Redd Foxx's Wives: A Look At His Spouses
Who were the women behind the comedic genius of Redd Foxx? His romantic life, a whirlwind of passion and heartbreak, played a significant, often overlooked role in shaping the man who made millions laugh.
Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford, was a man of many talents a pioneering stand-up comedian, a gifted musician, and an iconic actor. But beyond the bright lights and boisterous laughter, Foxx navigated a complex personal life marked by four marriages, each leaving an indelible mark on his journey. From the glitz of show business to quiet moments of domesticity, his relationships offered a glimpse into the man behind the mask of Fred G. Sanford.
| Real Name: | John Elroy Sanford |
| Born: | December 9, 1922, St. Louis, Missouri |
| Died: | October 11, 1991 (aged 68), Los Angeles, California |
| Known For: | Stand-up comedy, acting, music |
| Notable Role: | Fred G. Sanford in Sanford and Son |
| Marriages: | Evelyn Killebrew (1948-1951), Betty Jean Harris (1956-1959), Yun Chi Chung (1976-1979), Ka Ho Cho (1991) |
| Reference: | IMDb |
His first wife, Evelyn Killebrew, remains a figure shrouded in mystery. Married in 1948, their union lasted only three years, ending in 1951. Details about their relationship are scarce, leaving a void in the narrative of Foxxs early life. Was she the one who got away? Did their brief time together influence his later relationships? The answers, lost to time, add to the enigma of Redd Foxx.
Betty Jean Harris, Foxxs second wife, was a vibrant showgirl and dancer, a colleague of LaWanda Page, who would later become Foxxs on-screen rival, Aunt Esther, in Sanford and Son. Their marriage, lasting from 1956 to 1959, coincided with Foxxs rising star. Harris brought her own sparkle to the relationship, a testament to the intertwined lives of entertainers in the golden age of show business. Their daughter, Debra Denise, whom Foxx adopted, adds another layer to the complex tapestry of his family life.
Yun Chi Chung, known as Joi, entered Foxxs life like a whirlwind. Twenty years his junior, she met the comedian while working as a cocktail waitress at the Las Vegas Hilton. Their New Years Eve wedding in 1976 was a glamorous affair, capturing the excitement of a romance kindled in the entertainment capital of the world. Photographs from President Jimmy Carters inaugural ball in 1977 showcase the couples public image Foxx, the established star, and Joi, the radiant young bride. However, despite the initial spark, cultural and communication barriers strained the relationship, leading to divorce in 1979. Foxx filed the paperwork in Las Vegas, the same city where their love story began, marking a poignant end to a chapter in his life.
Ka Ho Cho, Foxx's fourth wife, married the comedian just months before his untimely death in October 1991. Their lavish wedding at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, attended by 150 guests, marked a seemingly joyous occasion. Yet, it was tragically overshadowed by Foxxs passing. Cho, born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1959, remained largely private despite her marriage to a celebrity. Her arrival fashionably late to their wedding ceremony added a touch of unintentional foreshadowing to the brevity of their union. Their love story, though short-lived, remains a poignant reminder of life's unpredictable nature.
Foxx's on-screen persona, Fred G. Sanford, often invoked his deceased wife, Elizabeth, with the catchphrase, This is the big one! Im coming to join ya, honey! This recurring bit, a comedic staple of Sanford and Son, offers an interesting contrast to Foxx's own experiences with marriage. While Fred Sanfords love for Elizabeth remained a constant, if unseen, presence, Foxxs relationships were more tumultuous, marked by both passion and heartbreak. The irony isn't lost that the man who made a career out of joking about his fictional wife's death navigated such a complex romantic landscape in his own life.
Redd Foxx's marriages, each unique and impactful, were more than just footnotes in his biography. They shaped the man, the comedian, and the icon. From the fleeting connection with Evelyn to the enduring memory of Elizabeth, his relationships reveal a man searching for love and connection amidst the whirlwind of fame and fortune. They remind us that even behind the laughter, there lies a story of human experience, complex, poignant, and ultimately, unforgettable.
Detail Author:
- Name : Prof. Daren Considine
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- Birthdate : 1976-05-19
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