behind-the-scenes chronicle of his time on "Sanford and Son" with Redd Foxx
• Reportedly turned down an offer to bring back his character, Lamont Sanford, for Redd Foxx's short-lived revival series "Sanford․"