Redd Foxx (1922-1991) was an American comedian and actor best known for his starring role on the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri and dropped out of school at age 13 to join a street band. Foxx developed his raunchy comedic style performing in nightclubs, pushing boundaries with jokes about sex and racism. This style inspired other notable comedians. He became a household name for his role on the hugely successful sitcom Sanford and Son from 1972 to 1977. Later in life, Foxx struggled financially and with his health, making brief comebacks before dying of a heart attack in 1991.

1. Redd Foxx
(1922-1991)
“Esther, you so ugly. I could push
your face in dough and make gorilla
cookies!”

2. Early Life
Born on Dec. 9, 1922, in Saint
Louis, Missouri as James Elroy
Sanford.
His mother was half
Seminole.
Dropped out of school at 13 to join
a Chicago street band where he
played the washboard.

3. Early Career
Got his stage name, “Redd Foxx” because of his
reddish hair and admired baseball player, Jimmie
Foxx.
Did comedy at a night club where he was
discovered by singer Dinah Washington.
Washington introduced him to record
producer, Dootsie Williams of Dootone
records, and was impressed with his
performance at the Brass Rail night club.

4. Comedic Styles
Foxx was signed to a long term
contract where he released a series
of comedy albums.
Known for his frank, tell-like-it-is style.
Was not afraid to joke about sex or
racism. Use of blue humor.
He pushed boundaries in terms of
content. His raunchy comedic
styles inspired other comedians
such as Richard Pryor and Chris
Rock.

5. Redd Foxx on Farts

6. Sanford and Son
Was offered a role on a
1972 television series called
Sanford and Son (remake of
Steptoe and Son).
Show was a huge success;
made him a household name.
Conflicts with the writers and
producers for not reaching
out to the black audience.
Left the show in 1977.

7. Later Life
Career went downhill when he
owe million of dollars to the IRS.
Had his own show on ABC called the
Redd Foxx show in 1986. Only lasted
four months.
Made a brief comeback on
Harlem Nights with Eddie
Murphy and Richard Pryor.
Landed a role in “The Royal
Family” but died of a heart
attack in Oct. 1991.