If you grew up watching 1970s television, you probably remember that face. Chubby-cheeked, earnest, and arguably the most memorable guest star to ever trade barbs with Redd Foxx on Sanford and Son. We're talking about Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr. For decades, fans have wondered where the kid who played Jason went. Did he fall into the "child star curse"? Did he leave Hollywood behind for a desk job?
Honestly, the truth is a lot more interesting than the typical "where are they now" tabloid fodder. Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr. now isn't an actor anymore, but he never really left the creative world. He just traded the camera lens for a soundboard.
The Kid Who Taught Fred Sanford a Lesson
Before we get into what he’s doing in 2026, we have to look at why everyone is still searching for him. Most people know him from the 1973 episode of Sanford and Son titled "The Kid." He played Jason, a runaway who ends up forming a bizarre, heartwarming bond with Fred. It’s one of the few times Fred Sanford actually showed a soft side.
He followed that up with a completely different vibe on Good Times. Remember "Michael, the Warlord"? Lincoln played Ratbone, the leader of the "Junior Warlords." He was only 15 then, but he looked like a totally different person—slender, taller, and way more intimidating.
By 1977, after a role in the TV movie Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn, he just... stopped.
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He didn't "fail" out of Hollywood. He didn't have a public meltdown. He was the son of the legendary Lincoln Kilpatrick—a titan of Black theater and film—so the industry was his backyard. But Lincoln Jr. had other plans. He chose to step away from the screen at 16 to pursue a different kind of rhythm.
Where Is Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr. Now?
Fast forward to today. If you’re looking for Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr. now, don't look at IMDb. Look at the credits of music albums and independent production studios.
After leaving acting, Kilpatrick Jr. headed to the University of Southern California (USC). He didn't study drama. He leaned into his passion for sound. Today, he identifies primarily as a music producer, composer, and recording engineer.
He’s active on social media under handles like LKJ Musicman, and he’s been open about his transition from child actor to music professional. It’s a transition that makes sense when you look at his family tree. His father wasn't just an actor; he was a co-founder of the Kilpatrick-Cambridge Theatre Arts School. Creativity was the family business, but Lincoln Jr. found his voice through a MIDI controller rather than a script.
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Why he left the spotlight
Many child stars feel forced out. For Kilpatrick, it felt like a choice. Living in the shadow of a famous father can be tough, and acting in the 70s was a grueling business for Black actors. By pivoting to music engineering and production, he gained a level of control over his career that acting rarely offers.
He’s spent years working behind the scenes, far from the red carpets. He’s been involved in music production for decades, often blending his knowledge of performance with the technical side of recording.
The Kilpatrick Legacy in 2026
It is impossible to talk about Lincoln Jr. without acknowledging the massive footprint left by his father, who passed away in 2004. The elder Kilpatrick was the first Black member of the Lincoln Center Repertory Company and starred in classics like The Omega Man and Soylent Green.
Lincoln Jr. carries that legacy, but in a quieter way. He isn't chasing the "fame" dragon.
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On recent podcasts and interviews—like his appearance on Letts Talk—he’s come across as a man who is incredibly at peace with his past. He doesn't resent being "Jason from Sanford and Son." In fact, he seems to embrace the fact that one 22-minute episode of television made him a permanent part of American pop culture.
Life Beyond the "Junior Warlord"
Today, Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr. lives a relatively private life, but he’s far from a recluse. He’s part of a talented sibling group that includes actor/director Erik Kilpatrick and actress DaCarla Kilpatrick.
He’s found a way to be "successful" by his own definition. In an industry that often chews up child actors and spits them out, Lincoln Jr. took the exit ramp early and built a life on his own terms. He’s happy. He’s healthy. He’s still making music.
Sometimes, the best "where are they now" story is the one where the person just lived a good life.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re a fan of 70s TV and want to see what Lincoln is up to lately, here’s the best way to keep up:
- Follow his music journey: Search for "LKJ Musicman" on Instagram or Facebook. He often shares snippets of his work and throwbacks to his acting days.
- Re-watch the classics: Sanford and Son and Good Times are frequently on streaming platforms like Peacock or Hulu. Watch them again with the perspective that the kid on screen eventually became a powerhouse behind the soundboard.
- Support independent creators: Like many veterans of the industry, Kilpatrick Jr. values the craft over the celebrity. Keeping an ear out for independent music production is the best way to honor his current career.
He might not be "Ratbone" or "Jason" anymore, but Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr. is still very much a part of the creative fabric of the industry—he's just the one making sure the beat is right.