John Elroy Sanford (December 9, 1922 – October 11, 1991), known professionally as Redd Foxx, was an American comedian and actor, best remembered for his explicit comedy records and his starring role on the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son.

Foxx gained notoriety with his raunchy nightclub acts during the 1950s and 1960s. Known as the "King of the Party Records", he performed on more than 50 records in his lifetime. He also starred in Sanford, The Redd Foxx Show and The Royal Family. His film roles included All the Fine Young Cannibals (1960) and Harlem Nights (1989).

With three failed marriages and various financial problems, Foxx reportedly owed more than $3.6 million in taxes at the time of his death.

In 2004, Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time ranked Foxx as the 24th best stand-up comedian.^[2] Foxx not only influenced many comedians, but was often portrayed in popular culture as well, mainly as a result of his famous catchphrases, body language and facial expressions exhibited on Sanford and Son. Via Wikipedia.

The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour (1977–78):

Ass

[Edited 7/25/13 8:33am]

When I was growing up, Fred Sanford was my #1 Idol! I just thought he was the coolest dude ever! I wanted to pattern myself after him (and Thelma Harper from "Mama's Family"). I have probaby seen each episode of "Sanford & Son" a thousand times and I never get tired of them! Long live Fred Sanford!!!!

To me, there was none cooler than Redd Foxx!

I would get myself into such trouble when my parents would throw a party for their friends and play Redd Foxx records. I was supposed to be in bed but I'd sit quietly at the top of the stairs listening until Redd would say something so hilarious that I'd LOL and bust myself every time.

To this very day, Sanford and Son is still one of my favorite TV shows of all time and Eddie Murphy will forever have my gratitude for putting Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor together in one of my favorite movies of all time, Harlem Nights.

It really hurts my soul that Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor are both gone now but the laughter and joy that ONLY they could make...exists because THEY existed! For the good, the bad and the otherwise...it will LAST until this world just stops turning!

[Edited 7/25/13 16:15pm]

My father and Redd Foxx grew up as friends in St. Louis...Man was a comic genius.

Nat King Cole. The Carpenters. Barry Manilow, Luther Vandross, Celine Dion. Whitney Houston. Etc,....Fred G. Sanford sings my favorite version of The Christmas Song.

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

I would get myself into such trouble when my parents would throw a party for their friends and play Redd Foxx records. I was supposed to be in bed but I'd sit quietly at the top of the stairs listening until Redd would say something so hilarious that I'd LOL and bust myself every time.

Me too!!
I was just about to say the same thing!

Him, Moms Mabley, and Pigmeat Markham.

Byron said:

My father and Redd Foxx grew up as friends in St. Louis...Man was a comic genius.

Love Redd Foxx.

Redd was the man.

LadyZsaZsa said:

Nat King Cole. The Carpenters. Barry Manilow, Luther Vandross, Celine Dion. Whitney Houston. Etc,....Fred G. Sanford sings my favorite version of The Christmas Song.