Sanford and Son is a hit sitcom that aired on NBC from 1972 to 1977. The TV show was based on the British series Steptoe and Son, airing from 1962 to 1974 on BBC One. Sanford and Son follows Fred Sanford, a grouchy junkyard owner and widower who lives and works with his tolerant son. Sanford devises various ways to make money, only to have them fail in hilarious ways.
Adapted by Norman Lear, the sitcom was considered NBC’s equivalent of CBS’s All in the Family for its racial humor, running gags, and catchphrases. It has also earned praise for inspiring numerous Black comedies. So, are any Sanford and Son cast members still alive?
Redd Foxx starred in the title role on ‘Sanford and Son’
Sanford and Son cast
The ‘Sanford and Son’ cast in ‘The Surprise Party,’ aired Sept. 13, 1974 | NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Redd Foxx portrayed Fred Sanford, a sarcastic, streetwise schemer whose several attempts to get rich always backfired.
After leaving Sanford and Son in 1977, Foxx reprised his iconic role in the short-lived revival Sanford. When that ended, the actor launched The Redd Foxx Show.
Foxx’s final project was The Royal Family, in which he portrayed Alfonso Royal. According to IMDb, the actor died on set on Oct. 11, 1991, at age 68, abruptly ending the show.
Coincidentally, Foxx died of a heart attack after playing Fred Sanford, whose famous shtick was faking a heart attack in many episodes.
Demond Wilson portrayed Fred’s son, Lamont Sanford
When Redd Foxx exited Sanford and Son after season six to headline a variety series, it was planned to continue with Demond Wilson as the lead. But Wilson left due to a salary dispute.
Catch Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson for Sanford and Son at 1a ET on getTV! pic.twitter.com/fsSihs0UyZ
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Wilson played Lamont, Fred’s son and co-owner of the salvage yard. Lamont patiently endures his father’s constant shenanigans and grumpiness. Though Fred frequently calls his son dumb, the younger Sanford always strives to improve his situation and explore the world beyond the junkyard.
After leaving Sanford and Son, Wilson became a preacher and dedicated his life to helping ex-convicts. He established the Restoration House of America to provide ex-cons with spiritual guidance and resources for re-entry into society. Wilson, born on Oct. 13, 1946, is now 76.
LaWanda Page played Aunt Esther Anderson on ‘Sanford and Son’
Page fully inhabited the role of Esther Anderson (aka Aunt Esther), the Bible-toting sister of Fred’s late wife, Elizabeth. Esther is pious and humorless, although she’s incredibly generous and compassionate with her nephew Lamont.
Page remained on the show until its cancellation in 1977 with Foxx’s exit. She returned as a co-star in the ill-fated spinoff The Sanford Arms. In the ’90s, she played spoofs of herself as an old lady in films such as Friday and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.
The actor died in 2002 at 81 due to diabetes-related complications.
