Raymond G Allen Senior of Sanford And Son dies aged 91

Raymond G Allen Senior, an actor best known for the TV series Sanford And Son and Good Times, dies at age 91 from respiratory issues

  • On Tuesday it was reported Raymond G. Allen, Senior has died at age 91
  • He was best known for playing Uncle Woody on Sanford And Son
  • His daughter, Ta-Ronce Allen, confirmed the news on her Facebook page
  • The actor was reportedly found ‘unresponsive’ early on Monday morning
  • His family added that his death was not related to COVID-19 but rather Raymond had been suffering from ‘respiratory issues’

An iconic TV character character from the 1970s had passed away. 

Raymond G Allen Senior, who was best known for playing Woodrow ‘Woody’ Anderson on the beloved series Sanford And Son, has died at age 91.

Raymond G Allen Senior, best known for playing Woodrow 'Woody' Anderson on Sanford And Son, has died at age 91

Raymond G Allen Senior, best known for playing Woodrow ‘Woody’ Anderson on Sanford And Son, has died at age 91

His daughter, Ta-Ronce Allen, confirmed the news on her Facebook page on Tuesday.

‘What a day this is been. I am so surrounded by love from friends and family. This has been one of the hardest days of my life I lost my father Raymond Allen and my cousin Deborah Doll (his niece). They are now both being held by the wings of angels,’ she wrote.

The actor was found  ‘unresponsive’ early on Monday morning when he was in his long-term facility in California, his family told TMZ. 

His family added that his death was not related to COVID-19 but rather Raymond had been suffering from ‘respiratory issues.’  

The EMTs were called and they tried to revive him, but he had already passed.

Allen had not been well for many years and his family had entered him into the health care facility in 2016.

He had struggled with pneumonia many times, according to the site. 

Sanford And Son aired from 1972 and 1977 and was about a grouchy father Fred G. Sanford who worked in a junk yard in Watts, California. 

His character was memorably played by Redd Foxx with Demond Wilson as his easy going son Lamont Sanford.  

The show, which was adapted by Norman Lear from BBC programs, was an instant hit and considered ground breaking. 

In the middle: Sanford And Son aired from 1972 and 1977 and was about a grouchy father Fred G. Sanford who worked in a junk yard in Watts, California. Here Raymond is seen in the middle

In the middle: Sanford And Son aired from 1972 and 1977 and was about a grouchy father Fred G. Sanford who worked in a junk yard in Watts, California. Here Raymond is seen in the middle

Allen’s character was Uncle Woody always got in a few good lines as he stopped by the yard.

He reprised his role as Uncle Woody  in the Sanford And Son spin-off, The Sanford Arms. 

Raymond also starred as Ned the Wino on Good Times, which aired from 1974 until 1979. He played the often tipsy husband to Aunt Ester.

The actor gained a reputation for being a reliable TV star who often popped up in the most popular shows of the day including The Love Boat, The Jeffersons, Wattstax and What’s Happening!

Another top TV show: Allen also played Ned the Wino on Good Times; here he is seen with co-star Esther Rolle

Another top TV show: Allen also played Ned the Wino on Good Times; here he is seen with co-star Esther Rolle

He played the memorable mechanic Merle the Earl on Starsky And Hutch. 

In 1985 he stepped back from acting due to his health, but made personal appearances. 

Allen was married to Barbara Williams from 1963 to 1977.

They had three children that include two daughters Ta-Ronce Allen (former child actress) and Brenda Allen as well as son, Raymond Gilmore Allen Jr. who passed away.  

A recent shot of the TV favorite: In 1985 he stepped back from acting due to his health, but made personal appearances

A recent shot of the TV favorite: In 1985 he stepped back from acting due to his health, but made personal appearances

source: dailymail.co.uk