Cicely Johnston is known to many fans of classic TV as the wife of Demond Wilson, who played Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son. But there is more to her than this title. She is a former model, a devoted partner, and a mother of six. She has kept a low profile for many years, choosing family and privacy over the spotlight. This article shares what reliable information says about her life in clear, easy English.
Personal Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Cicely (sometimes listed as Cicely Louise Johnston) |
| Known for | Former model; long-time spouse of actor and author Demond Wilson |
| Spouse | Demond Wilson (actor, author; famous as Lamont in Sanford and Son) |
| Marriage | Sources differ: many list May 3, 1974; some reports in the 1980s described a 14-year marriage (which implies 1972). |
| Children | Six children with Demond Wilson |
| Occupation | Former model |
| Public profile | Low; few interviews or personal details given to media. |
Early Life and Career
There is not much public data about Cicely Johnston’s childhood or early years. This is common for family members of stars who choose private lives. What reliable reporting does confirm is that Cicely worked as a model.
Some online pages also claim she once worked as a flight attendant or give a specific birthplace and birth year. These details come from lighter entertainment sites and are not well sourced. Because of that, this article does not present them as facts.
Meeting Demond Wilson and Marriage
Cicely met Demond Wilson in the early 1970s, as he was building his acting career. Wilson became famous in 1972 when Sanford and Son began on NBC. He and Cicely married in the 1970s and have stayed together for decades.
There is a small date mismatch across sources:
- Many databases and summaries say the couple married on May 3, 1974.
- Some 1980s reports said Wilson had a 14-year marriage at that time, which implies 1972.
Because a major newspaper article from that time supports 1972 and many later databases agree on 1974, the safest way to state it is: they married in the early to mid-1970s, with most sources listing May 3, 1974.
Historic photos and clippings support their 1970s wedding. For example, a vintage press photo is captioned “Demond Wilson marries Cicely Louise Johnston” (1974).
Family Life
Cicely and Demond have six children. This number is consistent across multiple reliable sources.
In the mid-1980s, reports noted the family included five children at that moment and mentioned a move the family had made two years earlier. Since later sources say six children, it appears the sixth child was born after that article.
Cicely is often praised by fans for keeping the family strong while her husband moved from acting into Christian ministry during the 1980s. Even in profiles that focus on Demond Wilson’s public work, writers mention that his wife stayed by his side through life changes, including his shift from Hollywood to preaching.
A Private Person in a Public World
Cicely Johnston has chosen a quiet, private life. She does not give many interviews, and there are few verified quotes from her in major outlets. Most public details come from features about Demond Wilson that mention her briefly.
In 1986, one major profile about Wilson’s move into ministry also included personal notes about his marriage to Cicely and the family’s move at that time. It also referenced difficult periods in the marriage and his efforts to repair them, which suggests resilience and commitment from both partners.
Later summaries and biographies continue to say that Cicely and Demond remained married and raised six children together.
Connection to Sanford and Son
While Cicely did not work on the show, her husband’s role as Lamont Sanford made the family part of TV history. Wilson’s biography pages and encyclopedic entries confirm his central part in the series, which gives context to the public interest in his spouse.
Where Does She Live?
Some newer entertainment sites say the couple lives in Southern California (sometimes naming Palm Springs). These are not primary sources, so they should be treated with care. The most reliable location detail is from the mid-1980s, which said the family had moved to Mission Viejo two years earlier. Because many years have passed, that may not reflect their current home.
Legacy and Image
Cicely Johnston’s public image is simple and strong: former model, long-time partner, devoted mother, and private person. In an era when many celebrity families share every detail, Cicely shows another way. She supports her family, stays out of headlines, and lets her life speak for itself.
For readers who want to learn about her husband’s career path and faith journey, good starting points include biographies and feature articles that give firm dates and events that frame the couple’s life together.
Final Thoughts
Cicely Johnston shows how a person can be close to fame yet keep a peaceful, private life. Reliable reporting confirms that she was a model, married Demond Wilson in the 1970s, and raised six children with him. The exact wedding year may differ across sources, but the larger story is clear: a long marriage, a strong family, and a life lived away from the camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Cicely Johnston?
She is a former model and the long-time wife of actor and author Demond Wilson. - When did Cicely Johnston and Demond Wilson get married?
Sources differ. Many list May 3, 1974; some early reports imply 1972. It is safest to say they married in the early to mid-1970s. - How many children do they have?
Six children. - What did Cicely do before family life?
She worked as a model. - Is Cicely Johnston in movies or TV?
There is no strong, verified record of acting roles. Most sources identify her as a former model and a private figure. - Where has the family lived?
In the 1980s, reports said the family had moved to Mission Viejo two years earlier. Current residence is not confirmed. - Why are there different wedding dates online?
Some databases and fan pages repeat each other. Early newspaper articles suggest an earlier date than later databases. This explains the 1972 vs. 1974 difference. - Does Cicely give interviews?
Very rarely. Most information about her comes from articles about Demond Wilson that mention her. - What is Demond Wilson known for?
He is best known as Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son and later as a Christian author and minister. - Are they still married?
Later overviews say they have remained married since the 1970s and have six children together.
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