Redd Foxx was a comedic force of nature, and his unparalleled talent for improvisation made every episode of Sanford and Son a live, unpredictable comedy show. While the scripts provided a foundation, it was Foxx’s quick wit and off-the-cuff brilliance that truly elevated the series, often leaving his co-stars (and the audience) in genuine stitches.
When Redd Went Off-Script and Made Everyone Break
Redd Foxx was notorious for veering off the script, to the delight of the audience and the occasional exasperation of the crew. His co-stars, particularly Demond Wilson (Lamont) and LaWanda Page (Aunt Esther), often struggled to keep a straight face when Foxx launched into an unscripted tirade or a perfectly timed, unexpected retort.
Many of the show’s most authentic laughs came from these unscripted moments. You can often see the actors visibly trying to suppress their smiles or outright breaking character as Foxx delivered a line that wasn’t in the script, catching them completely off guard. Directors sometimes had to call for retakes because the cast couldn’t compose themselves, but often, these genuine reactions were left in, adding to the raw, spontaneous humor that defined the show.
The Behind-the-Scenes Mayhem: Directors on Edge
The show’s production team, including creator Norman Lear, knew they had a comedic genius in Redd Foxx. While his improvisational skills were a huge asset, they also meant that filming could be unpredictable.
Directors had to be incredibly flexible, allowing Foxx the freedom to experiment while still trying to keep the episode on track. It was a delicate balance: harness his brilliance without letting the chaos completely derail the production. The live studio audience’s reactions were a key part of the show’s energy, and Foxx, with his stand-up background, knew exactly how to play to them, often extending scenes with unwritten jokes that had the crowd roaring.
Fred’s Famous Heart Attacks: Improvised or Planned?
One of Fred Sanford’s most iconic running gags was his dramatic, often feigned heart attacks, complete with him clutching his chest and calling out to his deceased wife: “It’s the big one, Elizabeth! I’m comin’ to join ya, honey!”
While this became a well-known catchphrase and was eventually written into scripts as a recurring bit, its origins are rooted in Foxx’s improvisational style. He would spontaneously launch into these exaggerated “attacks” to get out of work, avoid difficult conversations, or manipulate Lamont. Because they were so effective and hilarious, the writers recognized their comedic potential and began to incorporate them more formally into episodes. So, while they became a planned part of the show, their organic, unscripted birth is a testament to Foxx’s comedic instincts. Tragically, this running gag also led to confusion when Redd Foxx suffered a real, fatal heart attack on the set of a later show, The Royal Family, with co-stars initially thinking he was doing his famous bit.
Redd Foxx’s ability to seamlessly blend scripted lines with his unique brand of improvised humor made Sanford and Son a truly special and unforgettable viewing experience. It was a testament to his genius that every episode felt like a live performance, full of unexpected laughs and the electric energy of a comedic master at work.
