Date of Birth: December 9, 1922
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: October 11, 1991
Biography
Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford, was an American comedian and actor best known for his role as Fred G. Sanford on the hit television show “Sanford and Son.” Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Foxx moved to Chicago at a young age where he began his career in show business. He initially made a name for himself in the 1950s and 1960s as a stand-up comedian, known for his raunchy and boundary-pushing humor. His comedy albums were very popular and earned him the title “King of the Party Records.” Foxx’s big break came in 1972 when he starred in “Sanford and Son,” a role that made him a household name and earned him a Golden Globe Award. The show was a massive success and ran for six seasons. After “Sanford and Son,” Foxx continued to work in television and film, appearing in series like “The Redd Foxx Show” and “The Royal Family.” Despite his success, Foxx faced numerous financial problems and filed for bankruptcy multiple times. He passed away in 1991 while rehearsing for “The Royal Family” due to a heart attack.
5 Interesting Facts about Redd Foxx
1. Redd Foxx was one of the first black comics to play Las Vegas, breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry.
2. His stage name “Redd Foxx” was inspired by his ruddy complexion and his admiration for baseball player Jimmie Foxx.
3. Foxx was known for his collection of exotic pets, including a pet lion.
4. He was a close friend of Malcolm X during their younger years, and they even lived together in Harlem.
5. Foxx appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1974, a significant achievement for a comedian at the time.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Redd Foxx
1. “I’m convinced that Sanford and Son shows middle-class America a lot of what they need to know.”
2. “A girl’s legs are her best friends, but the best of friends must part.”
3. “I was poor white trash, no glitter, no glamour, but I’m not ashamed of anything.”
4. “I think money is just paper, but it keeps you alive.”
5. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but you can bring an old dog new treats.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Redd Foxx’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $11 million at his peak, although he faced significant financial issues later in life.
Children
Redd Foxx did not have any biological children, but he was very close to his stepdaughter, Debraca Denise, whom he considered his own.
Relevant Links
1. [Redd Foxx on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0289345/
2. [Redd Foxx on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/performer/redd-foxx
3. [Sanford and Son – TV Show](https://www.nbc.com/sanford-and-son
4. [Redd Foxx’s Time Magazine Cover](http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19740429,00.html
5. [Redd Foxx on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redd_Foxx
