Sanford and Son was a groundbreaking sitcom that not only entertained audiences but also had a significant impact on television history.
Redd Foxx’s Transformation into Fred Sanford
Redd Foxx, who portrayed Fred Sanford, was only 49 years old when the show began. To convincingly play his 65-year-old character, Foxx wore heavy shoes and makeup. He once said, “Just as soon as I put those big heavy shoes on and walk out there, I become Sanford—but not until then, not until I put my shoes on.”
The Iconic Theme Song
The show’s theme song, “The Streetbeater,” was composed by the legendary Quincy Jones. Interestingly, the track wasn’t originally intended for the show. Jones later remarked that he wrote the piece to capture the essence of Fred Sanford’s character.
A Show That Killed The Brady Bunch
In a surprising twist, Sanford and Son was partly responsible for the cancellation of The Brady Bunch. The latter’s ratings declined as viewers tuned into Sanford and Son, leading to its end in 1974.
