Redd Foxx, the king of Vegas comedy 59456a

Before there was stand-up comedy people laughed in America at the jokes of famous comedians like Jerry Lewis and Redd Foxx. Before there were sitcom comedy shows there was Redd Foxx and his jokes. The actor made a big contribution in Las Vegas, where he was also a resident for many years, to the good humor of the people who came to the casino. Without him many people’s lives would have been emotionally poorer. w4j6u

Redd Foxx 84z4n

The early years 4x5o2p

By his real name, John Elroy Sanford, he was born on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri. His family later moved to Chicago, where he spent his childhood years on the city’s South Side. His father was an electrician originally from Kentucky, and his mother was originally from Mississippi, and was of Seminole descent. Foxx began his entertainment career in 1939, when he was part of the cast of a radio program known as the Major Bowes Amateur Hour. He was one of the of the group known as the Jump Swinging Six. Throughout the 1940s, Foxx crossed paths with Malcolm Little who would later be known as Malcolm X, one of the most famous figures of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Malcolm X nicknamed Foxx “Chicago Red” because of his red hair. This nickname was probably the inspiration behind Foxx’s later stage name.

Early career 1f4532

After graduating from high school in Chicago, Foxx had various nightclub acts, which proved successful. From 1951-1955 he teamed up with comedian Slappy White, a lifelong friend who would go on to star alongside him in Sanford and Son and The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour. While performing in Los Angeles, he was offered a contract with the Dooto record label. Foxx received $25 for his first recording. He signed a long-term contract and released a series of comedy albums on several record labels, which quickly became audience favorites. During his career, he produced over 50 comedy albums that sold over 15 million copies.

Early success 2b2d2w

Throughout the 1960s, Foxx continued to do stand up comedy. He managed to appear in a few movies throughout the decade. However, in 1972, Foxx switched from the stage to television. He was cast as Fred Sanford (named after his father and older brother) in the television series “Sanford and Son.” Working alongside Foxx was Demond Wilson, who played Fred’s son Lamont. The show’s narrative centered on Fred Sanford and his son, who owned a junkyard in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The show aired on NBC and revolutionized racial comedy and changed the way comedy shows featuring predominantly African-American characters were made. The television show ran from 1972-1977. After the NBC venture, Redd Foxx performs his own show on rival ABC called The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour. This was a variety show. During the first episode, aware that he was famous for a particular style of comedy, he joked: “The only thing I can do out of my nightclub act is smoke.” Foxx took live questions from the audience during his monologue, demonstrating his intelligence and ability to understand people. The adventurous nature of the show made it extremely “dangerous” for the 1970s, and challenged both the public and those working in television at the time to speculate what would happen next. The answer came on January 26, 1978…when the show was canceled.

Foxx’s movies 17340

Redd Foxx has also appeared on the big screen in a few movies. Not very successful and not in lead roles, but his presence was noticed and praised by critics and audiences alike. Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970), Norman…is that you? (1976) and Harlem Nights (1989) were among the most important films in which he was cast.

Foxx and Vegas m4i2d

Around 1977 Foxx moved to Las Vegas where he led a life of extravagance. Foxx was one of the first black comedians to perform for white audiences on the Las Vegas Strip. Those who went to see Redd Foxx were in for a surprise at the Thunderbird (Vegas hotel) at the time. In the ’70s and ’80s, he worked the Las Vegas showrooms, especially the Hacienda, with comedians like Bernie Allen and dancer Prince Spencer. His shows were lively and humorously original. All the time he lived and lived in Vegas he delighted his audiences with the hottest comedy routines of the time.

Foxx’s problems with women and taxes 1m3s5n

Foxx loved women and worked for them most of his life. He not only loved them, he married them, and was good for a divorce settlement. Evelyn Killebrew (married 1948-1951), Betty Jean Harris (married 1956-1974), Joi Yun Chi Chung (married 1976-1981), Ka Ho Cho (married 1991). All the divorces and alimony he paid over the years left him in financial ruin, and at the time of his death he owed the IRS around 4 million dollars.

Foxx’s legacy 68421g

Known for his outspoken style, Redd Foxx broke new ground for minorities and comedians alike. Joking about everything from sex to color barriers, he brought to light hot-button and taboo issues. His candor onstage and the charming, lighthearted way in which he managed to present the issues of the times he lived in inspired and enabled other comedians to accomplish more than had previously been possible on stage. Foxx was not only the ‘King of Comedy’, he was also a talented artist. He took a sketchbook with him whenever possible and loved to create his own fantastical images or capture the essence of those he loved or ired. He made a strong comeback to television towards the end of his career in an Eddie Murphy-produced sitcom with Eddie Murphy’s The Royal Family, co-starring Della Reese, before suffering a fatal heart attack in 1991.

Redd Foxx

Sources: vegasghosts.com, wikipedia, reddfoxx.com, britannica.com, lasvegasun.com.