For an entire generation, the name Redd Foxx is synonymous with one thing: Fred G. Sanford, the curmudgeonly, junk-dealing patriarch of the iconic 1970s sitcom, Sanford and Son. With his signature cry of “Elizabeth, I’m comin’!” and his hilarious, fake heart attacks, Foxx created a character that has been a television staple for decades. But while Fred Sanford’s antics are forever ingrained in pop culture, the man who brought him to life was far more complex, influential, and, at times, tragic than his beloved character.
Behind the loud-mouthed, fast-talking junkman was a comedic pioneer who battled personal demons and faced incredible challenges. From his groundbreaking stand-up career to his financial woes and the shocking irony of his death, here are five things you probably didn’t know about the legendary Redd Foxx.
1. His Real Name Was John Elroy Sanford
Before he was known as Redd Foxx, the man who would become a comedic icon was born John Elroy Sanford. His stage name was a nod to his distinctive red hair, which was a common feature among many Black performers of the era. The “Foxx” came from his cunning and sharp wit, a trait he shared with the sly animal. He began using the name while working as a stand-up comedian in the vaudeville circuit and comedy clubs of the 1940s. He later changed his last name legally to “Foxx.”
The humor of his iconic character, Fred G. Sanford, was drawn directly from his own life. The “G” in his character’s name stood for “Grier,” a tribute to his older brother, and many of the show’s memorable stories and quick-witted lines were inspired by his own experiences. It’s a powerful reminder that while the character of Fred Sanford was a work of fiction, the humor and soul that Redd Foxx brought to the role were entirely his own.
2. He Was a Pioneer of Adult Stand-Up Comedy
Before he became a television star, Redd Foxx was a titan of the stand-up comedy world, a trail-blazer whose career predated the mainstream success of comedians like Richard Pryor and George Carlin. He was a staple of the “Chitlin’ Circuit,” a network of theaters and venues that catered to African-American performers and audiences during the era of segregation. Foxx’s act was unapologetically raw and unfiltered, focusing on adult themes, race, and everyday life in a way that was both shocking and hilarious for his time.
He released over 50 comedy albums, many of which were uncensored and sold in record shops exclusively for Black audiences. His comedy was a revolutionary act, breaking down barriers and proving that a Black comedian could command a stage with material that was not sanitized for a white audience. Foxx’s influence on a new generation of comedians, including Richard Pryor, was immense. Pryor, who would go on to change the face of stand-up himself, openly acknowledged that Redd Foxx was his idol and a major influence on his own work.
3. He Struggled with the IRS for Decades
One of the most tragic and little-known aspects of Redd Foxx’s life was his long-running and devastating battle with the IRS. Despite his immense success as the star of Sanford and Son, Foxx’s finances were in constant disarray. He was a notoriously generous man, known for giving away money to friends and family, and he also had a penchant for expensive cars and extravagant living.
However, the bigger issue was a series of mismanagement and poor financial advice. In 1989, the IRS seized almost all of his assets, including his home and his personal property, forcing him into bankruptcy. The IRS claimed he owed them over $3 million in back taxes and penalties. The financial struggles haunted him for the rest of his life, forcing him to continue working well into his later years. This financial pressure was a constant source of stress and humiliation for a man who had earned so much. His life was a poignant reminder that immense fame and wealth do not always guarantee financial security.
4. The Tragic and Ironic Coincidence of His Death
On October 11, 1991, Redd Foxx was on the set of his new show, The Royal Family, with his co-star Della Reese. The show was a return to television for the comedy legend, a chance for a new beginning. In a cruel twist of fate, as he was rehearsing a scene, he suffered a massive heart attack. In a moment of tragic irony, he fell to the floor, and his cast and crew, including Della Reese, believed he was simply re-enacting the famous “heart attack” gag from Sanford and Son.
He was joking and laughing just moments before, and when he collapsed, his colleagues laughed, thinking he was performing his classic bit. It was not until he failed to get up that they realized the horrifying truth. Redd Foxx was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. He died at the age of 68. The moment was a shocking and surreal end for a man who had made a career out of faking a heart attack for a laugh.
5. He Was a Mentor to Other Black Comedians
Beyond his own career, Redd Foxx was a powerful and influential mentor to a new generation of Black comedians. He understood the difficulties of breaking into the comedy world and was fiercely loyal to those who were just starting out. He famously helped a young Richard Pryor secure a job and gave him a platform to hone his craft. Foxx saw the immense talent in Pryor and used his own influence to open doors for him and other emerging Black artists.
He was known for his generosity and his willingness to share his wisdom with younger comedians. His work on Sanford and Son paved the way for other Black-led sitcoms, proving to television executives that Black stories were not only marketable but could be incredibly popular with audiences of all backgrounds. He left behind a legacy that goes beyond his jokes and television shows; he was a true trailblazer who opened doors for countless others to follow.
