San Diego, California, USA — John Elroy Sanford, better known by his stage name Redd Foxx, the pioneering comedian and actor beloved for his role on Sanford and Son and his influence on stand‑up comedy, died on October 11, 1991, at age 68.
Redd Foxx was a trailblazer in comedy whose raw, fearless humor and expressive stage presence made him one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Born December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, Foxx grew up in a working‑class family and began performing in nightclubs in the 1940s, developing a comedic style that combined sharp wit, storytelling, and candid observations about life.
Foxx’s early career in nightclub comedy and recordings earned him a devoted audience. By the 1960s and 1970s he had become a popular figure in urban comedy circuits and released several acclaimed comedy albums. His stand‑up work broke new ground in how African‑American humor was presented to wider audiences and influenced countless comedians who followed.
His greatest television breakthrough came in 1972 with the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, in which he starred as Fred G. Sanford, a gruff yet lovable junk dealer. The show was a hit and became a defining program of 1970s television, notable for its humor and for bringing African‑American characters to mainstream network TV in nuanced, leading roles.
Foxx’s on‑screen chemistry with co‑star Demond Wilson, who played his son Lamont Sanford, helped make Sanford and Son a cultural touchstone. The character of Fred Sanford — with his quick comebacks and exaggerated reactions — became iconic.
In addition to television and comedy, Foxx appeared in films and continued stand‑up work throughout his career. Off stage and screen, he was known as a generous, charismatic figure who played a key role in broadening the reach of Black entertainers in comedy and television.
Cause of Death: Redd Foxx died from a heart attack at his home in Henderson, Nevada, on October 11, 1991. He was 68 years old. Foxx had a history of heart disease, and his death came while he was at home following a comedy performance tour.
His legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work, the many comedians he inspired, and the enduring popularity of Sanford and Son in syndication.
