While Fred Sanford stirred the pot, Bubba was often the laid-back presence in the room—the kind of friend who could make you laugh with just a few words.
Don Bexley, the actor behind Bubba, didn’t need flashy lines or over-the-top delivery. His gift was subtlety. Bubba’s role as Fred’s longtime friend and poker buddy made him a consistent, lovable face throughout the series. Whenever he strolled into the junkyard with a casual “Hey, Fred,” audiences knew they were in for something good.
“Bubba never stole the show, but he always made it better,” one fan recalled. “He was the calm in the chaos.”
Bexley, who started in vaudeville and nightclubs, brought decades of stage experience to the screen. His easy charm and quiet timing made Bubba feel like the friend you’ve known forever.
Though Don Bexley passed away in 1997, his work on Sanford and Son continues to remind us that even the most laid-back roles can leave a lasting mark.
