Demond Wilson

Birth Name:

Grady Demond Wilson

Birth Place:

Valdosta, Georgia, United States

Profession

Actor

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
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
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
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․"

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