The death of Redd Foxx in 1991 was a moment of profound, painful irony for the entertainment world. The man who had made millions laugh as the perpetually grumpy, heart-attack-faking Fred G. Sanford on Sanford and Son collapsed from a real heart attack on a television set. The tragedy, however, did not end with his final curtain call. It was compounded by the devastating revelation of his financial ruin.
At the time of his death, the comedy legend was not only broke but reportedly owed the IRS over $3.6 million in back taxes. In a quiet, powerful act of respect and generosity, it was comedy superstar Eddie Murphy—a man who owed his career to the path Foxx had paved—who stepped in to cover all of the burial and funeral expenses, ensuring the influential comedian received a dignified final resting place. This is the story of a silent tribute, a debt of gratitude paid to a comedic giant.
The Unbelievable Collapse of a Fortune
Redd Foxx’s financial demise is a cautionary tale of Hollywood excess, poor management, and the unforgiving reach of the IRS. At the height of his career, Foxx was one of the highest-paid stars on television, reportedly earning $4 million in a single year. He commanded a lucrative salary for Sanford and Son and became a prominent figure on the Las Vegas strip.
However, his lavish lifestyle, a series of costly divorces, and what he candidly referred to as “very bad management” quickly depleted his fortune. By the 1980s, the financial reckoning began.
The true depths of his financial despair were laid bare in 1989 when the IRS seized nearly all of his assets at his Las Vegas home. Federal agents confiscated his house, seven cars (including classic models), jewelry, cash, and all of his possessions, reportedly leaving him only his bed.
Foxx publicly detailed his humiliation, saying he was treated “like I wasn’t human at all.” The seizure only covered a fraction of what he owed. He was forced to scramble for work, clinging to the hope of a comeback to pay down his mounting debt, which swelled to over $3 million by 1991.
A Final, Cruel Irony on Set
In a bid to rebuild his career and pay his debts, Foxx teamed up with his mentee, Eddie Murphy, who was a producer on the new sitcom ‘The Royal Family.’ The show was Foxx’s shot at redemption, a chance to get back on his feet.
On October 11, 1991, during a rehearsal for the show, Redd Foxx did what millions had watched him do countless times on TV: he grabbed his chest and collapsed to the floor. The scene was tragically mistaken for one of his famous, exaggerated “I’m coming, Elizabeth!” fake heart attacks from Sanford and Son. Co-star Della Reese and the crew, having seen the routine so often, initially laughed, thinking he was goofing around.
By the time they realized the comedy king was truly in distress, it was too late. Foxx was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead hours later at the age of 68. He died still owing millions to the government, without enough assets for a proper burial.
The Debt of Gratitude: Eddie Murphy Steps In
The relationship between Eddie Murphy and Redd Foxx was one of comedy reverence. Foxx was a foundational influence on Murphy and countless other comedians, a trailblazer in stand-up comedy who brought an uncensored, brilliant perspective to the mainstream. Murphy had championed Foxx, not only by producing ‘The Royal Family’ as a vehicle for his comeback but also by trying to help him negotiate his IRS payment plan.
When Foxx passed away with literally nothing left to his name, his widow, Ka Ho Cho, was unable to afford the necessary expenses for a funeral plot or headstone.
It was at this critical, heartbreaking juncture that Eddie Murphy quietly took charge. Recognizing the immense debt the comedy world—and he personally—owed to Foxx, Murphy covered the entire cost of the burial and funeral. This wasn’t a public relations move; it was a deeply personal, unsolicited gesture to ensure a legend was given the farewell he deserved.
In an interview years later, Murphy reflected on the burden of witnessing the tragic financial ends of many entertainers, stating:
“I buried Redd Foxx. I literally had to bury Redd Foxx. I buried so many people over the years. For some strange reason, a lot of people in show business, when they die, they don’t have their stuff in order.”
Murphy’s act of kindness was more than just a financial transaction. It was the ultimate acknowledgment of Foxx’s legacy, a profound statement that the man who paved the way for modern Black comedy would not be left to fade into obscurity over a monetary debt. He ensured Redd Foxx’s resting place at Palm Memorial Park in Las Vegas was secured and dignified.
A Legacy Transcending Wealth
Redd Foxx’s story is a stark reminder of the transient nature of fame and fortune in the entertainment industry. A man who once earned $4 million in a year died owing over $3 million, his last days overshadowed by debt collectors.
However, the enduring image is not one of financial failure but of the solidarity and respect shown by the generation he inspired. Eddie Murphy’s quiet contribution ensured that the legend of Redd Foxx would be remembered for his unparalleled talent and his influence on comedy, rather than the tragic state of his bank account.
The final resting place of Redd Foxx, which was paid for by his admirer and successor, is a monument to the lasting bonds created in the world of comedy and a testament to the quiet generosity of a star paying a final, profound debt of gratitude.
