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Redd Foxx

Comedy history · 7 facts, each from at least two of 7 independent sources · last reviewed 2026-10-17

Redd Foxx was a comedian.1,2 He was the star of the television series Sanford and Son, in which his portrayal of a grumpy, elderly junk collector made him famous.3,4,5,6,7

Early Life and Name

Foxx was born in St. Louis, Missouri.7,8 His birth name appears as John Elroy Sanford7,8 and also as Jon Elroy Sanford.7,8,9,10

Film Work

In 1989, Foxx shared the screen with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor in the movie Harlem Nights.7,8

Trouble with the IRS

After a seizure of his belongings by the IRS, Foxx was left with nothing but his bed.2,3

Sources

  1. Redd Foxx Owes IRS $996,630 - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
  2. REDD FOXX LOSES 4 CARS TO IRS AUCTION BLOCK – Orlando Sentinel (orlandosentinel.com)
  3. IRS Accuses Redd Foxx of Failing to Pay Taxes, Seizes His Vegas Home - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
  4. Redd Foxx's Life Story: Is It Worth Enough to Settle His Estate's Debt? - AOL News (aolnews.com) · archived copy
  5. After the IRS Comes to Collect, An Angry Redd Foxx Starts Playing to An Empty House : People.com (people.com) · archived copy
  6. #Throwback: Della Reese Remembers Redd Foxx’s Death and How The Royal Family Producer Demeaned Him – The Root (theroot.com)
  7. Redd Foxx, TV's 'Sanford,' Dies of Heart Attack at 68 : Entertainment: Comedian is stricken while rehearsing new show, 'The Royal Family.' - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
  8. Redd Foxx Exits, Laughing : People.com (people.com) · archived copy
  9. Final resting place: 11 celebs you might not know are buried in Las Vegas - Las Vegas Sun News (lasvegassun.com)
  10. ''Sanford and Son'' | EW.com (ew.com) · archived copy

Updated November 12, 2026.

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