Redd Foxx, an influential American entertainer, was well-known for his stand-up comedy and acting. He gained popularity during a period closely associated with the civil rights movement, thanks to his daring nightclub performances. Known as the ‘King of Party Records’, he released more than 50 records throughout his lifetime.
Early Life
Redd Foxx, originally known as John Elroy Sanford, made his entrance into the world on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri. His proud parents were Fred Sanford and Mary Hughes.
Fred Sanford, his dad, was both an electrician and a car mechanic. Tragically, he left the family when Foxx was just four years old.
Afterwards, he grew up under the care of his mother and grandmother in Chicago, together with his elder brother, Fred Jr. Foxx, who showed an early affinity for acting.
When he was sixteen years old, he demonstrated his skill as part of the Jump Swinging Six in the Major Bowes Amateur Hour radio program.
Redd Foxx’s Career
Foxx began developing a stand-up comedy routine in local clubs, which eventually contributed to his early successes. To tour with his act, he moved from Chicago to the Eastern seaboard.
A pivotal moment in his career came when singer Dinah Washington advised him to move to Los Angeles. It was there that Dootsie Williams from Dootone Records discovered his talent through a performance he gave in the city.
He obtained a lasting agreement and, subsequently, put out several comedy albums that later became beloved by a dedicated fanbase.
Redd Foxx entered broader media a bit later in his life, landing the part in the TV sitcom “Sanford and Son,” a remake of the British series known as “Steptoe and Son.
Fox played the character Fred G. Sanford, a role that shared his name with both his fictional father and brother. Meanwhile, actor Demond Wilson portrayed his son on the show. The series first aired on NBC in January 1972, and it continued for six successful seasons.
After six years, Redd Foxx left “Sanford and Sons,” causing the show to conclude. Later, he appeared in a brief-run variety program on ABC. In 1980, he returned to his role as Fred G. Sanford in the short-lived spin-off called “Sanford.
1986 saw Redd Foxx being assigned a self-titled series on ABC, titled “The Redd Foxx Show.” Regrettably, this series was terminated after just 12 episodes because it struggled with low audience numbers.
Afterward, he made an appearance as Obi-Wan Kenobi on the “Star Wars” segment of the “Donny & Marie” program. In the year 1989, he was prominently cast in the movie “Harlem Nights.”
Later on, he played Obi-Wan Kenobi on a “Star Wars” episode of the “Donny & Marie” show. In 1989, he starred as one of the principal characters in the film “Harlem Nights.
The film was created, both on and off-screen, by Eddie Murphy himself. Back in 1991, he took center stage for the brief TV show “The Royal Family.
Personal Life & Death
Throughout my life’s journey, I’ve been down the aisle four times, partner. The first walk was in the year ’48 with Evelyn Killebrew. We danced as husband and wife till we parted ways in ’51 after our divorce.
In the year 1956, he tied the knot with Betty Jean Harris, a showgirl and dancer whom he had crossed paths with at a nightclub they were both entertaining. Betty Jean chose to dedicate herself fully as a housewife, and Foxx took on the role of caring for her daughter, Debraca.
For a number of years leading up to 1974, Harris handled most of Foxx’s business endeavors and arranged his schedule. However, their partnership ended in 1974 due to Foxx’s unfaithfulness. They legally divorced after 18 years of marriage in 1974.
1976 saw the wedding of Foxx and Joi Yun Chi Chung, which took place in Las Vegas. At that time, Joi was 20 years younger than Foxx, and she worked as a cocktail waitress when they first crossed paths. Regrettably, their union ended in divorce three years later, in 1979.
In July 1991, Foxx got married to Kaho Cho. They met for the first time at a hotel in Las Vegas. Despite having gone through three divorces before, Foxx found himself expressing appreciation for Cho’s steadfast support during his tough financial times.
A mere few months after tying the knot, Redd Foxx suffered a heart attack during the filming of “The Royal Family.” Four hours later, he was pronounced deceased at the Queen of Angels Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center.
Net Worth
Born in the U.S., Redd Foxx was known for both his comedy and acting skills. However, it’s unfortunate that upon his death, he owed more than $3.5 million in unpaid taxes.
In the following part, you’ll discover more about Redd Foxx’s financial status during his later years. Known mainly for his performance in the TV series “Sanford and Son” and his risqué comedy records.
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2025-07-19 12:55