What was Redd Foxx’s Net Worth?

Redd Foxx, the American comedian and actor, had a net worth of -$3.5 million at the time of his death. He owed over $3.5 million in taxes at that time. Foxx was best known for his role in the TV series “Sanford and Son” and his explicit comedy albums. He gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s as a raunchy nightclub act and was named the “King of the Party Records.”

Foxx appeared on over 50 records during his career, and in 2004, he was named the 24th best stand-up comedian by Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time. He won a Golden Globe Award and two Image Awards, and was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards.

Foxx starred as Fred G. Sanford in the TV series “Sanford and Son” from 1972 to 1977, as well as in the TV series “Sanford” from 1980 to 1981. In 1986, he starred as Al Hughes in the TV series “The Red Foxx Show.”

Redd Foxx passed away from a heart attack on October 11, 1991, at the age of 68.

Early Life of Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 9, 1922, to parents Fred Sanford and Mary Hughes. His father worked as an electrician and auto mechanic but left the family when Foxx was only four years old. Foxx was raised by his mother and grandmother in Chicago, along with his older brother, Fred Jr.

From a young age, Foxx had a passion for performing. At the age of 16, he appeared on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour radio show as part of the group, the Jump Swinging Six.

Redd Foxx’s Career Highlights

Redd Foxx started his career as a stand-up comedian in nightclubs and eventually moved to the East Coast to travel with his act. His big break came when he was spotted by Dootsie Williams of Dootone records and signed a long-term contract, releasing a series of comedy albums. Foxx’s transition into mainstream media came later when he starred in the television sitcom, “Sanford and Son,” which premiered on NBC in 1972 and ran for six seasons. The show helped redefine the genre of black situational comedy and Foxx used his lead role to provide job opportunities for his friends and acquaintances. Foxx left “Sanford and Son” after six seasons and went on to star in a short-lived ABC variety show, a spin-off show called “Sanford,” and his own show on ABC called “The Redd Foxx Show,” which was cancelled after 12 episodes due to low ratings. Foxx also appeared in the “Star Wars” special of the “Donny & Marie” show and played a main character in the Eddie Murphy-produced film “Harlem Nights.” He had one last starring role in the short-lived series “The Royal Family” in 1991.

Redd Foxx’s Personal Life and Legacy

Redd Foxx was married four times during his life. His first marriage was to Evelyn Killebrew in 1948. They remained married until their divorce in 1951. In 1956, he married showgirl and dancer, Betty Jean Harris. They had met at a nightclub where both were performing. Harris decided to give up her career to become a full time housewife and Foxx adopted Harris’s daughter, Debraca. Harris handled most of Foxx’s business ventures and schedule before they separated in 1974 due to Foxx’s infidelity.

In 1976, Foxx married Joi Yun Chi Chung in Las Vegas. Joi was 20 years younger than Foxx and working as a cocktail waitress when they met. Their marriage also ended in divorce three years later in 1979. In July of 1991, Foxx married Kaho Cho. The two had met at a hotel in Las Vegas. Only a few months after the marriage, Foxx suffered a heart attack while on set of “The Royal Family.” He was pronounced dead four hours later.

Foxx has been credited as inspiring a number of other comedians, like Richard Pryor and Chris Rock. Actor and comedian Jamie Foxx has also stated he chose his professional surname as a tribute to Foxx. Since his death, Foxx has also been portrayed in popular culture a number of times. He was portrayed by Aries Spears in the film “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” and his character from “Sanford and Sons” has appeared in shows like “Family Guy” and “Boondocks.”

Archive footage of him performing has been used in “Surely, You Jest,” “Dolemite is My Name” in 2019, and “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” His life and comedy have also been discussed in episodes of “Unsung Hollywood,” “History of Comedy,” “E! True Hollywood Story,” “Laugh Mobb Present,” and “Biography.”

Redd Foxx’s Financial Struggles

Redd Foxx’s divorces and lavish lifestyle proved to be very costly for the comedian, coupled with poor financial management. He filed for bankruptcy in 1983 and the IRS placed multiple tax liens on his properties to recover back taxes he owed. Foxx’s Las Vegas home and seven of his vehicles were seized in 1989. At the time of his death in 1991, his estate was in debt to the IRS for $3.5 million.

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