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Redd Foxx

What is redd foxx?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Full name John Elroy Sanford[1]
Born December 9, 1922[1]
Birthplace St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.[1]
Died October 11, 1991[1]
Known for Sanford and Son[2]

Redd Foxx was the stage name of John Elroy Sanford, an American comedian and actor known for his raunchy stand-up and starring in the TV series *Sanford and Son*.

Context

Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford, was an American comedian and actor. He gained fame with a raunchy nightclub act and later starred in the TV series *Sanford and Son*. His comedy style featured foul language and adult subject matter. Turner Classic Movies notes that his underground success with X-rated comedy records led to mainstream stardom as Fred Sanford [3]. He is sometimes confused with actor Jamie Foxx, but they are unrelated.

Documented claims

  • Redd Foxx was known for his raunchy stand-up comedy. [2]
  • He starred in the NBC series Sanford and Son from 1972 to 1977. [2]
  • His underground success with X-rated comedy records led to mainstream stardom. [3]

Questions and answers

What was the cause of Redd Foxx's death?

The cause of death is not specified in the available sources.

How old was Redd Foxx while doing Sanford and Son?

He was in his 50s during the show's run from 1972 to 1977 [2].

Why did Eddie Murphy pay for Redd Foxx's funeral?

The sources do not mention Eddie Murphy's involvement.

Sources

  1. Redd Foxx | Biography, Comedy, Sanford and Son, & Facts — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Redd Foxx - BLACK HISTORY MINI DOCS — blackhistoryminidocs.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Redd Foxx - SHSMO Historic Missourians — historicmissourians.shsmo.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People