Beloved Sanford and Son Cast Member Dies at 79

However, his path was soon redirected by another calling: military service.

Service, Sacrifice, and a Return to Art
Wilson served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division and was wounded in action, earning a Purple Heart for his service — an experience he later said gave him a lifelong perspective on resilience, empathy, and the preciousness of life.

After an honorable discharge, Wilson returned to New York to pursue performance more seriously. He appeared on stage in Broadway and Off‑Broadway productions and began exploring opportunities in television and film — a career shift that would soon alter American entertainment.