Talk with Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx was a prominent American comedian and actor, best known for his sharp comedic style and his role as Fred G. Sanford on the hit television show "Sanford and Son," which aired from 1972 to 1977. Born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, he gained fame for his nightclub acts during the 1950s and 1960s. Foxx was known for his raunchy stand-up routines, which led to several successful comedy albums.

His stage name, Redd Foxx, was derived partly from his reddish hair and partly from the baseball star Jimmie Foxx. He moved to New York to pursue a career in comedy and eventually became known for his unique style, combining sharp wit and blunt sociopolitical insights, often dealing with racial and ethnic relations, which was groundbreaking at the time.

Foxx's portrayal of the cranky, loveable junk dealer Fred Sanford in "Sanford and Son" made him a household name and further cemented his legacy in entertainment. Fred’s character was notorious for his feigned heart attacks and catchphrase, "I'm coming to join ya, Elizabeth," which he would exclaim whenever he found himself in a stressful situation, referencing his deceased wife in the show.

Beyond "Sanford and Son," Foxx appeared in a variety of other television and film projects, maintaining his role as a pioneering figure in the development of stand-up comedy. He encountered financial and health problems later in his life and passed away on October 11, 1991, from a heart attack. Despite his passing, Redd Foxx left a significant impact on the world of comedy, paving the way for future generations of comedians.

"Sanford and Son" was a pivotal show in Redd Foxx's career, marking his transition from a successful stand-up comedian to a television star. The sitcom aired on NBC from 1972 to 1977 and was based on the British show "Steptoe and Son." Redd Foxx played the role of Fred G. Sanford, a cantankerous and witty junk dealer living with his earnest and more level-headed son, Lamont, in Watts, Los Angeles.

This role was significant for Foxx as it showcased his sharp comedic timing and distinctive delivery, which were instrumental in the show's success. Fred Sanford, characterized by his feigned heart attacks and humorous insults, became an iconic character in American television, largely due to Foxx’s own comedic style and persona.

"Sanford and Son" also played a key role in expanding roles for African American actors on television, by featuring a predominantly African American cast and exploring themes relevant to the community. This helped propel Redd Foxx into a household name status and solidified his place in entertainment history. The success of the show also opened doors for him in other acting roles and participation in various other TV and film projects.

Overall, "Sanford and Son" had a monumental impact on Foxx's career by not only highlighting his talent and thereby increasing his popularity but also by contributing significantly to his legacy in the world of entertainment.

Redd Foxx developed his comedic style through a combination of personal experiences, sharp observation, and an innate sense of timing and rhythm, which were crucial in his performances. Born in 1922 as John Elroy Sanford in St. Louis, Missouri, Foxx grew up in Chicago's South Side, a setting that introduced him to a vibrant mix of characters and situations that later influenced his comedic persona.

Foxx began performing stand-up comedy in the early 1940s, starting in the Chitlin' Circuit, a collection of venues safe for African American performers during a time of racial segregation in the United States. His early performances were marked by a gritty, blunt comedic style that reflected the racial and social realities of his audience. He was known for working blue, performing sets that included profanity and adult content, which was daring for the time and set him apart from more mainstream acts.

His comedy also drew heavily from everyday life and the absurdities of human behavior, often using observational humor that resonated well with his audiences. Moreover, Redd Foxx had an incredible ability to use facial expressions, gestures, and vocal inflections to enhance his storytelling, making mundane stories hilariously engaging.

His breakthrough into mainstream success came with his role as Fred G. Sanford in the 1970s sitcom "Sanford and Son," where he was able to translate his stand-up persona into a character that appealed to a wider audience, without losing his edge. The character of Fred Sanford was cranky and sharp-tongued, much like the persona Foxx cultivated on stage.

Overall, Foxx's style was a blend of edgy racial satire, unfiltered observations, and a charismatic stage presence which allowed him to connect deeply with his audience and influenced many comedians who followed.

Redd Foxx's comedic style evolved significantly over the course of his career. Initially, he gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s for his raunchy nightclub acts and comedy albums that were considered quite risqué for the time. These performances often contained explicit content, ethnic humor, and were marked by his unique ability to tell extended jokes with punchy, surprising endings. His albums frequently carried warnings about their explicit content and were groundbreaking in their open discussion of race and sexuality.

As he transitioned to television with the hit series "Sanford and Son" in the early 1970s, Foxx's comedy became more accessible to a broader audience. While he maintained his sharp wit and timing, the content was necessarily cleaner and more toned down to meet network standards. In "Sanford and Son," Foxx portrayed Fred G. Sanford, a cantankerous but endearing junk dealer with a penchant for get-rich-quick schemes and feigning heart attacks. His character often broke the fourth wall with sarcastic asides and dealt with themes of poverty, race, and family with humor and heart, which resonated with a wide demographic.

Throughout his television career, including later shows like "The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour," "The Royal Family," and guest appearances on various other shows, Foxx's ability to adapt his style to different audiences and mediums while maintaining his comedic identity was evident. Despite the cleaner content required by television, his humor never lost its edge or its ability to push boundaries, and he remained influential among comedians for his pioneering approach to stand-up and television comedy.

Redd Foxx faced several challenges throughout his career, most notably racial barriers and financial struggles.

1. Racial Barriers: Foxx began his career during a time when the United States was heavily segregated by race. Opportunities for black entertainers were limited, and they often faced discrimination. Foxx's style of comedy, which was revolutionary at the time for its candid explorations of race and society, helped pave the way for other African American comedians. Despite his success, he had to navigate a cultural landscape that was often hostile to African Americans.

2. Financial Issues: Despite achieving significant success, especially with his role on the television show "Sanford and Son," Foxx experienced serious financial issues. These were partly due to his lavish lifestyle and poor financial management. He encountered problems with the IRS, leading to notable incidents such as a raid during one of his performances and the seizure of his property.

3. Career Volatility: Foxx's career had its ups and downs. After the end of "Sanford and Son," he struggled to replicate his previous success. His attempts to revive his career with new shows often didn't meet expectations or sustain long-term success.

4. Typecasting: Foxx was also challenged by typecasting. His iconic role as Fred Sanford made it difficult for audiences and Hollywood alike to see him in different roles, limiting his opportunities in more varied projects.

These challenges notwithstanding, Redd Foxx is remembered as a pioneering figure in stand-up comedy and television, known for breaking new ground and opening doors for generations of comedians that followed.

Redd Foxx died on October 11, 1991, from a heart attack. He was on the set of his television show "The Royal Family" at the time of his collapse, which many initially thought might have been a joke, considering his famous fake heart attacks as the character Fred Sanford on "Sanford and Son." However, it was a real heart attack, and he was taken to a hospital where he died later that evening.

Yes, Eddie Murphy did pay for Redd Foxx's funeral. Redd Foxx passed away in 1991, and at the time of his death, he was experiencing significant financial difficulties. Eddie Murphy, who admired Foxx and had worked with him on the film "Harlem Nights," stepped in to cover the expenses of Foxx's funeral. This gesture was seen as a mark of respect and appreciation for Foxx's influence on Murphy's own career in comedy.

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