After TV producer Normal Lear’s death at 101, the actors and the entertainment industry professionals he worked with during his long career in Hollywood are looking back at his influence on culture and entertainment in that period.
Lear is best known for transformative television projects including “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Sanford and Son” and “Good Times.”
Actor Demond Wilson, who starred alongside comedian Redd Foxx in the iconic American show “Sanford & Son” looks back on his time working with Lear and the change the show made to American culture.
Wilson spoke to Scripps News in 2022 when “Sanford and Son” celebrated its 50th anniversary. The iconic American television show debuted on NBC.
Wilson said the characters seen on shows during that era were what Americans were talking about at home, but hadn’t seen on television yet. He said shows during Lear’s time were airing a glimpse into that reality.
Wilson said of Lear, “His legacy will live on.”
It was a historic time in television that highlighted a pivotal point in America’s story.
Sanford and Son is an American television sitcom that aired from 1972 to 1977. The series revolves around Fred Sanford, a grumpy widower, and his son Lamont, who together run a business. Selling second-hand goods with him.
Demond Wilson, the actor who plays Lamont Sanford, had the opportunity to work with Norman Lear, the legendary television producer, for many years. In a recent interview, Wilson shared his thoughts on Lear’s life and career.
Wilson said he was “very lucky” to work with Lear. He described Lear as a “genius” and “pioneer” in television. Lear is known for creating groundbreaking television shows such as All in the Family, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons and Good Times. These shows have addressed many important social issues such as racism, generational differences, and poverty.
Wilson said that Lear was a “wonderful teacher” who taught him a lot about acting and screenwriting. He said that Lear encouraged him to “use his voice” and “stand up for what he believes in”.
Wilson also shared some personal memories of Lear. He recalls Lear once visiting him on the set of Sanford and Son. Lear spent the day talking to the cast and crew and he gave many helpful tips.
Wilson said that Lear was “compassionate” and a “true friend”. He said he “will be forever grateful” to Lear for the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.
Here are some notable quotes from Wilson’s interview:
“Norman Lear was a genius. He was one of the greatest television producers of all time.”
“I was very lucky to work with Norman. He taught me so much about acting and writing.”
“Norman is a wonderful teacher. He encourages me to use my voice and stand up for what I believe in.”
“Norman was a compassionate man and a true friend. I will be forever grateful to him for the opportunity to work with and learn from him.”
Norman Lear passed away in 2019 at the age of 97. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest television producers of all time. Lear created television shows that changed American culture and had a lasting impact on the television industry.
Demond Wilson continued acting after Sanford and Son ended. He has appeared in many other films and television shows, including The Bionic Woman, Police Woman and Hill Street Blues.
Sanford and Son is an American television sitcom that has become an indispensable part of American television history. The show has been nominated for many awards, including five Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards.
