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The Wilder Ride is a podcast where we look to explore and celebrate the films of Gene Wilder, using the ​movies by minutes format. Your hosts are Alan Sanders and Walt Murray, getting Wilder by the minute.

Nov 11, 2021

In this episode, hosts Alan Sanders and Walt Murray welcome actor Demond Wilson who starred in Sanford and Son as well as other shows and movies. As always, they start by going to the beginning. Demond was born in Valdosta, Georgia, but moved to Harlem, NY shortly thereafter. By age 4, he was starting to do voice work on the radio. He loved to perform, working his way to the Apollo Stage at age 12. He continued to work on his talents, while also staying involved in sports throughout high school. His country called him into service just before he turned 20. He joined the Army and served almost two years in Vietnam before getting wounded and returning home to the states.

Upon his return, he dove head-long into theatre and getting small roles in films. Perhaps his biggest break was being cast opposite Redd Foxx in the hit television show, Sanford and Son. Playing the role of Lamont, son to Foxx's, Fred, the duo would go on to make television history. As Demond puts it, beyond opening doors for other black actors and shows, Sanford and Son was funny! He reminds everyone, without the humor, none of the other messages of the show would have lasted. He would continue to act, but as he got older, felt a calling to the ministry. He always knew God was calling him to serve and when the time was right, he made the move.

In between, Demond Wilson has written a pair of books. The first deals with his views of where the world and society is going called, "The Millennium: A New Age Expose." The other deals with his memoirs from being on the set of Sanford and Son called, "Second Banana." Demond did write a children's book years ago, but now wants to update it and release it in the coming year. He also has a few other projects in the works, but is waiting for life to get a little closer to normal.

After thanking Demond for his time, Alan and Walt decide to forego the movie review. Instead, they dive into odd news before jumping into the entertainment segment where the remind everyone what they have been watching, reading and listening to over the past week.

WATCHING

Walt recommends the docuseries, Bad Sports, on Netflix. He also loves, Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. Finally, as only Walt can say with a straight face, the "fantastic" movie, Tommy Boy, is now running on Netflix. Alan watched Dune (part 1) for a second time and loved it even more. He caught the documentary, The Show Must Go On: Queen + Adam Lambert and said it was a feel-good watch. He then watched, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster. Finally, on YouTube, he tries to never miss the reaction videos for Ashleigh Burton.

READING

Walt has ordered some books, but hasn't had time to read any. Alan claims he is trying to carve out time to finish reading, "Dune."

LISTENING

Walt likes to listen to, The Thrilling Adventure Hour podcast, The Kimmer Show podcast and Radio Labyrinth podcast. Alan continues to enjoy the Iron Maiden album, Senjetsu, and tries to never miss 60MW Podcast.