For generations of television viewers, Redd Foxx will forever be immortalized as Fred G. Sanford, the cantankerous, heart attack-prone junk dealer from the iconic 1970s sitcom, Sanford and Son. His withering stares, quick-witted insults, and masterful physical comedy made him a household name and a cultural icon. But while millions knew and loved him as Fred, the man behind the character was far more complex, defiant, and, in many ways, tragic than his on-screen persona. Long before he was a television star, Foxx was a comedic trailblazer whose life was a rollercoaster of triumph, struggle, and fierce independence.
To truly appreciate the genius of Redd Foxx, one must look beyond the junk yard and into the fascinating, and often turbulent, life he led. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about the legendary comedian.
1. He Was a Stand-Up Comedy Legend First
Many people discovered Redd Foxx through Sanford and Son, but he was a comedic titan for decades before he ever graced a television screen. In the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s, he was a king of the “Chitlin’ Circuit”—a network of venues across the United States that catered to Black entertainers. His stand-up act was a far cry from the sanitized, family-friendly humor of prime-time television. It was raw, unfiltered, and deeply profane, with a comedic style that was both insightful and shocking. His humor tackled everything from race and sex to everyday life with a frankness that was revolutionary for its time. He released over 50 comedy albums, and his albums were so popular that they outsold those of his more famous, mainstream contemporaries. His decades of experience in stand-up honed his impeccable timing and delivery, which he masterfully translated to his role as Fred Sanford.
2. He Hated the Show That Made Him Famous
This is perhaps the most surprising and little-known fact about Redd Foxx. Despite the show’s massive success, he harbored a deep-seated resentment towards Sanford and Son. He felt that the show stifled his creative freedom and that he was underpaid compared to his white counterparts. The show’s lead, Carroll O’Connor of All in the Family, earned a far higher salary, a fact that infuriated Foxx. This frustration came to a head in Season 3 when he famously “held out” and walked off the set in a salary dispute. His absence forced the writers to create a storyline where Fred was traveling out of town, with the show temporarily focusing on other characters, particularly his friend Grady. His rebellious nature and his firm belief in his own worth were a testament to his character, but it also created a constant tension between him and the network.
3. He Was a Financial “Disaster”
Despite being one of the highest-paid Black entertainers of his era, Redd Foxx was constantly in financial trouble. He had a penchant for lavish spending, lived a life of luxury, and was known for his incredible generosity, often giving money away to friends and family in need. This combination of a high-rolling lifestyle and a big heart led to a mountain of debt. In 1989, the IRS raided his home and seized his assets, including his cars, and even his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The seizure was a devastating and very public humiliation for the comedic legend, a testament to a life that was as financially tumultuous as it was creatively brilliant. This tragic financial reality added a poignant layer to his legacy, a reminder that the man who made us laugh so hard was often fighting a very real battle with his own personal demons.
4. His Death Was a Horrifying, Real-Life Parallel to His Character
In a cruel and devastating twist of fate, Redd Foxx’s death in 1991 mirrored his most iconic on-screen routine. On the set of his new sitcom, The Royal Family, he suffered a massive heart attack. As he clutched his chest and fell to the floor, cast and crew members initially thought he was performing his famous “I’m coming, Elizabeth!” heart attack gag. It was a classic piece of physical comedy that had brought millions of laughs over the years. But this time, it was not a joke. By the time the crew realized the gravity of the situation, it was too late. The tragic irony of his death is a chilling and heartbreaking coda to a life that was so deeply intertwined with his art.
5. His Feud with Aunt Esther Was Entirely Fictional
The on-screen feud between Fred Sanford and his fiery, church-going sister-in-law, Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page), was one of the show’s most beloved comedic elements. Their bickering, insults, and classic battle of wills were a staple of every episode. But in real life, the two were the closest of friends. Redd Foxx and LaWanda Page had known each other for decades, having performed together on the Chitlin’ Circuit. In fact, it was Foxx who personally insisted that Page be cast in the role of Aunt Esther. Their on-screen rivalry was a playful and exaggerated version of their real-life banter, a testament to their deep friendship and their shared comedic history.
In the end, Redd Foxx was a complex and multifaceted man whose life was a rollercoaster of triumph and tragedy. His legacy is far more profound than a single character; it is a testament to the power of a true comedic pioneer who used his unique voice to challenge the status quo and make the world a more honest and more humorous place.
