For millions of television viewers, the phrase “It’s the big one, Elizabeth! I’m coming to join you, honey!” is a timeless piece of comedy gold. It was the signature shtick of Fred G. Sanford, the curmudgeonly junk dealer from the groundbreaking sitcom Sanford and Son. Portrayed by the legendary comedian Redd Foxx, this fake heart attack routine was a reliable source of laughter for six seasons, a perfect blend of slapstick humor and theatrical exaggeration. It was a joke so iconic that it became inseparable from the character.
But in a cruel and heartbreaking twist of fate, the very routine that brought so much laughter became a tragic reality. On October 11, 1991, while on the set of his new sitcom, The Royal Family, Redd Foxx suffered a massive heart attack. In a moment of grim and devastating irony, his castmates and crew initially thought he was joking, assuming he was performing his classic Fred Sanford routine one last time. By the time they realized it was a real medical emergency, it was too late. Redd Foxx died later that day, and the world of comedy lost a giant in a manner that sadly and tragically mirrored his most famous on-screen shtick.
The Comedy that Defined a Career
John Elroy Sanford, better known by his stage name Redd Foxx, was a comedic force of nature. Before becoming a television star, he was a successful and often controversial stand-up comedian, known for his edgy, adult-oriented humor. When he was cast as Fred Sanford in 1972, the role transformed his career, bringing his unique brand of humor to a mainstream audience.
The character of Fred G. Sanford was an exaggerated version of Foxx himself, a man who was equal parts cranky and lovable. His signature routine, the fake heart attack, was a brilliant piece of physical comedy. It was his go-to move whenever he wanted to get out of work, manipulate his son Lamont, or simply add a dramatic flourish to an argument. The pantomime was always the same: a hand to the chest, a look of wide-eyed surprise, and the dramatic call to his deceased wife, Elizabeth. It was a joke that never got old because of Foxx’s flawless delivery and impeccable comedic timing.
The joke worked because it was so clearly an act. Viewers knew Fred was playing a game. The humor came from the absurdity of his performance and the way his son, Lamont, would roll his eyes and reluctantly go along with the charade. It was a safe, funny, and predictable routine that was the comedic heartbeat of the show.
A Tragic and Haunting Parallel
The day of Redd Foxx’s death was a seemingly normal workday on the set of The Royal Family. The show, produced by Eddie Murphy, was a highly anticipated return to the small screen for Foxx. He was in the middle of a scene with his co-star, Della Reese, when he suddenly clutched his chest. According to multiple accounts from those present on set, he collapsed to the floor.
Della Reese, who was a close friend, and other cast members, believing he was rehearsing his classic Fred Sanford routine, laughed. Reese, thinking it was a joke, reportedly said, “Get up, you big fool.” The laughter on the set was a cruel echo of the laughter he had created for decades. It was a tragic moment of life imitating art, but in the worst possible way.
The initial confusion gave way to a dawning horror as Foxx did not get up. It was only when someone noticed his graying face and lack of response that the reality of the situation set in. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The cause of death was a heart attack, the very ailment he had faked for years to get laughs.
The irony of the situation was not lost on anyone who knew and loved him. The joke that had defined his career, the “big one” he had so often pretended to have, had finally arrived. It was a devastating end to a brilliant life, a final, unscripted act of a master comedian.
The Enduring Legacy
Redd Foxx’s death was a moment of profound sadness for the entertainment industry and for his legions of fans. But it also added a poignant and unforgettable layer to his legacy. The story of his final moments, while heartbreaking, is also a testament to the power of his comedy. It shows how deeply his character had embedded itself in the cultural consciousness. Even his closest friends and colleagues, in a moment of panic, expected him to pull his famous prank, a testament to the fact that his comedic performance was so authentic and so powerful that it blurred the lines between his on-screen persona and his real-life self.
The tragic irony of Redd Foxx’s death is a haunting reminder that even the most well-known comedians can’t predict how their final act will unfold. But it also serves as a final, unintentional piece of his genius. He created a routine so iconic that it became a part of the cultural zeitgeist, and in his final moments, it was the very thing that made his death so shocking and so unforgettable.
While the memory of his passing is painful, it’s also a testament to the life and career of a man who brought so much laughter into the world. His contributions to comedy and to the representation of African Americans on television are immeasurable. And in the end, even his death became a part of the rich and complex tapestry of his life, a final, unforgettable performance that cemented his status as a true legend of comedy.
