View Full Version : Second Banana: Highlights, Lowlights & My Thoughts


DJM77
06-16-2010, 11:25 AM
I just finished reading the book by Demond Wilson. Interesting read to say the very least. Here are some things about the book that I feel are worthy of posting...

I always thought that Cleavon Little was the original choice for the Lamont Sanford role. There is no mention of that in this book.

Demond states that he was not impressed with All In The Family and that he wasn't happy about doing the guest spot until he learned that his character was going to break into the Bunker house, rob them and then give Archie a dose of his own medicine.

Demond says that Redd Foxx would often call him "Demon."

As expected, there are a lot of crazy stories about Redd Foxx in this book.

There are a lot of stories in this book about Demond's and Redd's fights with each other and with other people.

Demond says that Redd would do absolutely anything for an old friend in need.

I was a little surprised about the amount of bad language in the book. About all of it is from quotes.

Demond states that he was not going to continue with Sanford & Son if Redd Foxx didn't return after going on strike.

This book isn't perfect. There are some typos. And Demond refers to Maude as "short-lived." :confused: When he mentions the "Sergeant Gork" episode he refers to the Roger character as Fred's "nephew."

He feels that Sanford & Son did jump the shark and that the "Sergeant Gork" and "Ebenezer Sanford" episodes were both ridiculous.

Demond says that he did use cocaine back in the day but that he was never addicted and that the rumor about him chasing Norman Lear down a hall with a gun is false.

Demond says that Redd never told him that he was leaving Sanford & Son. He says he forgave Redd.

Demond states that his manager entered into negotiations with Tandem productions, telling them what it would take for Demond to do Sanford Arms. Tandem came back with a typical we-keep-the-money, you-do-the-work offer.

Demond says that him and Redd only spoke to each other one time after 1977.

comedyfreak
04-01-2014, 01:53 PM
Sounds depressing.

magellan333
05-30-2014, 10:05 PM
It was a great read. I just hated how big the book was. I like to take reading material out with me to read a few pages while waiting at appointments and such. But the coffee table book size prevented that. I thought it was interesting that Clint Eastwood gave him career advice.