By Admin 
When people search for Redd Foxx net worth, they are not only curious about how much money he made but also about the fascinating, complex, and sometimes tragic life behind the laughter. Redd Foxx was more than a comedian—he was a pioneer who reshaped stand-up comedy, broke barriers on television, and influenced generations of performers. Despite achieving massive fame and earning millions during his career, his financial story was filled with sharp highs and painful lows.
This article explores who Redd Foxx was, his age, net worth, family background, father and mother, brothers and sisters, marriages, relationships, and whether he had children, offering a complete and detailed portrait of his life.
Who Is Redd Foxx?
Redd Foxx was an American stand-up comedian and actor best known for playing Fred G. Sanford on the hit television sitcom Sanford and Son. He was widely referred to as the “King of Party Records” due to his groundbreaking and uncensored comedy albums, which pushed boundaries long before mainstream audiences were ready for them.
Unlike many comedians of his era, Redd Foxx built his career through nightclubs, Chitlin’ Circuit performances, and raw stand-up routines that spoke directly to working-class audiences. His influence can be seen in later comedy legends such as Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock.
Redd Foxx Age and Early Life
Redd Foxx was born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. He later moved to Chicago and eventually to Los Angeles, where his entertainment career began to take shape.
He passed away on October 11, 1991, at the age of 68, after suffering a heart attack while rehearsing on the set of a television show. In a moment that tragically mirrored his on-screen character, some crew members initially believed he was joking—a reflection of how closely his real life was associated with comedy.
Redd Foxx Net Worth: How Much Was He Really Worth?
The topic of Redd Foxx net worth is often misunderstood and widely debated. During the height of his career in the 1970s, Foxx earned millions of dollars, particularly from Sanford and Son, one of the highest-rated shows of its era.
Estimated Net Worth at Peak
At his peak, Redd Foxx reportedly earned:
- Up to $40,000 per episode of Sanford and Son (a massive sum at the time)
- Significant income from stand-up tours and comedy albums
- Additional revenue from film appearances and television guest roles
Some estimates place his peak net worth at $3–5 million.
Financial Decline and Debt
Despite his success, Redd Foxx struggled heavily with money management. He lived an extravagant lifestyle, spending large sums on:
- Luxury cars
- Jewelry
- Real estate
- Generous gifts to friends and partners
More critically, he failed to pay income taxes for several years. By the late 1980s, the IRS had placed liens on his property, and reports suggest that Redd Foxx died owing millions in back taxes and debts.
Net Worth at Death
At the time of his death in 1991, multiple sources indicate that Redd Foxx’s net worth may have been negative, with estimates suggesting he owed up to $5 million. This makes his story a powerful cautionary tale about fame, wealth, and financial responsibility.
Redd Foxx Family Background
Father
Redd Foxx’s father was Fred Sanford, an electrician and auto mechanic. His father left the family when Redd was still very young, which deeply affected his upbringing. Interestingly, Foxx later used his father’s name for his most famous television character, Fred Sanford, perhaps as a way of reclaiming or reimagining that relationship.
Mother
His mother, Mary Hughes Sanford, played a major role in raising him. She was of African-American and Seminole ancestry and worked hard to support her son. After her death, Redd was largely raised by his grandmother, who remained a strong influence in his life.
Brothers and Sisters
Redd Foxx had siblings, though information about them is limited.
- He had one older brother, Fred Sanford Jr., whose name again inspired elements of Sanford and Son.
- Another sibling reportedly died in infancy.
Redd Foxx rarely spoke publicly about his siblings, choosing instead to focus interviews on his career and comedic philosophy.
Relationships and Love Life
Redd Foxx was known not only for his humor but also for his complicated romantic life. He was charismatic, generous, and often impulsive when it came to relationships. Over the course of his life, he was married four times, and each marriage reflected a different phase of his career.
Who Was Redd Foxx Married To?
First Marriage: Evelyn Killebrew
- Married in 1948
- Divorced in 1951
Evelyn Killebrew This marriage took place before Foxx became famous and ended quietly.
Second Marriage: Betty Jean Harris
- Married in 1956
- Divorced in 1975
This was his longest and most significant marriage. Betty Jean Harris was a singer, and during this marriage, Redd Foxx adopted her daughter, forming the closest thing he had to a traditional family life.
Third Marriage: Yun Chi Chung
- Married in 1976
- Divorced in 1981
The marriage attracted media attention due to their age difference and cultural backgrounds, but it ultimately did not last.
Fourth Marriage: Ka Ho Cho
- Married in 1991
- Remained married until his death later that same year
This was his final marriage and lasted only a few months before his sudden passing.
Did Redd Foxx Have Kids?
Redd Foxx did not have any biological children. However, he did have one adopted daughter, Debraca Denise Foxx, whom he adopted during his marriage to Betty Jean Harris.
Debraca remained connected to him throughout his life and was considered his child in every meaningful sense. After his death, legal disputes arose over his estate, highlighting once again the financial complications that followed him even after he was gone.
Career Legacy and Cultural Impact
Redd Foxx’s influence on comedy cannot be overstated. Long before profanity and raw humor were mainstream, he was selling comedy records out of car trunks and performing routines that reflected real life without filters.
His work:
- Helped pave the way for modern stand-up comedy
- Brought Black working-class stories into American living rooms
- Inspired countless comedians across generations
Even today, Sanford and Son remains a cultural touchstone, and Foxx’s stand-up albums are studied by aspiring comedians.
Tragic Irony of Fame and Fortune
The story behind Redd Foxx net worth is deeply ironic. A man who made millions making people laugh ultimately struggled with financial ruin. His life serves as both inspiration and warning—proof that talent can bring success, but discipline is needed to sustain it.
Final Thoughts
Redd Foxx lived loudly, laughed boldly, and left an unforgettable mark on entertainment history. His life story—full of brilliance, excess, hardship, and humor—continues to fascinate fans decades after his death. From his humble beginnings to massive fame and financial struggles, the story of Redd Foxx is one worth telling and retelling.
Articles like this on legendary figures help preserve cultural history, and platforms like primeheadlines play an important role in sharing these stories with new generations of readers.