Redd was born John Elroy Sanford, in 1922. He ran away from home to join a street band, when he was 13. He went to New York after that, to get in to show business – and supported himself by washing dishes, while carving himself a place in the biz. He got his nickname from his hair color, and light skinnedness.

He really made a mark for himself, when he began using the foulest language onstage. I must say, I am not familiar with his comedy, but I am familiar with his costar from Sanford and Son, LaWanda Page (she played Aunt Esther) – who is the most brilliantly vulgar person I have ever heard. One day I’ll get something of Redd’s, and give it a go.

He really hit the big time in 1972, when he was cast in the American version of the successful British sitcom, Steptoe and Son, renamed for the USA, Sanford and Son, after Redd’s birth name. He co-starred with the very dreamy Demond Wilson. Another co-star was a man named Slappy White, who used to do the chitlin circuit with Redd back in the early 50’s.

Redd’s trademark gag on the show was for him to feign a heart attack, whenever he wanted to guilt trip his son into doing something for him. He would clutch his chest and yell, "I’m coming Elizabeth!" referring to his deceased wife. Don’t cry wolf, Foxx.

Redd made a fortune from the show, which left the air in 1977. He moved to Vegas, and blew most of it up his nose, and on expensive cars and lifestyle. Eventually it all caught up with him, and the IRS took everything they could.

By the end of the 80’s, Redd was desperately looking for work, and Eddie Murphy had cast him in the film, Harlem Nights. The film didn’t do very well, but the critics agreed that Redd and his co-star Della Reese were great, and a couple of years later, CBS offered them a series, which Eddie produced. In 1991, they began work on a show which was tentatively titled Chest Pains. Wisely opting for another title, they chose The Royal Family.

In July of 1991, Redd married Ka Ha Cho, who was in her 30’s at the time. Mails in! She ran a shop selling Redd memorabilia. They lived for a few short months in this house, on Eastern Avenue, in Las Vegas. Big thanks go to Findadeath.com friend Doris Hackett, for the great pictures. Thank you, Doris.

The show premiered on September 18, 1991. On Friday, October 11, 1991, Redd arrived to the studio for the days rehearsal. Redd suffered a heart attack. Everyone thought he was joking, and the cast and crew were laughing at him. Not for long. It became apparent that he wasn’t kidding, and an ambulance was called. Della Reese prayed over him and begged him "Don’t die, Redd! Don’t die!" He was rushed to the Emergency Room of Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, where he did indeed die, at 7:45 PM. He was 68 years old.

His funeral was held in Las Vegas on the 15^th, and attended by Colonel Tom Parker, Lola Falana, Della, who sang, and most everyone else, 'ceptin for Demond, who is now a preacher.

He is buried in Palm Memorial Park, in Las Vegas.

Trivia: While digging through my files, I ran across this curious article from god knows what magazine, a million years ago. It’s about a death curse, surrounding Della Reese. Very funny stuff.

More: Wanna hear some of the great Redd Foxx/LaWanda Page put downs?

Heres one, and here's another.