/UCWE/ - The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have one of the stars of the hit TV sitcom of the 1970's, "Sanford & Son" on the show.
Demond Wilson along with his co-star Redd Foxx set the entertainment world on fire during the 1970's by opening up doors that were closed for African Americans, in short they were pioneers. Growing up with great direction for his parents Wilson set out on a journey which put God first in his life, with his family at a close second and his career, ministry or entertainment, dead last.
"When I came back from Vietnam I tried to get my career jumpstarted again, and I did a play up in Harlem with the NAtional Black Theatre called five on the Blackhand side, and the play had a lot of people that are famous today, the late Theresa Merritt, Lyle Wilson, Janell Allen, a lot of famous Ed Bernard, people from Broadway came to see it and it later became a movie, " said Demond Wilson during the interview.
"I went from there to the late Lonnie Elder had an award winning play called "Ceremonies in Dark Old Men," at the Pocket Theatre which I was casted in, then I started working at the public theatre with Joe Papp, Al Pacino, my friend the late Raul Julia, Ryan O'Neal, and Ed Pressman the heir apparent to Press Toys was making a transition into film making and he casted me in a film up in Canada called the Dealing, John Lithgow made his debut in that movie, Barbara Hersey was in that film, she was known as Barbara Seagull at that time, Charles Durning, then I made my way back to Broadway, and Walter Mirisch came to cast the Sydney Poitier film Call Me Mr Tibbs, there was every black actor during that time at the auditions with the exception of Richard Roundtree who make his name in Shaft a year prior, I went to my apartment on 146th and got on my knees and prayed, I said Father God if you allow me to have this role I know it will lead to fame, I will do nothing to dishonor you or my family and in 15 years I will give my the rest of my life, and it was 15 years to the day that I started ministry," Demond Wilson added.
Demond Wilson on being a Pioneer in Television: "Redd Foxx and I were trailblazing, kicking the door in, there we no blacks on majoy network television shows, you had blacks on shows, you had Clarence Williams on Mod Squad, Bill Cosby on I Spy, but those were not black shows, prior to Redd and I you had Nat King Cole , that was a variety show and that Amos and Andy show, and thats it, Redd and I kicked that door in, if it wasn't for us there wouldn't be a Bill Cosby Show, there wouldn't be a Jeffersons, Good Times or Whats Happening Now, we were the pioneers at that time, it was very difficult in those day but we did it. "
"Demond Wilson is one of the classiest guys in Entertainment, his view on life and entrepreneurship in America should be listen to by many people wondering what is that disconnect in today's America. His commitment to God and Family, and his trials and tribulations that he went through as he and Redd Foxx laid the groundwork for other African Americans to excel in the entertainment business is not only impressive but very much so downplayed by the media. I have to say after speaking with him I gained a respect for him as a person which will never wither," said Louis Velazquez host of the UCW Radio Show.
The UCW Radio Show features the inspirational journeys of both established as well as up and coming authors, fashion designers, actors, models, athletes, recording artists, MMA fighters, Martial Artists, Pro Wrestlers, Directors, Writers, Politicians, and various others.
We feature entertainment, sports and fashion related companies both publicly traded and privately held.
The UCW Radio Show is hosted by Louis Velazquez aka Falcon Coperis, he takes you on a tour of the journey of each of the guests, it is truly an inspirational show.
To be booked on the show please call 323-952-4369
