What is Demond Wilson's net worth? Look inside Sanford and Son star’s earnings following his death

Demond Wilson has made multiple headlines recently after the actor died on Friday at his home in the Coachella Valley area of California. Wilson, who became famous for playing Lamont on the popular 1970s series Sanford and Son, was 79 years old at the time of his death. According to reports from the New York Times, the Hollywood actor's son, Christopher Wilson, confirmed the news.

He shared the news with the world that his father had been battling prostate cancer. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Wilson had a net worth of $2.5 million.

Mark Goldman, Demond Wilson's publicist, shared his feelings about the loss. As per a report shared by the LA Times, Goldman said:

"Demond was surrounded by love throughout his final days,"

"A devoted father, actor, author, and minister, Demond lived a life rooted in faith, service, and compassion. Through his work on screen, his writing, and his ministry, he sought to uplift others and leave a meaningful impact on the communities he served," he added.

Demond Wilson walked away from Hollywood after starring in Sanford and Son:

Wilson's journey in Hollywood started back in 1971. As per a report shared by the LA Times, the actor commenced his TV career by playing a burglar beside Cleavon Little in All in the Family. The role opened doors for him as he got cast in Sanford and Son the following year, in 1972. The show stood out at the time because of its nearly all-black cast.

Eventually, Sanford and Son became his most well-known role. Demond Wilson also showed up in other shows throughout his career. He was seen in Girlfriends and Baby, I'm Back. His final TV appearance came on Eleanor's Bench in 2023.

However, his success in acting didn't keep him in the industry forever. Wilson sold his luxurious possessions, like the Bel-Air mansion and his Rolls-Royce, as he walked away from acting in 1983. He became a preacher. People who knew him weren't surprised by the decision. Faith had always played a big part in his life.

"I was raised a Catholic, was an altar boy, and at 14 I seriously considered becoming a priest," Wilson told The Times in 1986.

A near-death experience shaped his thinking at a young age. His appendix ruptured when he was just 12. The incident led him to promise he would serve God when he grew up.

"I was always aware that God was the guiding force in my life," he said.

Away from acting and preaching, Wilson also spent time writing. In 1998, he published The New Age Millennium: An Exposé of Symbols, Slogans and Hidden Agendas. His autobiography, Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford & Son Years, followed in 2009. On top of that, he wrote 11 children's books.

Demond Wilson revealed his true feelings about his years in Hollywood:

Demond Wilson had a family life that went beyond his acting career. As per a report shared by the New York Times, Wilson married Cicely Johnston in 1974. His wife was a model. They shared six children: Christopher, Nicole, Melissa, Sarah, Tabatha, and Demond Jr. He also leaves behind two grandchildren.

Demond Wilson never held back when it came to talking about how disillusioned he became with show business. He spoke about leaving it all behind during an interview with The Los Angeles Times in 1986. The interview took place in and near a church where he was giving a sermon that night.

"We've left the rat race and false people behind," Wilson said.

He also spoke about his feelings toward the work he did on screen.

"It wasn't challenging. And it was emotionally exhausting because I had to make it appear that I was excited about what I was doing," he said.

Demond Wilson didn't have many good things to say about the years he spent in Hollywood. He dismissed the decade or so he devoted to acting. He shared his thoughts during a 2023 podcast interview.

"Hollywood doesn't mean anything to me. I went to a factory," Wilson said.

He added more about how he felt about his time in the industry:

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"For me, that's what it was — a business. I didn't belong there," he shared.

Demond Wilson lived a life that went far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood. From his iconic role on Sanford and Son to his faith, his writing, and his ministry, Wilson touched many lives. He left behind a loving family and a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

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