Redd Foxx was the soul of Sanford and Son, but during Season 3 in 1974, fans were shocked when Fred Sanford suddenly disappeared from several episodes. Behind the scenes, tensions were rising. Foxx had walked off the set, demanding better pay and recognition for his role in making the show a hit.
NBC was unprepared. Foxx, frustrated with the network’s refusal to grant him a share of merchandising profits and top billing, staged a walkout that lasted several weeks. The writers quickly pivoted, temporarily writing Fred out of the script and focusing on secondary characters like Grady, played by Whitman Mayo.
The tension wasn’t just contractual. Foxx also clashed with producers over creative control. He wanted the show to reflect authentic Black experiences, while the network pushed for safer comedy. Eventually, a deal was reached, and Foxx returned to the set—but the incident exposed deep divisions in Hollywood over how Black talent was treated.
Despite the behind-the-scenes conflict, the show’s quality never dipped. In fact, some fans regard Grady’s episodes as underrated gems. But when Fred returned, audiences cheered, and the ratings soared once again.
Foxx’s bold stand paved the way for future Black entertainers demanding fair compensation. It wasn’t just about money—it was about respect.
