Demond Wilson is best remembered for playing Redd Foxx’s son on the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son. He played Lamont Sanford, a hard-working single man who lived with his dramatic father, Fred Sanford, who was always looking for a quick way to get rich.

Sanford and Son is one of those Norman Lear shows I watched as reruns growing up. When I was a kid, there was always a classic Black sitcom on in our living room, so I learned about shows from the ’70s to the ’90s, along with the ones from my own generation.

I’ve made videos and written about Wilson and his real-life friendship with his co-star, legendary comedian Foxx, for my “From the Past/Classic Stories” segment. I’ve always enjoyed learning about their bond. Here are six of Wilson’s best moments as Lamont Sanford.

“Here Comes the Bride, There Goes the Bride” S1, E3

Lamont is finally leaving the nest and getting married…or so he thought. On the big day, he quickly finds himself as a groom with no bride. She dumps him at the altar; meanwhile, his relatives are more concerned with getting their wedding gifts back.

“TV or Not TV” S1, E11

The father-son duo is at odds again after Fred wants a new color TV, but Lamont spends the money on a new car instead. Lamont changes his mind when Fred wanders away from home with apparent amnesia.

“The Card Sharps” S2, E6

Fred often says things that can’t be trusted, but in this episode, Lamont should have listened to him. Lamont has new poker buddies who Fred thinks are trying to scam his son, so he makes plans to stop them.

“A Guest in the Yard” S2, E12

This is my mom’s favorite episode, and it’s hilarious. Fred and Lamont learn that no good deed goes unpunished when an unhoused man they help plays the Sanfords for suckers, resisting every effort to throw him out. At one point, he even fakes an injury!

“Libra Rising All Over Lamont” S3, E2

Even in the 1970s, astrology influenced people’s lives. An astrologer tells Lamont that as a Libra, he must avoid stress and anger. Meanwhile, his dad is home suffering from gas after eating week-old collard greens.

“Lamont Goes Karate” S3, E19

Sometimes, adults have to deal with bullies. In this episode, Lamont learns karate to stand up to Jo Jo Jackson.

Header photo credit: Demond Wilson as Lamont Sanford in Sanford and Son./ Tandem Productions