The Untold Truth Behind Demond Wilson’s Shocking Absence at Redd Foxx’s Funeral – What Really Happened Between the ‘Sanford and Son’ Stars in Their Final Days 

“Sanford and Son” (1972–1977), a Norman Lear–produced sitcom adapted from the British show Steptoe and Son, starred Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford and Demond Wilson as Lamont Sanford—father and son who sold junk yet became a cultural phenomenon. The show, known for its sharp race-oriented humor and unforgettable on-screen dynamic, routinely ranked in the Nielsen top 10 .

Their chemistry was impeccable. Off-screen, they were warm and affectionate—matching the bond seen on television. But their relationship later became complicated, ultimately influencing Wilson’s decision not to attend Foxx’s 1991 funeral.

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The End of an Era: A 1977 Rift

The show ended in 1977, and reports suggest Foxx left somewhat abruptly due to a contract dispute. Wilson later described the break:

They “hugged each other goodbye,” and Foxx “wished him luck”.

Wilson confirmed that after the show’s cancellation, they didn’t stay in contact: “I saw him once before he died, circa 1983… and I never saw him again”

During this meeting—supposedly for a Foxx anniversary special—Foxx was reportedly “less than affable” and cool. Wilson said:

“My hurt was that he didn’t come to me about throwing the towel in—I found out in the hallway at NBC from a newscaster. I forgave him and I loved Redd, but I never forgot that.”

This breach—learning about Foxx quitting via a reporter—created a wound that lingered between them.

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The Final Visit: 1983 Reunion

Their only post–Sanford encounter was in 1983 at Malibu Racquet Club:

Wilson was approached by producers about a Foxx anniversary special.

He reached out, they met in Foxx’s office.

According to Wilson, Foxx’s demeanor was cold and distant (“less than affable”)

No confrontation or fire, but the warmth of their earlier bond wasn’t there. Wilson reportedly declined involvement, saying it wasn’t a good idea.

After that, there was no meaningful engagement. Both reportedly went their separate ways.

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Wilson’s Philosophy on Funerals

A striking point: Wilson “personally doesn’t do funerals.” He’s been open about this cultural preference:

“I personally don’t do funerals… The Egyptians bury the next day and that’s how I think it should be. African Americans keep the body out for two weeks waiting for Uncle this and Aunt this to come from Florida.”

So, even if Foxx had reached out, or if he’d been in better emotional proximity, Wilson may not have gone simply due to his views on funeral customs.

When Foxx died on October 11, 1991, and his funeral occurred in Las Vegas, Wilson wasn’t there. But he explains it was not disrespect; it was part of his personal or cultural ethos.

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A Wrenching Combination: Distance + Disenchantment + Belief

Three strands intertwine to explain Wilson’s absence:

Felt Betrayed: He felt slighted when Foxx quit without involving him—not adversarial, but hurtful.

Their Relationship Became Distant: No contact after 1983; Foxx seemed withdrawn, and Wilson didn’t pursue.

Funeral-Avoidance Philosophy: His belief about burials played a major role—a funeral ritual he generally rejects.

Add that Wilson had embraced a role as a minister and author—his life trajectory moved far from Hollywood business by the early 1980s. He was deeply focused on ministry, writing, and speaking engagements .

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Quoted from Wilson’s Memoir, Second Banana

Wilson’s 2009 memoir, Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford & Son Years, explores his experiences and perspective. He explains:

His proximity to Foxx ended in 1977.

Mutual hurt and pride kept them apart.

Though he loved Foxx and held no animosity, their relationship never recovered.

This recount anchors many interpretations—he held affection but didn’t feel closeness or reconciliation strong enough to override his funeral convictions.

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Reddit Remembers: “Cordial, Not Best Buds”

In a Reddit thread asking, “Did Demond Wilson attend Redd Foxx’s funeral?” one user recalls Wilson’s words:

“He said he never saw him again after the act broke up. They hugged each other goodbye and Redd wished him luck.”

A follow-up comment adds:

“When I met Demond Wilson he told me that they had a cordial relationship … but they were never best buds.”

This subtly underscores the truth: they weren’t enemies, just distant acquaintances who’d grown apart.

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The Funeral and Aftermath

Foxx passed on October 11, 1991. He was transported to Queen of Angels Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, and later buried at Palm Eastern Cemetery in Las Vegas—his funeral funded by longtime friend Eddie Murphy .

There were no signs (from public sources or Wilson himself) of outreach from Foxx or his estate to Wilson. Nor did Wilson mention in interviews any reason other than distance and funeral philosophy for not attending.

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Interpreting the Silence

So why didn’t Wilson go?

No bad blood—just distance and mild emotional fallout from Foxx’s departure.

By 1991, Wilson was focused on faith-based work and ministerial life—Hollywood was no longer his center.

Funerals, to him, conflicted with his cultural and personal practices.

It boiled down to emotional drift, philosophical difference, and a lack of renewed connection—not scandal or anger, but a quiet, respectful withdrawal.

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Broader Reflection on Celebrity Friendships

The Wilson–Foxx story isn’t unique—it’s a familiar narrative in Hollywood, where co-stars can share intense on-set bonds but drift apart when personal ambitions, creative paths, or life philosophies diverge.

Their relationship is especially poignant:

1970s: A dynamic duo shaping TV culture.

Post-1977: A fractious break and Wilson’s rise in faith and writing.

1983: A brief, distant reunion—no animosity, but no embrace.

1991 & Beyond: Absence at the funeral rooted in philosophy and distance, not malice.

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Conclusion – More than One Reason

In total:

The contract fallout in 1977 created an emotional wedge.

They reconnected only once—a chilly 1983 encounter.

Wilson’s aversion to funeral rituals sealed the decision.

His ministry-focused life diverged sharply from show business.

The convergence of these factors explains Wilson’s absence—not a headline-grabbing betrayal, but a blend of hurt, distance, and personal principle.

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Summary Breakdown

Factor
Impact on Wilson’s Absence

1977 Fallout
Emotional hurt, ended closeness

1983 Reunion
No reconciliation occurred

Funeral philosophy
Deep-rooted cultural belief

Focus on ministry
Life away from Hollywood

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Final Word

Demond Wilson didn’t skip Redd Foxx’s funeral out of spite. He skipped it because their bond had gently unraveled from hurt and distance. By the time Redd’s life ended in 1991, Wilson had forged a life centered on faith and ministry, distancing himself from Hollywood norms—funerals included. In Wilson’s words: “I had no animosity … I loved Redd Foxx … but I never forgot that.”

Their story isn’t tragic—it’s quietly human, reflecting how relationships grow, shift, and sometimes outgrow their origins.