Sanford and Son Cast: Untold Stories That Shock Fans

The beloved sitcom *Sanford and Son*, which aired from 1972 to 1977, brought laughter to millions with its hilarious characters and sharp wit.

However, behind the scenes, the cast’s lives were filled with untold stories and challenges that most fans never imagined. From Red Foxx’s financial troubles to the intense battles over script authenticity, the truth behind the show’s success reveals a complex and often bittersweet reality.

**Red Foxx: A Comedy Legend With Hidden Struggles**

Before becoming Fred Sanford, Red Foxx was a master of blue comedy—raunchy, adult humor that sharply contrasted with his family-friendly TV persona. His career began in the 1940s, performing in clubs in Harlem, eventually earning fame as a stand-up comedian.

Foxx’s success on *Sanford and Son* earned him $35,000 per episode, but his demands for higher pay led to tensions. In 1974, Foxx walked off the set, citing health issues, forcing the writers to temporarily write Fred Sanford out of the show. Eventually, Foxx secured a higher salary and 25% of the show’s profits.

Despite his fame, Foxx faced severe financial difficulties. His lavish lifestyle and unpaid taxes led to bankruptcy in 1983. Tragically, in 1991, while rehearsing for a new CBS show, *The Royal Family*, Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack. Ironically, his coworkers initially thought the collapse was part of his famous “fake heart attack” gag from *Sanford and Son*. By the time they realized it was real, it was too late.

**Demond Wilson: Lamont’s Hidden Journey**

Demond Wilson, who played Fred’s patient son Lamont, had a life far more complex than his on-screen character. Before acting, Wilson served in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded. After the war, he pursued acting, appearing on Broadway and at the Apollo Theater as a dancer.

Wilson experienced disappointment when Foxx abruptly left the show in 1977. He learned the news from a newscaster, which deeply hurt him. After *Sanford and Son*, Wilson became a Pentecostal minister in 1984 and founded Restoration House, helping former prisoners rebuild their lives. He later wrote a memoir, *Second Banana*, detailing his bittersweet experiences on the show.

**LaWanda Page: Aunt Esther’s Fiery Past**

LaWanda Page, known as the strict Aunt Esther, had a surprising past as a daring performer nicknamed “The Bronze Goddess of Fire.” Her act involved swallowing fire and lighting cigarettes with her fingertips, often risking burns. Before her TV fame, Page was a blue comedian, known for her risqué humor.

Page’s role on *Sanford and Son* almost didn’t happen. Producers doubted her acting abilities, but Foxx, her childhood friend, threatened to quit unless she stayed. This loyalty ensured Page’s place as one of the show’s most memorable characters.

**The Supporting Cast: Surprising Lives**

Whitman Mayo, who played Grady, was much younger than his character, basing Grady on his grandfather. Don Bexley (Bubba) was a close friend of Foxx for nearly 50 years, while Nathaniel Taylor (Rollo) faced legal troubles after the show but later opened a performing arts studio to help young actors.