# Why Demond Wilson Still Refuses to Watch a 1972 Scene from Sanford and Son

In 1972, *Sanford and Son* premiered on NBC, revolutionizing sitcom history with Redd Foxx as the sharp-tongued Fred Sanford and Demond Wilson as his exasperated son, Lamont.

The show, set in Watts, Los Angeles, became an instant hit, pulling millions of viewers every Friday night. However, hidden within that first season lies a scene Wilson still refuses to watch, a moment that continues to haunt him decades later. Born in 1946 in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in New York City, Wilson’s early life was far from Hollywood.

A childhood performer at the Apollo Theater, he later served in the Vietnam War before pursuing acting. Despite the odds against young Black actors, his persistence led to minor roles before landing Lamont, a role that skyrocketed him to fame at 25.

*Sanford and Son* broke ground by centering a Black family on prime-time TV, a rarity in an era with limited representation. Adapted from the British *Steptoe and Son* by Norman Lear, it showcased Fred’s wild schemes and Lamont’s frustration, with Foxx’s iconic “This is the big one, Elizabeth” becoming a cultural staple.

Yet, behind the laughter, Wilson grappled with unease. Many scripts, penned by white writers disconnected from Watts’ realities, leaned on stereotypes—portraying Fred as lazy and Lamont as gullible—that Wilson felt misrepresented the Black experience. While the show offered visibility, he believed it often prioritized cheap laughs over authenticity.

The specific 1972 scene Wilson avoids remains undisclosed, but he has shared that it clashed with his personal values. Performing lines that exaggerated stereotypes felt like a betrayal of his community, yet refusing could have cost him his career. This internal conflict—balancing a beloved role with moral discomfort—left a lasting mark.

He attempted subtle improvisations, but not all were accepted, intensifying his frustration. Beyond creative issues, backstage tensions with NBC over compensation added to the strain. In 1974, Foxx walked off set demanding fair pay, leaving Wilson to carry the show temporarily, further exposing Hollywood’s disrespect toward its Black stars.

Post-*Sanford and Son*, Wilson’s relationship with Foxx grew strained due to unresolved creative and financial conflicts, culminating in his decision not to attend Foxx’s 1991 funeral.

Disillusioned by Hollywood’s exploitation, Wilson eventually left acting for ministry, seeking alignment with his principles. Even today, he avoids revisiting certain episodes, not out of shame, but to preserve his integrity. While proud of the barriers *Sanford and Son* broke, he remains critical of its flaws.

Wilson’s legacy is one of resilience and conviction, showing that true success lies in living by one’s values, even if it means stepping away from fame. His refusal to watch that 1972 scene stands as a quiet protest against an industry that often demanded compromise over truth.