Sanford And Son (1972) Cast Reveals What Most Fans Never Figured Out | HO!!!!

When “Sanford and Son” first aired on NBC in 1972, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, revolutionizing American television with its unique blend of sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and honest portrayal of working-class Black life.

The sitcom, starring Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford and Demond Wilson as his son Lamont, was more than just a comedy—it was a mirror reflecting the joys, struggles, and resilience of a community rarely seen on screen at the time.

But behind the laughter and iconic catchphrases, the cast of “Sanford and Son” carried secrets and stories that even the most devoted fans never guessed—stories that, decades later, help explain the show’s sudden end and lasting legacy.

A Star Is Born—And Stirs Controversy

Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford, was already a legend in the world of stand-up before Norman Lear and NBC tapped him to lead “Sanford and Son.” Known for his raw, boundary-pushing comedy in the nightclubs of the 1950s and ‘60s, Foxx brought an authenticity to Fred Sanford that set the tone for the entire series.

But Foxx was as fiery off-screen as on. Despite being paid handsomely, Foxx demanded to be the highest-paid comedian on TV. When producers refused, Foxx staged a dramatic walkout in 1974, refusing to show up for work and prompting a $10 million lawsuit from the show’s producers. Though he eventually returned with a bigger paycheck, the trust between Foxx and the production team was never the same.

By 1977, after six seasons, Foxx left for good, and NBC immediately pulled the plug on the series. Spin-offs like “Sanford” and “The Redd Foxx Show” followed but failed to capture the magic of the original. Foxx’s later years were marked by financial troubles, extravagant spending, and multiple divorces that drained his fortunes.

Tragically, Foxx died of a heart attack during a rehearsal for “The Royal Family” in 1991—ironically, after years of faking heart attacks as a gag on “Sanford and Son.” At the time of his death, he owed over $3.6 million in taxes, leaving behind a complicated legacy of brilliance and personal turmoil.

Demond Wilson: From War to Hollywood to Ministry

Demond Wilson, who played Lamont Sanford, had already lived a remarkable life before stardom. As a young boy, he survived a near-fatal illness and vowed to serve God if given another chance at life. He later served in Vietnam with the Fourth Infantry Division, was wounded in combat, and returned home seeking a new direction. After Broadway roles and a move to Hollywood, he landed the part of Lamont.

Wilson’s relationship with Foxx was complex. When Foxx left the show temporarily in 1974, Wilson stepped up as the lead, but fans felt the absence of Foxx’s energy. When Foxx departed for good, Wilson felt betrayed—Foxx had never confided in him about his plans. So when Foxx later offered to revive the show in 1980, Wilson refused, turning instead to ministry and fulfilling his childhood vow.

Lwanda Page: From Fire Dancer to TV Icon

Lwanda Page, born Alberta Richmond, became a fan favorite as Aunt Esther, Fred Sanford’s God-fearing, sharp-tongued sister-in-law. Page’s journey to television was unlikely; she was a nightclub performer and fire dancer, known for swallowing flames and walking across burning surfaces.

Redd Foxx, a longtime friend, insisted she join the cast, even threatening to quit if producers removed her. Page’s performance became legendary, and she continued to appear on TV long after “Sanford and Son” ended, including on “The Love Boat” and the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts.

Whitman Mayo: The Unexpected Star

Whitman Mayo played Grady Wilson, Fred’s lovable friend. Originally a supporting character, Mayo stepped into a larger role when Foxx temporarily left the show. This led to the short-lived spin-off “Grady.”

Mayo’s life before acting was a struggle—he worked odd jobs, waited tables, and even served as a probation officer for troubled boys. His career was ultimately defined by his role on “Sanford and Son,” but he passed away from a heart attack in 2001.

Don Bexley: The Multi-Talented Bubba

Don Bexley, who played Bubba, was another Foxx recruit. Their friendship dated back to their days performing together in “Cotton Comes to Harlem.”

Bexley was a true entertainer—an orchestra director, singer, dancer, and comedian. After “Sanford and Son,” he created his own sitcom and performed until his death from heart and kidney failure in 1997 at age 87.

Raymond Allen: The Steady Hand

Raymond Allen portrayed Woody, Aunt Esther’s easygoing husband. He reprised his role in the spin-off “Sanford Arms” and appeared on shows like “Starsky and Hutch” and “The Love Boat.” Illness forced his retirement, but he remained active with fans until his death in 2020 at age 91.

Nathaniel Taylor: From Electrician to TV Fame

Nathaniel Taylor, best known as Rollo Lawson, Lamont’s flashy friend, never intended to act. He was working as an electrician when a mentor encouraged him to audition. After meeting Redd Foxx, Taylor landed the role that would define his career.

Offscreen, Taylor faced legal troubles, including an arrest for burglary, but he later dedicated himself to mentoring young performers in Los Angeles. He remained a beloved figure among fans, making appearances with the restored “Sanford and Son” pickup truck before his death in 2019 at age 80.

Lynn Hamilton: The Supportive Donna

Lynn Hamilton played Donna Harris, Fred Sanford’s caring girlfriend and later fiancée. A seasoned stage actress, Hamilton’s role as Donna became her most memorable. Rumors once swirled that she and Lwanda Page were sisters, but this was later debunked. Hamilton passed away in June 2025 at age 95, leaving a legacy of warmth and professionalism.

Gregory Sierra: The Neighbor Next Door

Gregory Sierra, who played Julio Fuentes, Fred’s Puerto Rican neighbor, found acting by accident—he accompanied a friend to an audition and ended up getting the part. Sierra’s career spanned stage, film, and television, including roles in “Miami Vice” and “Beneath the Planet of the Apes.” He died in 2021 after a battle with cancer.

Slappy White: Comedy’s Unsung Hero

Melvin “Slappy” White played Melvin White, Fred’s TV-watching buddy. A lifelong performer, White ran away from home to join the circus, became a tap dancer, and later formed a comedy team with Foxx. He gained fame opening for Dinah Washington, though his edgy humor sometimes got him in trouble. After “Sanford and Son,” he continued performing until his death from a heart attack, just weeks after his friend George Kirby.

The Secrets Behind the Laughter

While “Sanford and Son” brought joy to millions, the cast’s stories reveal a show built on resilience, loyalty, and sometimes pain. Foxx’s battles with producers over pay, his support for fellow Black performers, and his personal struggles were mirrored by his co-stars’ own journeys through war, poverty, and prejudice.

The chemistry that made the show a hit was forged not just in the writers’ room but in the shared grit of a cast determined to succeed against the odds.

The abrupt end of “Sanford and Son” was not just about ratings or contracts—it was the culmination of years of tension, ambition, and unspoken wounds. Yet, the show’s legacy endures, not only in syndication but in the doors it opened for Black actors and comedians.

The cast’s willingness to reveal their untold stories today adds a new layer to the show’s history, reminding fans that behind every laugh was a real person, fighting to be seen and heard.