For millions of television viewers in the 1970s, the name Fred G. Sanford was synonymous with cranky-but-lovable humor. As the star of the groundbreaking sitcom Sanford and Son, Redd Foxx created an unforgettable character—a junkyard curmudgeon who constantly faked heart attacks, traded hilarious insults with his son Lamont, and was always just a step away from a new get-rich-quick scheme. His signature catchphrases like “You big dummy!” and “I’m coming, Elizabeth!” are etched into the pop culture lexicon. But while the world knew him as Redd Foxx, and his on-screen alter ego as Fred G. Sanford, the man himself was born with a name that is far more ordinary, and its story is as fascinating as his rise to fame.
The legendary comedian’s real name was John Elroy Sanford. It’s a name that lacks the punch and personality of “Redd Foxx,” and that was exactly the point. The journey from John Elroy Sanford, a young man growing up in St. Louis and Chicago, to the celebrated icon of comedy, was a long and arduous one. It was a transformation that began in the smoky, dimly lit clubs of the Chitlin’ Circuit and culminated in Hollywood stardom. The name “Redd Foxx” wasn’t just a stage name; it was a carefully crafted persona that embodied his bold, boundary-pushing comedy. And in a fitting tribute, his most famous character would carry the real name of the man who created him.
From John Elroy Sanford to Redd Foxx
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 9, 1922, John Elroy Sanford’s early life was marked by struggle and a restless spirit. As a teenager, he and his family moved to Chicago, where he met fellow aspiring comedians and musicians. He was a master of his craft, but he needed a name that could stand out.
The name “Redd Foxx” was a combination of two personal elements. The “Redd” came from his nickname, which he earned for his reddish hair and complexion. It was a simple, memorable handle that set him apart. The “Foxx” was a tribute to his quick wit and cunning. He liked the alliteration and the way it sounded. He also added a double ‘x’ at the end for an extra flair. The name was a perfect fit for his comedic style—unapologetic, sharp, and full of sly wit.
Before he became a household name, Redd Foxx was a giant in the world of stand-up comedy. He spent decades honing his craft in what was known as the “Chitlin’ Circuit,” a network of venues in the American South and East that provided a stage for Black entertainers during the Jim Crow era. His humor was raw, explicit, and unflinchingly honest. He told jokes about race, sex, and everyday life in a way that had never been done before. He was known as “the King of the Party Records,” because his albums, which were too raunchy for mainstream radio, were sold primarily from under the counter and were highly sought after.
The Man Behind the Character: Fred G. Sanford
When the opportunity for a television sitcom came knocking, Redd Foxx was initially hesitant. He was a stand-up comedian, and the idea of a family-friendly sitcom seemed at odds with his entire persona. Norman Lear, the legendary producer who created Sanford and Son, saw the brilliance in Foxx’s comedy and was convinced that his on-stage energy and unique rhythm could be translated to the small screen.
Lear and his team worked to create a character that was a perfect vehicle for Foxx’s talents. The character, a widowed junk dealer living in Watts, California, would be named Fred G. Sanford. This was more than just a coincidence. The name “Fred Sanford” was a direct homage to Redd Foxx’s older brother, Fred Sanford. By giving his on-screen character his brother’s name, Redd Foxx was grounding the role in his own life, a decision that gave the character a lived-in authenticity.
The “G” in Fred G. Sanford was an added touch of humor, with the character famously saying it stood for “nothing” to his son Lamont, a running gag that spoke to the character’s mischievous and irreverent nature. This blurring of lines between the man and the character was essential to the show’s success. Audiences weren’t just watching an actor; they were watching a version of the real Redd Foxx, a man who had seen the world and wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was.
The Legacy of John Elroy Sanford
The journey from John Elroy Sanford to the icon we know as Redd Foxx is a testament to the power of reinvention. He was a man who, at every stage of his career, understood the importance of creating a compelling identity. The name “Redd Foxx” was a brand, a promise of a certain type of comedy that was bold, authentic, and hilarious.
He paved the way for a generation of comedians who would follow in his footsteps. His unapologetic style influenced everyone from Richard Pryor to Eddie Murphy. He proved that a comedian could be a successful actor without sanitizing their persona.
In a bittersweet ending to his incredible life, John Elroy Sanford died while on the set of a sitcom, just as he had lived—making people laugh. He collapsed during a rehearsal for his new show, The Royal Family, from a massive heart attack. In a moment of tragic irony, the cast and crew initially thought he was doing his famous “I’m coming, Elizabeth!” routine. It was a tragic end, but it was also a testament to his dedication to his craft. He was doing what he loved, right to the very end.
The name “Fred G. Sanford” may have been his most famous, but it was the name he was born with, John Elroy Sanford, and the name he chose for himself, Redd Foxx, that truly tells his story. It’s a story of a man who worked tirelessly to hone his craft, a man who transformed himself from an unknown to a legend, and a man whose legacy continues to bring laughter to generations of people who might not even know his real name.
