Why Demond Wilson Didn’t Attend Redd Foxx’s Funeral: The Untold Story of a Broken Bond

Sanford and Son premiered on NBC in 1972, introducing audiences to a fresh and authentic portrayal of a Black father-son duo.

Redd Foxx’s portrayal of Fred Sanford, a cranky junk dealer, paired perfectly with Demond Wilson’s grounded and loyal Lamont.

Their chemistry was a key ingredient in the show’s success, which quickly became a ratings powerhouse.

Behind the scenes, however, the relationship between Foxx and Wilson was far more complicated.

Initially, Foxx took Wilson under his wing, advocating for him and helping secure his co-star billing.

Their dynamic mirrored their characters’ on-screen bond, with Foxx acting as a mentor to Wilson.

But tensions grew as Foxx felt marginalized by NBC.

Despite the show’s success, he believed he was underpaid and treated unfairly compared to white stars.

His frustrations culminated in a dramatic walkout in 1974, during the show’s third season.

Foxx demanded better pay and working conditions, including an upgraded dressing room.

During Foxx’s absence, Wilson was thrust into the spotlight, carrying the show forward.

While publicly supportive, Wilson’s decision to continue filming was seen by Foxx as a betrayal.

Foxx expected Wilson to stand with him in solidarity, refusing to work until Foxx’s demands were met.

Wilson, however, was bound by contract and focused on building his own career.

When Foxx returned with a new, lucrative contract, the camaraderie between the two men had fractured.

Foxx’s salary far exceeded Wilson’s, who remained under his original agreement despite his vital role.

This pay disparity bred resentment.

Wilson felt undervalued and sidelined, while Foxx viewed Wilson as ungrateful and lacking loyalty.

Creative differences deepened the divide.

Foxx exerted more control over the show’s direction, often excluding Wilson from key decisions.

Wilson, feeling stifled, believed he had more to offer but was denied opportunities.

Their once brotherly relationship devolved into cold professionalism marked by icy silences and minimal interaction.

After Sanford and Son ended in 1977, the estrangement became permanent.

Foxx launched his own comedy show without Wilson, even making veiled jokes about betrayal in his stand-up routines.

Wilson, disillusioned with Hollywood, turned to religion, becoming an ordained minister and publicly criticizing the entertainment industry’s greed and moral decay.

When Foxx died suddenly in 1991, many wondered if Wilson would attend the funeral.

He did not.

Years later, Wilson explained simply, “We weren’t speaking at the time of his death. I have my reasons.”

He offered no further explanation, leaving fans with an unresolved mystery and a poignant symbol of their fractured bond.

Despite their enduring legacy on screen, Wilson rarely speaks of Foxx today, and their personal feud remains one of television’s most famous and tragic behind-the-scenes stories.

Foxx, too, never publicly named Wilson but implied feelings of betrayal until his death.

The story of Demond Wilson and Redd Foxx serves as a reminder that even the most beloved partnerships can be undone by the harsh realities of fame, money, and personal pride.

Their fractured relationship contrasts sharply with the warmth and humor they shared on screen, leaving fans to mourn not just a great entertainer but a lost friendship.