Sanford and Son is one of the most popular and influential sitcoms in American television history. The show, which ran on CHOPNEWS from 1972 to 1977, was based on the British series Steptoe and Son and featured the hilarious exploits of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son in Los Angeles.
The show was known for its edgy racial humor, running gags, and catchphrases, and was a ratings hit throughout its six-season run. In this article, we will take a look at the cast of Sanford and Son and their roles on the show.
Sanford and Son Cast: Redd Foxx as Fred G. Sanford
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Redd Foxx was the star of Sanford and Son, playing the role of Fred G. Sanford, a widowed junk dealer who lived at 9114 South Central Avenue in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Fred was a sarcastic, stubborn, and often bigoted character who frequently clashed with his son Lamont, his sister-in-law Aunt Esther, his neighbors, and various authority figures.
Fred also had a habit of faking heart attacks whenever he was angry or scared, exclaiming “I’m coming, Elizabeth!” (referring to his late wife). Foxx was a veteran comedian who had a successful career in nightclubs and records before landing the role of Fred. He was also known for his trademark red hair and glasses.
Sanford and Son Cast: Demond Wilson as Lamont Sanford
Demond Wilson played the role of Lamont Sanford, Fred’s son and business partner. Lamont was a more sensible and responsible character than his father, often trying to keep him out of trouble or persuade him to improve his lifestyle.
Lamont also had dreams of leaving the junk business and pursuing other opportunities, but he felt obligated to stay with his father and take care of him. Wilson was a former Broadway actor who had appeared in films such as The Organization and The Dealing before joining Sanford and Son. He also served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.
Sanford and Son Cast: LaWanda Page as Aunt Esther Anderson
LaWanda Page played the role of Aunt Esther Anderson, Fred’s sister-in-law and archenemy. Esther was a devout Christian who disapproved of Fred’s behavior and often insulted him with names such as “fish-eyed fool” or “heathen”.
She also tried to convert him to her religion or get him to donate money to her church. Fred, in turn, mocked Esther’s appearance and called her names such as “gorilla cookies” or “King Kong’s older sister”. Page was a childhood friend of Foxx who had worked with him in nightclubs as a dancer and comedian before joining Sanford and Son.
Don Bexley as Bubba Bexley
Don Bexley played the role of Bubba Bexley, Fred’s best friend and fellow junk dealer. Bubba was a dim-witted but loyal character who often helped Fred with his schemes or gave him advice.
He also had a distinctive laugh that he used whenever he found something funny or agreed with Fred. Bexley was a former circus performer who had appeared in films such as Cotton Comes to Harlem and Across 110th Street before joining Sanford and Son.
Whitman Mayo as Grady Wilson
Whitman Mayo played the role of Grady Wilson, Fred’s old friend and occasional substitute when Fred was away or ill. Grady was a kind-hearted but naive character who often got into trouble because of his lack of common sense or his misunderstanding of situations.
He also had a catchphrase “Good Goobily Goop!” that he used whenever he was surprised or confused. Mayo was a theater actor who had appeared in films such as Boyz n the Hood and The Main Event before joining Sanford and Son.
Nathaniel Taylor as Rollo Larson
Nathaniel Taylor played the role of Rollo Larson, Lamont’s friend and co-worker. Rollo was a streetwise and flamboyant character who often wore flashy clothes and jewelry. He also had a shady past that involved crime and jail time, which made Fred distrust him and call him names such as “The Snake” or “The Big Dummy”. Rollo, however, was loyal to Lamont and tried to help him with his problems or plans. Taylor was a former singer who had appeared in films such as Trouble Man and Willie Dynamite before joining Sanford and Son.
Lynn Hamilton as Donna Harris
Lynn Hamilton played the role of Donna Harris, Fred’s girlfriend and later fiancée. Donna was a nurse who worked at a local hospital and had a son from a previous marriage. She was a sweet and caring character who loved Fred despite his flaws and tried to get along with Lamont and Esther.
She also had a sense of humor and could stand up to Fred when he was unreasonable or rude. Hamilton was a seasoned actress who had appeared in shows such as The Waltons and Roots before joining Sanford and Son.
Other Cast Members
Sanford and Son also featured many other recurring or guest cast members, such as:
Hal Williams and Howard Platt
Hal Williams and Howard Platt as Officer ‘Smitty’ Smith and Officer ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins, two policemen who often visited the Sanfords’ home or business and dealt with their problems or complaints.
Gregory Sierra as Julio Fuentes
Fred’s Puerto Rican neighbor who owned a goat farm next to the junkyard and often annoyed Fred with his animals or his culture.
Fritzi Burr Woman on Plane
Fritzi Burr as Woman on Plane, a passenger who sat next to Fred on his trips and endured his jokes or insults
Raymond Allen
Raymond Allen as Uncle Woodrow ‘Woody’ Anderson, Esther’s husband who was an alcoholic and a former sailor
Pat Morita
Pat Morita as Ah Chew, a Chinese restaurant owner who rented a room from the Sanfords and cooked exotic dishes for them.
Noam Pitlik
Noam Pitlik as Officer ‘Swanny’ Swanhauser, another policeman who sometimes partnered with Smitty or Hoppy.
Marlene Clark as Janet Lawson
Marlene Clark as Janet Lawson, Lamont’s girlfriend and later fiancée who was a divorcee and a secretary.
Frank Nelson
Frank Nelson as Co-Pilot, a co-pilot who flew with Fred on his trips and mocked him with his sarcastic remarks or questions.
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Your Questions
Q. When did Sanford and Son come out?
Sanford and Son premiered on January 14, 1972, on NBC. It ran for six seasons until March 25, 1977.
Q. Who are the creators of Sanford and Son?
Sanford and Son was adapted by Norman Lear from the British sitcom Steptoe and Son, which was created by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. The show was also produced by Bud Yorkin.
Q. Are Sanford and Son cast members still alive?
As of 2023, there are four recurring cast members from Sanford and Son that are still alive, including Demond Wilson, Lynn Hamilton, Hal Williams, and Howard Platt. Since the show’s release in the 1970s, the majority of the cast members have since passed away and those remaining are only getting older1.
Q. Where can I watch Sanford and Son?
Sanford and Son is available to stream on Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Philo, fuboTV, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, iTunes, Microsoft Store, Pluto TV, Crackle, Tubi TV, IMDb TV, Roku Channel, Peacock TV Free. You can also buy or rent the DVD sets from various online or physical stores.
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