Redd Foxx Net Worth

The Tragic Tale of Redd Foxx’s Net Worth: From Comedy King to Financial Struggles

Introduction: The Legacy of Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx, a name synonymous with comedy, is remembered for his groundbreaking humor and his iconic role as Fred G. Sanford in the television series “Sanford and Son.” However, behind the laughter and the success lay a story of financial struggles that ultimately overshadowed his comedic achievements. This article delves into the complex financial life of Redd Foxx, exploring his net worth, his career highlights, and the circumstances that led to his significant debt at the time of his death. We’ll examine the factors that contributed to his financial woes, and how they affected his life and legacy.

Early Life and the Rise to Fame

Born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, Redd Foxx’s journey to stardom began in his early years. His father, Fred Sanford, was an electrician and auto mechanic who left the family when Foxx was just four years old. He was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother in Chicago and developed an interest in performing at a young age. At 16, he showcased his talents on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour radio show. Foxx honed his comedic skills in nightclubs, performing stand-up routines that earned him the title “King of the Party Records.” His explicit comedy albums, released throughout the 1950s and 1960s, became cult favorites and solidified his status as a comedic icon. In 2004, Comedy Central recognized his impact, naming him the 24th best stand-up comedian of all time.

Sanford and Son: The Peak of Success and Salary Disputes

Redd Foxx’s move into mainstream media came with his starring role in “Sanford and Son.” This sitcom, an adaptation of the British series “Steptoe and Son,” featured Foxx as Fred G. Sanford and Demond Wilson as his son, Lamont. The show was a critical and commercial success, premiering in 1972 and running for six seasons. “Sanford and Son” helped redefine the genre of black situational comedy and propelled Foxx to new heights of fame and fortune. The show was a launching pad for other talents, including Slappy White, Don Bexley, LaWanda Page, and Beah Richards.

The show’s popularity also led to significant financial rewards, particularly during a salary dispute in the middle of the 1973-1974 season. Foxx, unhappy with his compensation, walked off the set, leading to his character being written out of six episodes. At this time, Foxx earned $19,000 per episode, which equates to approximately $130,000 today. This financial disparity ultimately led to a renegotiation of his contract. The dispute was eventually resolved with a salary increase to $25,000 per episode, plus 25% of the producers’ net profits, making him the highest-paid actor on television at the time.

(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Financial Problems and Bankruptcy

Despite his success, Redd Foxx faced significant financial difficulties. His lavish lifestyle, multiple divorces, and reportedly poor financial management all contributed to his monetary woes. In 1983, he filed for bankruptcy, and the IRS filed numerous tax liens against his property. His Las Vegas home and several vehicles were seized in 1989. These financial problems continued to plague him throughout the rest of his life. At the time of his death in 1991, his estate was in debt to the IRS for over $3.5 million, which significantly impacted his net worth, leaving it in the negative.

Personal Life and Relationships

Redd Foxx’s personal life was marked by four marriages. His first marriage was to Evelyn Killebrew in 1948, which ended in divorce in 1951. He married showgirl Betty Jean Harris in 1956, who later handled much of his business and schedule. However, their marriage ended in 1974 due to his infidelity, and they divorced. He then married Joi Yun Chi Chung in 1976 in Las Vegas, but that marriage also ended in divorce three years later. In July 1991, he married Kaho Cho. This marriage occurred despite his previous aversion to marriage. Unfortunately, their time together was cut short by his untimely death.

Death and Enduring Legacy

Redd Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack on the set of “The Royal Family” in 1991, at the age of 68. He was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead four hours later. His death marked the end of an era in comedy. Foxx’s influence on the comedy world is undeniable. He inspired comedians such as Richard Pryor and Chris Rock. Jamie Foxx adopted his stage name as a tribute. Even today, his character Fred G. Sanford continues to appear in popular culture through shows like “Family Guy” and “The Boondocks.” Archive footage of him continues to be used in various productions.

Conclusion: Remembering Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx’s life was a tapestry of laughter, success, and financial struggle. He achieved immense fame and fortune through his comedy and acting. However, poor financial decisions and personal challenges led to significant debts. Despite these setbacks, his legacy as a comedic innovator remains secure, and he continues to be celebrated as a pioneer who paved the way for many comedians. Redd Foxx’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame, fortune, and the enduring power of laughter.