Sanford and Son: 10 Surprising Secrets About Life in the Comic Junkyard
For five years in the 1970s, NBC’s Sanford and Son delivered a dose of unapologetic, gut-busting laughter that made it a cultural touchstone. The series, which followed the hilarious exploits of grumpy junk dealer Fred G. Sanford and his long-suffering son, Lamont, was more than just a sitcom. It was a show that broke ground, challenged norms, and delivered some of the most memorable catchphrases in television history.
But behind the iconic front door of their Watts junkyard, the reality of life on set was far more complex than a simple family sitcom. From bitter feuds and surprising casting choices to creative battles and personal tragedies, the world of Sanford and Son was filled with its own brand of dramatic irony. As we revisit this timeless classic, we’ll uncover 10 surprising secrets that reveal the true, fascinating story of what happened behind the scenes.
1. It Was a British Import
Many American sitcoms are adapted from foreign formats, but few people realize that Sanford and Son was a direct remake of a popular British show. The series was based on the BBC sitcom, Steptoe and Son, which ran from 1962 to 1974. The original series also featured a junk-dealing father and son duo in a love-hate relationship. Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, the visionary producers who brought All in the Family to the States, were so impressed with the British show’s biting humor and poignant social commentary that they decided to bring it to an American audience, with a fresh, Black perspective.
2. Redd Foxx Was Much Younger Than His Character
One of the show’s biggest surprises is that Redd Foxx, the legendary comedian who played the curmudgeonly 65-year-old Fred Sanford, was actually much younger. When the series premiered in 1972, Foxx was just 49 years old. He used makeup and his trademark slow shuffle to give the illusion of an elderly man. The transformation was so convincing that many people, including the show’s crew, forgot his real age. This was a testament to his acting skill and his ability to fully inhabit the character.
3. The Name “Fred G. Sanford” Was a Tribute
The character’s name was a deeply personal one for Redd Foxx. His birth name was John Elroy Sanford. He gave his on-screen persona the name Fred G. Sanford as a tribute to both his older brother, Fred Sanford, who had passed away years earlier, and his father, whose name was also Fred. The “G” in the name, which Fred famously claimed stood for a different word in almost every episode, was simply a comedic flourish.
4. There Was a Major Feud Between the Stars
The on-screen chemistry between Redd Foxx and his co-star, Demond Wilson, was a joy to behold. Their back-and-forth banter was the heart of the show. However, behind the scenes, their relationship was far from perfect. While they started as friends, a deep-seated feud developed over time. The tension stemmed from Foxx’s recurring contract disputes and his resentment that Wilson, as a younger actor, was not as supportive of his demands for a bigger cut. The two had a complicated relationship that included moments of genuine affection and periods of professional animosity.
5. Redd Foxx Walked Off the Set, and the Show Kept Going
In 1974, Redd Foxx, frustrated with his contract and salary, walked off the set in the middle of Season 3. He demanded a higher salary and a larger ownership stake in the show. NBC refused, and for six episodes, the show continued without its main star. The writers created a storyline where Fred Sanford went to St. Louis for a funeral, leaving his friend, Grady Wilson (played by Whitman Mayo), in charge. The episodes centered on Grady and Lamont and were surprisingly successful, proving that the show could survive without its lead. Foxx eventually returned after a settlement was reached, but the incident left a mark on the cast and crew.
6. The Heart Attack Was Inspired by Redd Foxx’s Mother
Fred Sanford’s signature catchphrase, “This is the big one, Elizabeth! I’m coming to join you,” became a television classic. This running gag where he would feign a heart attack to get his way was a comedic highlight of almost every episode. This iconic routine was inspired by a real-life family member. Redd Foxx based the routine on his own mother, who would exaggerate her illnesses to get her kids to do what she wanted. It was a unique, personal touch that added another layer of humor to the character.
7. The Show’s Set Was a Real-Life Junkyard
While most sitcom sets are built on soundstages, the famous junkyard of Sanford and Son was meticulously recreated to look authentic. The production crew rented a real-life junkyard in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles and meticulously built the set, including the famous house and the piles of junk. The details were so accurate that locals often mistook it for a real junkyard. This commitment to realism helped ground the show’s comedy in a lived-in, relatable world.
8. The Show Almost Didn’t Happen at CBS
Before landing at NBC, Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin pitched Sanford and Son to CBS, the same network that aired their hit show All in the Family. However, CBS executives passed on the show. The then-president of CBS, Fred Silverman, later admitted it was a major mistake. He said he didn’t understand why they needed a show about a “Black family” when they already had All in the Family. The show’s eventual success on a rival network was a major blow to CBS.
9. Demond Wilson’s Real Name Was Used for a Character
In a clever and unique tribute, the character of Grady Wilson, who starred in the show during Foxx’s walkout, was named after Demond Wilson. The actor’s full name is Grady Demond Wilson. The show’s producers decided to use his middle name for the character, a move that pleased the actor.
10. The Star Died Just Like His Character
In a tragic and ironic twist of fate, Redd Foxx died of a heart attack on a television set in 1991. He was rehearsing for the sitcom The Royal Family when he collapsed. His co-stars, including Della Reese, initially thought he was doing his famous Fred Sanford heart attack routine. It was a devastating moment, as the comedy he had perfected in his most famous role became a terrifying reality.
The tragic passing of Redd Foxx is a stark reminder of the fragile line between comedy and drama. His life and the show he created were a mix of both. The secrets of the junkyard reveal a truth that goes beyond television: behind every perfect comedic performance lies a complex human story, full of triumph, conflict, and heartbreak.
