Sanford And Son Cast: Then and Now – A Glimpse into Their Lives

Sanford and Son, the iconic sitcom that aired from 1972 to 1977, has left an indelible mark on television history. The show’s memorable characters and hilarious moments continue to resonate with audiences today. In this article, we take a look at the cast of Sanford and Son, examining their lives then and now, and uncovering some fascinating facts about them. Additionally, we answer some common questions about the cast members, providing insight into their personal lives.

1. Redd Foxx (Fred G. Sanford):

Redd Foxx, who portrayed the cantankerous yet lovable Fred G. Sanford, was a renowned comedian both on and off the screen. Born on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, Foxx was a trailblazer in the comedy world. Sadly, he passed away on October 11, 1991, at the age of 68.

2. Demond Wilson (Lamont Sanford):

Demond Wilson played Fred Sanford’s loyal and witty son, Lamont. Born on October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia, Wilson went on to enjoy a successful acting career after Sanford and Son. In recent years, he has taken a step back from the limelight to focus on his family and personal life.

3. LaWanda Page (Aunt Esther):

LaWanda Page portrayed the feisty and memorable Aunt Esther. Born on October 19, 1920, in Cleveland, Ohio, Page had a long and illustrious career in comedy. She continued acting until her passing on September 14, 2002, at the age of 81.

4. Whitman Mayo (Grady Wilson):

Whitman Mayo brought the character of Grady Wilson, Fred Sanford’s best friend, to life on the show. Born on November 15, 1930, in New York City, Mayo had a rich acting career both in television and film. He passed away on May 22, 2001, at the age of 70.

5. Interesting Facts:

– Redd Foxx’s real name was John Elroy Sanford, and he legally changed it to Redd Foxx in 1940.
– Demond Wilson became a born-again Christian and ordained minister after leaving Sanford and Son.
– LaWanda Page began her career as a stand-up comedian and was often referred to as “The Queen of Comedy.”
– Whitman Mayo’s character, Grady Wilson, was so popular that he received his own spin-off show, “Grady,” which aired from 1975 to 1976.
– Sanford and Son was based on the British sitcom “Steptoe and Son” and was adapted for an American audience.

Common Questions:

1. What is Redd Foxx’s height, weight, and spouse?

Redd Foxx stood at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed approximately 180 pounds. He was married four times, with his last spouse being Ka Ho Cho, whom he divorced in 1981.

2. How old is Demond Wilson now?

As of 2023, Demond Wilson is 77 years old.

3. Did LaWanda Page have a successful comedy career after Sanford and Son?

Yes, LaWanda Page continued to perform stand-up comedy and act in various movies and TV shows after her time on Sanford and Son.

4. What was Whitman Mayo’s most notable role apart from Grady Wilson?

Whitman Mayo appeared in several notable films, including “Boyz n the Hood” and “The Main Event,” alongside Barbra Streisand.

5. Are there any plans for a Sanford and Son reunion?

As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding a Sanford and Son reunion.

6. What was Redd Foxx’s cause of death?

Redd Foxx suffered a heart attack while rehearsing on the set of his TV show, “The Royal Family,” and passed away shortly after.

7. Is Demond Wilson still acting?

Demond Wilson has taken a step back from acting to focus on his personal life and other endeavors.

8. Did LaWanda Page win any awards for her comedy?

LaWanda Page received several awards for her contribution to comedy, including the BET Comedy Lifetime Achievement Award.

9. How many seasons of Sanford and Son were produced?

Sanford and Son aired for six seasons, from 1972 to 1977.

10. Did Whitman Mayo ever return to the Sanford and Son franchise?

Yes, Whitman Mayo reprised his role as Grady Wilson in the spin-off series “Grady.”

11. Were there any notable guest stars on Sanford and Son?

Sanford and Son featured guest appearances from esteemed actors such as Lena Horne, Sammy Davis Jr., and B.B. King.

12. Did Redd Foxx have any children?

Yes, Redd Foxx had seven children from his multiple marriages.

13. Did Demond Wilson write any books?

Yes, Demond Wilson has written several books, including “The New Age Millennium: An Expose of Symbols, Slogans, and Hidden Agendas.”

14. What is the legacy of Sanford and Son?

Sanford and Son is remembered as a groundbreaking sitcom that brought African-American characters to the forefront of television and showcased their humor and resilience.

Conclusion:

The cast of Sanford and Son contributed to the success and enduring legacy of the show. While some have left us, their performances continue to entertain and captivate audiences. Through their talents and contributions, they have become an integral part of television history, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide.