Demond Wilson Talks With The UCW Radio Show - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 10-22-2009, 06:58 PM

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have one of the stars of the hit TV sitcom of the 1970's, "Sanford & Son" on the show.

Link + Audio

Demond Wilson along with his co-star Redd Foxx set the entertainment world on fire during the 1970's by opening up doors that were closed for African Americans, in short they were pioneers. Growing up with great direction for his parents Wilson set out on a journey which put God first in his life, with his family at a close second and his career, ministry or entertainment, dead last.
Demond Wilson was born in Valdosta, Ga., on Oct. 13, 1946. His parents were South Georgia natives. Early in childhood his family relocated to New York, where the future TV star began acting on-stage at the age of six.

Between appearances on Broadway and growing up in Manhattan, he would visit his grandmother and relatives back in Georgia each summer. He loved to go fishing for catfish in the local creek, and along with his cousins he sold boiled peanuts at the Valdosta train station.

As his acting career was blossoming, Uncle Sam came calling. Wilson was drafted into the Army, and was sent south to Ft. Jackson, S.C., Ft. Lee, Va., and Ft. Gordon, Ga. Vietnam was his ultimate destination.

He became a decorated soldier during his tour of duty in 1966.

“I was a warrior. At 62, I’m still a warrior. I’m a warrior for Jesus in the army of the Lord. But when you got to Vietnam, everybody was your brother. The staunchest redneck racist became your brother, because you have to depend on each other to stay alive.”

Upon returning to the States, Wilson was blindsided by the anti-war movement, which yelled at him for wearing his uniform and showcasing his medals. He had a hard time getting a job, and decided to give the profession he’d been tinkering with since childhood an all-out try. It worked.

Wilson earned the role of “Charlie Blossom” in the 1971 Sidney Poitier film The Organization, which was filmed in San Francisco. This westward move soon led to a cameo as a comedic burglar in an episode of All In The Family.

The producers of a new NBC sitcom caught Wilson’s performance on the Carroll O’Connor comedy, and invited him to audition for a role that would forever change his life.

The pilot episode of Sanford And Son was shot in the fall of 1971, and debuted to impressive ratings on Jan. 14, 1972. The show’s unforgettable opening, complete with a catchy Quincy Jones theme song, features Wilson driving around in a beat-up 1951 Ford pickup truck, emblazoned with a “Sanford And Son” logo on the side.

The rising actor played the role of “Lamont Sanford,” alongside Missouri comedian Redd Foxx, who played the role of “Fred G. Sanford,” a junk peddler in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles.

He and Foxx had not known each other before the show, but they quickly bonded and their relationship on and off-screen was magical. Wilson writes about this in his new book, Second Banana: The Bitter Sweet Memoirs Of The Sanford And Son Years.

A successful comedic pairing requires a clown and straight man, Wilson points out. He played the straight man perfectly on this sitcom, which rose to No. 2 in the ratings during its 1972-77 run.

Sanford And Son was the first black TV show to hit the ratings jackpot. However, the Norman Lear-produced show did require some tinkering by Wilson and Foxx. A team of mostly Jewish writers penned the show, and the dialogue of each episode had to be re-written and ad-libbed by the black actors.

Almost 40 years after the show premiered, it continues to air in syndication in over 40 countries around the world. TV Land broadcasts the show to over 93 million U.S. homes.

The success of Sanford And Son has led to many falsehoods about Wilson, rumors that he addresses in the new book. He says that he thought once and for all he would set it straight and tell the truth. He was never addicted to cocaine, and he didn’t become angry and chase Lear down the hall with a gun, a rumor that gives him a good laugh.

After Sanford And Son ended in 1977, Wilson appeared on other TV shows, including Baby, I’m Back, and The New Odd Couple.

Wilson’s small screen gigs took a back seat in the 1980s when he became an evangelical minister. He’s traveled the world to spread the Gospel. He’s also led a prison ministry.

In recent months Wilson has come out of acting hibernation, where he’s combined his love of the Lord with acting in the forthcoming Christian movie Faith Ties, which is kind of a black version of It’s A Wonderful Life. He stars in the role of a millionaire that loses everything and becomes a homeless drunk.

In Palm Desert, the Southern Californian with a Southern upbringing lives with his wife of 36 years, Cicely. The couple have six children, and three grandchildren.

"Demond Wilson is one of the classiest guys in Entertainment, his view on life and entrepreneurship in America should be listen to by many people wondering what is that disconnect in today's America. His commitment to God and Family, and his trials and tribulations that he went through as he and Redd Foxx laid the groundwork for other African Americans to excel in the entertainment business is not only impressive but very much so downplayed by the media. I have to say after speaking with him I gained a respect for him as a person which will never wither," said Louis Velazquez host of the UCW Radio Show.

"Demond Wilson's book Second Banana is a must read for anyone that truly wants to know how he and Redd Foxx paved the way for African Americans in the TV arena," Velazquez added.

Mr. Television · 10-22-2009, 07:10 PM

Great article. Thanks for posting it.

catlover79 · 10-22-2009, 09:36 PM

Awesome article. God bless Demond Wilson - I can't wait to read his book!!

JAlanRuss72 · 10-23-2009, 05:15 PM

Great article. I will definitely have to get his new book. Sounds very interesting for any serious fans of a classic show like S & S.

Scoobiedoo30 · 10-23-2009, 05:30 PM

Great Inviewer

catlover79 · 10-23-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAlanRuss72

Great article. I will definitely have to get his new book. Sounds very interesting for any serious fans of a classic show like S & S.

I want to know what (if anything) he has to say about that guy who played Julio...whatever his name is.

JAlanRuss72 · 10-23-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I want to know what (if anything) he has to say about that guy who played Julio...whatever his name is.

LOL- That'll be worth the price of the book for you, won't it Monika?!

catlover79 · 10-23-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAlanRuss72

LOL- That'll be worth the price of the book for you, won't it Monika?!

MickeyMac · 10-24-2009, 03:34 PM

I mentioned this in another post, but I heard a radio interview with Demond Wilson, and after listening to that I really want to read his book. He has some great stories about the show and about Redd Foxx, but he mentioned most of them were not radio friendly.

Marvo301 · 10-24-2009, 04:37 PM

This sounds like a fascinating book!

Fallon97 · 04-05-2010, 02:27 PM

Thanks for posting. I love Demond Wilson.

Reverend Jim · 05-04-2010, 10:55 AM

10-22-2009, 06:58 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,442	Demond Wilson Talks With The UCW Radio Show The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have one of the stars of the hit TV sitcom of the 1970's, "Sanford & Son" on the show. Link + Audio Demond Wilson along with his co-star Redd Foxx set the entertainment world on fire during the 1970's by opening up doors that were closed for African Americans, in short they were pioneers. Growing up with great direction for his parents Wilson set out on a journey which put God first in his life, with his family at a close second and his career, ministry or entertainment, dead last. Demond Wilson was born in Valdosta, Ga., on Oct. 13, 1946. His parents were South Georgia natives. Early in childhood his family relocated to New York, where the future TV star began acting on-stage at the age of six. Between appearances on Broadway and growing up in Manhattan, he would visit his grandmother and relatives back in Georgia each summer. He loved to go fishing for catfish in the local creek, and along with his cousins he sold boiled peanuts at the Valdosta train station. As his acting career was blossoming, Uncle Sam came calling. Wilson was drafted into the Army, and was sent south to Ft. Jackson, S.C., Ft. Lee, Va., and Ft. Gordon, Ga. Vietnam was his ultimate destination. He became a decorated soldier during his tour of duty in 1966. “I was a warrior. At 62, I’m still a warrior. I’m a warrior for Jesus in the army of the Lord. But when you got to Vietnam, everybody was your brother. The staunchest redneck racist became your brother, because you have to depend on each other to stay alive.” Upon returning to the States, Wilson was blindsided by the anti-war movement, which yelled at him for wearing his uniform and showcasing his medals. He had a hard time getting a job, and decided to give the profession he’d been tinkering with since childhood an all-out try. It worked. Wilson earned the role of “Charlie Blossom” in the 1971 Sidney Poitier film The Organization, which was filmed in San Francisco. This westward move soon led to a cameo as a comedic burglar in an episode of All In The Family. The producers of a new NBC sitcom caught Wilson’s performance on the Carroll O’Connor comedy, and invited him to audition for a role that would forever change his life. The pilot episode of Sanford And Son was shot in the fall of 1971, and debuted to impressive ratings on Jan. 14, 1972. The show’s unforgettable opening, complete with a catchy Quincy Jones theme song, features Wilson driving around in a beat-up 1951 Ford pickup truck, emblazoned with a “Sanford And Son” logo on the side. The rising actor played the role of “Lamont Sanford,” alongside Missouri comedian Redd Foxx, who played the role of “Fred G. Sanford,” a junk peddler in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. He and Foxx had not known each other before the show, but they quickly bonded and their relationship on and off-screen was magical. Wilson writes about this in his new book, Second Banana: The Bitter Sweet Memoirs Of The Sanford And Son Years. A successful comedic pairing requires a clown and straight man, Wilson points out. He played the straight man perfectly on this sitcom, which rose to No. 2 in the ratings during its 1972-77 run. Sanford And Son was the first black TV show to hit the ratings jackpot. However, the Norman Lear-produced show did require some tinkering by Wilson and Foxx. A team of mostly Jewish writers penned the show, and the dialogue of each episode had to be re-written and ad-libbed by the black actors. Almost 40 years after the show premiered, it continues to air in syndication in over 40 countries around the world. TV Land broadcasts the show to over 93 million U.S. homes. The success of Sanford And Son has led to many falsehoods about Wilson, rumors that he addresses in the new book. He says that he thought once and for all he would set it straight and tell the truth. He was never addicted to cocaine, and he didn’t become angry and chase Lear down the hall with a gun, a rumor that gives him a good laugh. After Sanford And Son ended in 1977, Wilson appeared on other TV shows, including Baby, I’m Back, and The New Odd Couple. Wilson’s small screen gigs took a back seat in the 1980s when he became an evangelical minister. He’s traveled the world to spread the Gospel. He’s also led a prison ministry. In recent months Wilson has come out of acting hibernation, where he’s combined his love of the Lord with acting in the forthcoming Christian movie Faith Ties, which is kind of a black version of It’s A Wonderful Life. He stars in the role of a millionaire that loses everything and becomes a homeless drunk. In Palm Desert, the Southern Californian with a Southern upbringing lives with his wife of 36 years, Cicely. The couple have six children, and three grandchildren. "Demond Wilson is one of the classiest guys in Entertainment, his view on life and entrepreneurship in America should be listen to by many people wondering what is that disconnect in today's America. His commitment to God and Family, and his trials and tribulations that he went through as he and Redd Foxx laid the groundwork for other African Americans to excel in the entertainment business is not only impressive but very much so downplayed by the media. I have to say after speaking with him I gained a respect for him as a person which will never wither," said Louis Velazquez host of the UCW Radio Show. "Demond Wilson's book Second Banana is a must read for anyone that truly wants to know how he and Redd Foxx paved the way for African Americans in the TV arena," Velazquez added. Attached Images
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

10-22-2009, 07:10 PM	#2
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Great article. Thanks for posting it.
	__________________ Sonny

10-22-2009, 09:36 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Awesome article. God bless Demond Wilson - I can't wait to read his book!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

10-23-2009, 05:15 PM	#4
JAlanRuss72 Eternal Member Eternal Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 22, 2006 Location: Cookeville, TN Posts: 488	Great article. I will definitely have to get his new book. Sounds very interesting for any serious fans of a classic show like S & S.
	__________________ Jeff Russell Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/Jrussell1972

10-23-2009, 05:30 PM	#5
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	Great Inviewer
	__________________ Who Dat

10-24-2009, 03:34 PM	#9
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,008	I mentioned this in another post, but I heard a radio interview with Demond Wilson, and after listening to that I really want to read his book. He has some great stories about the show and about Redd Foxx, but he mentioned most of them were not radio friendly.

10-24-2009, 04:37 PM	#10
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	This sounds like a fascinating book!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

04-05-2010, 02:27 PM	#11
Fallon97 Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 04, 2007 Location: America Posts: 1,272	Thanks for posting. I love Demond Wilson.

05-04-2010, 10:55 AM	#12
Reverend Jim Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 08, 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 783