Redd Foxx
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| Redd Foxx | |
|---|---|
| Name | Redd Foxx |
| Birth name | John Elroy Sanford |
| Birth date | December 9, 1922 |
| Birth place | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Death date | October 11, 1991 |
| Death place | Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor |
| Years active | 1935-1991 |
| Notable works | Sanford and Son, Harlem Nights |
Redd Foxx was an American comedian and actor, best known for his starring role in the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, which was based on the BBC series Steptoe and Son. Foxx's career spanned over five decades, during which he worked with notable figures such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.. He was also a popular performer in Las Vegas, Nevada, and appeared in numerous films, including Cotton Comes to Harlem and Norman... Is That You?. Foxx's unique style and comedic timing influenced many other comedians, including Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock.
● Early Life
Redd Foxx was born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Mary and Fred Sanford, and grew up in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. He attended DuSable High School and was a classmate of Nat King Cole and Earl Hines. Foxx began his career in entertainment at a young age, performing in local nightclubs and theaters, including the Regal Theater and the Apollo Theater. He was also a member of the Lamp Lighters, a comedy group that included Slappy White and Tim Moore.
● Career
Foxx's career took off in the 1950s, when he began performing in nightclubs and theaters across the United States, including the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom. He became known for his raw, uncensored style of comedy, which was influenced by Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl. Foxx appeared on numerous television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and The Merv Griffin Show. He also worked with notable comedians, such as Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, and Jonathan Winters.
● Filmography
Redd Foxx appeared in numerous films, including Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970), Norman... Is That You? (1976), and Harlem Nights (1989), which was directed by Eddie Murphy. He also appeared in The Lion Roars Again (1975), a documentary about the MGM film studio, and The Redd Foxx Show (1986), a CBS sitcom. Foxx's film career was marked by his collaborations with notable directors, such as Ossie Davis and Gordon Parks, and actors, including Pam Grier and Richard Pryor.
● Personal Life
Redd Foxx was married four times, to Betty Jean Harris, Betty Sanford, Ka Ho Cho, and Ka Ho Cho again. He had two children, Lamont Sanford and Debraca Foxx, and was a close friend of Slappy White and LaWanda Page. Foxx was also a longtime resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he performed regularly at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino and the Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino. He was a member of the American Guild of Variety Artists and the Screen Actors Guild.
● Legacy
Redd Foxx's legacy as a comedian and actor continues to be celebrated, with numerous tributes and awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a TV Land Award. His influence can be seen in the work of many other comedians, including Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. Foxx's unique style and comedic timing have also been recognized by the National Comedy Hall of Fame and the American Comedy Awards. His contributions to the entertainment industry have been acknowledged by the NAACP, the Urban League, and the Congressional Black Caucus. Category:American comedians