BREAKING NEWS

'Sanford And Son' Star Redd Foxx's Troubled 'Life, Death & Money' Revealed In Upcoming Doc

Redd Foxx revolutionized prime-time television with his sitcom Sanford and Son in 1972, paving the way for future funnymen on the small screen. When he died in 1991, he left behind a treasure trove of comedy gold…along with crippling debt. 

Article continues below advertisement

In the new REELZ profile Redd Foxx: Life, Death & Money, airing on May 22, fans will learn the true story behind the man of many laughs. 

"In the case of Sanford and Son, which was based on a British TV series called Steptoe and Son, Norman Lear imagined a junk dealer in Watts and his son, and the perfect person to play the lead character, Fred Sanford, was Redd Foxx," says pop culture insider Michael Pagnotta in the doc. 

Article continues below advertisement

 Redubbed Sanford and Son, the sitcom premiered on January 14, 1972 and was an immediate hit.  

Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement

"American audiences, they'd never seen anything like it before on television," says entertainment journalist Kiyra Lynn. "It was an overnight sensation."

Article continues below advertisement

While other comic actors, like All in the Family’s Carol O'Connor, were earning large paychecks, Foxx had to fight for his salary and his rights.

Article continues below advertisement

"He was the star of his own hit show. Meanwhile, Carol O'Connor was getting paid substantially more than Redd Foxx," recalls comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff.

MORE ON:
VIDEOS
Article continues below advertisement
redd foxx life death and money on reelz ok
Source: REELZ
Article continues below advertisement

According to Jill Stanley, Celebrity Legal Analyst for the REELZ Celebrity legal series, Life, Death & Money, Foxx fought with his own unique style. "You cannot have Sanford and Son without Redd Foxx, so he said to NBC, 'You know what? You either give me more money, or I'm not working.'"

Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement

In 1991, the beloved comedian and TV star suffered a massive heart attack on the set of his new sitcom, The Royal Family. He would be remembered for his quick timing and comedic genius, but he also left behind a string of failed marriages and debt upwards of $3.6 million. 

Article continues below advertisement

Money troubles would plague Redd Foxx for years even after his death. His friends and family aren't fighting over his riches. Instead, they are trying to cancel the debt he accrued due to a lavish lifestyle.

Article continues below advertisement

There is much more to learn in Redd Foxx: Life, Death & Money on May 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on REELZ.

Watch REELZ on DIRECTV 238, Dish Network 299, Verizon FiOS 692, AT&T U-verse 1799 and in HD on cable systems and streaming services nationwide. Find REELZ on your local cable or satellite provider at www.reelz.com

Advertisement

Want OK! each day? Sign up here!

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 OK!. A DIVISION OF EMPIRE MEDIA GROUP HOLDINGS LLC. OK! is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.