'Sanford and Son': The Iconic Cast Then and Now

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Redd Foxx.

Redd Foxx: Redd Foxx, widely recognized as a stand-up comedy trailblazer, is best known for his lead role as "Fred Sanford" on the hit series 'Sanford and Son.' Despite having a reputation for X-rated humor from his party records, he broke barriers with his unique comedy style. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 68 in 1991 during rehearsals for his CBS series 'The Royal Family.'

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Demond Wilson

Demond Wilson: Demond Wilson, who portrayed "Lamont Sanford", was not only an actor but also a United States Army veteran. After his time on 'Sanford and Son,' Wilson devoted his life to ministering to former inmates and founded the Restoration House of American, providing vocational training and spiritual guidance.

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Gregory Sierra

Gregory Sierra: Gregory Sierra, famous for his role as Detective Sergeant Miguel "Chano" Amenguale in 'Barney Miller' and Julio Fuentes in 'Sanford and Son,' used his uncle as inspiration for the role of Julio. While he continued to work steadily in film and television, he passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 83.

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Fritzi Burr

Fritzi Burr: Fritzi Burr, known for her versatile acting career spanning seven decades, appeared in 10 episodes of 'Sanford and Son' playing multiple characters. Apart from acting, she volunteered her time in hospitals, particularly in California and Florida. She had connections in Hollywood, as her brother-in-law was Saul Turteltaub, a producer on 'Sanford and Son,' and she was the aunt of producer-director Jon Turteltaub. Burr passed away from natural causes in Fort Myers, Florida, on January 17, 2003.

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Hal Williams

Hal Williams: Hal Williams, known for his recurring role as Officer Smith or “Smitty,” is currently 83 years old, born on December 14, 1938. He has maintained a busy acting career, including voice acting for video games and roles in various television shows and films. He also hosts charitable events for the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.

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Nathaniel Taylor

Nathaniel Taylor: Nathaniel Taylor, initially an electrician, portrayed Lamont's best friend, Rollo, in 'Sanford and Son.' He starred in 32 episodes of the show and reprised his role in the spin-off "Sanford." Beyond acting, Taylor founded a performing arts studio in Los Angeles to teach acting. He passed away from a heart attack in 2019 at the age of 80.

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Raymond Allen

Raymond Allen: Raymond Allen, born on March 5, 1929, played "Aunt Esther's" husband, "Woody", in 'Sanford and Son.' He was also known for his recurring roles as "Ned the Wino" on 'Good Times' and Merle the Earl in 'Starsky and Hutch.' Allen quit acting in the '80s due to poor health and spent his later years in a care facility. He passed away at age 91 in 2020 from a respiratory illness.

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Howard Platt

Howard Platt: Howard Platt, who portrayed "Officer Hopkins" or "Hoppy," served in the United States Army before starring in the show. At the same age as Hal Williams, he is the last surviving member of the cast.

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LaWanda Page

LaWanda Page: LaWanda Page, who secured her big break through Redd Foxx, auditioned for the role of "Aunt Esther" on 'Sanford and Son.' She became an audience favorite, portraying "Fred's" sharp-tongued, bible-thumping sister-in-law. After her time on 'Sanford and Son' and its spin-offs, she continued advocating for fair pay for Black performers. She passed away from diabetes complications in 2002 at the age of 81.

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Lynn Hamilton

Lynn Hamilton: Lynn Hamilton played "Fred Sanford’s" girlfriend, "Donna Harris", and remained active in acting until 2009. Born on April 25, 1930, she retired from acting at 91 years old, with her final role being "Mary Chisolm" in 'Cold Case.'