Redd Foxx net worth is a fascinating story of high earnings and financial mismanagement.
Once the highest-paid TV actor thanks to his role in Sanford and Son, Foxx’s lavish lifestyle and poor financial decisions led to struggles later in life. Join Ando Money as we uncover the details of his financial journey.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | John Elroy Sanford |
| Popular Name | Redd Foxx |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | December 9, 1922 |
| Age | 68 (Died: October 11, 1991) |
| Parents | Fred Sanford, Mary Hughes |
| Siblings | Fred Jr., Leonard |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | DuSable High School |
| Marital Status | Married 4 times |
| Spouse | Evelyn Killebrew (m. 1948; div. 1951) Betty Jean Harris (m. 1956; div. 1975) Joi Yun Chi Chung (m. 1976; div. 1981) Ka Ho Cho (m. 1991) |
| Children | Adopted daughter, Debraca Foxx |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | -$3.5 million (at death) |
| Source of Wealth | Stand-up comedy, acting |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
What is the Net Worth of Redd Foxx in 2024?
As of 2024, Redd Foxx‘s net worth is often discussed in comparison to his peers, despite his financial troubles at the time of his death.
With his lavish lifestyle, poor management, and IRS tax issues, he left behind a debt of $3.5 million.
Many of his contemporaries managed to maintain or increase their wealth throughout their careers, highlighting the contrast in financial management.
Other comedians and actors related to Redd Foxx include:
- Eddie Murphy
- Richard Pryor
- Demond Wilson
- Jamie Foxx
- LaWanda Page
- Pat Morita
- Chris Rock
- Malcolm X
- Aries Spears
For an in-depth look at the wealthiest comedians in the entertainment industry, check out this list of famous comedians.
Salary and Finance Overview
The Role of Sanford and Son in His Financial Success
Redd Foxx‘s success reached its peak with the role of Fred G. Sanford in Sanford and Son. This show transformed him from a nightclub comedian to one of television’s top actors.
He earned $19,000 per episode initially, which was later renegotiated to $25,000.
This contract, along with a 25% share of profits from the show, made him the highest-paid TV actor at the time. His earning power skyrocketed, but it didn’t last due to financial mismanagement.
Salary Negotiations and Pay Increases That Boosted His Wealth
Foxx famously walked off the Sanford and Son set during a salary dispute in the 1973-1974 season.
His negotiations led to a substantial raise and profit-sharing deal that solidified his place as one of the highest-paid actors in television.
However, despite earning what amounts to over $3.5 million annually in today’s dollars, this was not enough to prevent his eventual financial downfall due to personal spending habits.
Impact of Producer Profit-Sharing Deals on His Earnings
The profit-sharing arrangement Foxx negotiated added significant value to his income.
He was able to secure a portion of the show’s profits, which allowed him to accumulate wealth during the show’s run.
However, despite this influx of cash, his financial decisions, including his lavish lifestyle and poor management, significantly affected his net worth over time.
How His Lavish Lifestyle Affected His Finances
While Foxx’s earnings soared, so did his spending habits. He was known for extravagant purchases, which quickly ate into his wealth.
His investments included luxury cars, real estate, and expensive gifts.
Unfortunately, his financial decisions were not balanced with saving or effective management. The result was a series of financial challenges that led to bankruptcy.
The Role of Poor Financial Management in His Financial Troubles
Despite his fame and fortune, Foxx struggled with managing his money. He faced multiple costly divorces, which added to his financial burdens.
By the time he filed for bankruptcy in 1983, Foxx was deeply in debt, with the IRS seizing his assets, including his Las Vegas home.
His poor financial decisions serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of sound financial management, even for high earners.
IRS Seizures and Liens on His Properties and Assets
One of the most publicized aspects of Foxx’s financial troubles was his conflict with the IRS.
By 1989, the IRS had placed multiple liens on his properties, eventually seizing his Las Vegas home and several of his luxury vehicles to recover nearly $1 million in back taxes.
These tax issues plagued him for the rest of his life, contributing significantly to his financial ruin.
The Impact of Multiple Costly Divorces on His Finances
Foxx’s personal life also played a major role in his financial difficulties. His divorces were expensive, with each resulting in large settlements that drained his wealth.
His second divorce, from Betty Jean Harris, cost him more than $300,000, and other divorces followed similar patterns.
These costly separations added to the financial strain he was already under from his lifestyle and tax problems.
Key Television Roles That Contributed to His Earnings
Redd Foxx’s television career was not limited to Sanford and Son. He appeared in several other TV shows, including The Redd Foxx Show and The Royal Family.
While these roles didn’t bring the same level of financial success as Sanford and Son, they were significant enough to keep him in the public eye and maintain his influence in the entertainment industry.
Stand-Up Comedy and Record Sales That Added to His Wealth
Before his success on television, Foxx was a prolific stand-up comedian and recording artist.
He earned the title King of the Party Records by releasing over 50 albums of raunchy stand-up material.
These records were cult hits, adding to his financial portfolio in his early career. However, much of this income was not well-managed, and his wealth from these ventures did not last.
Award Wins and Nominations Boosting His Career Recognition
Throughout his career, Redd Foxx received significant recognition, including a Golden Globe Award for his work on Sanford and Son.
He was also nominated for multiple Emmy Awards.
These accolades helped boost his reputation and visibility in the entertainment industry, contributing to his ability to command higher salaries for his work.
FAQs About Redd Foxx
Who was Redd Foxx married to?
He was married four times. His final marriage was to Kaho Cho in 1991.
What role made him famous?
He became famous for his role as Fred G. Sanford in the hit TV show Sanford and Son.
How did his financial troubles start?
His financial troubles began due to a combination of lavish spending, costly divorces, and poor financial management.
Why did the IRS seize his property?
The IRS seized Redd Foxx’s property to recover unpaid taxes, which amounted to over $3.5 million at the time of his death.
Did he influence other comedians?
Yes, Redd Foxx had a significant influence on comedians like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock.
What were his achievements in comedy?
He was known as the “King of the Party Records,” releasing over 50 comedy albums and earning several awards during his career.
What were his biggest financial challenges?
Foxx’s biggest financial challenges were his lavish lifestyle, poor money management, and tax issues with the IRS.
What caused his financial downfall?
A combination of high living expenses, multiple costly divorces, and large tax debts contributed to his financial downfall.
How did his TV roles impact his career?
His role in Sanford and Son made him one of the highest-paid actors of his time, boosting his financial and public profile.
Conclusion
Redd Foxx’s life is a powerful reminder of the ups and downs of fame and fortune.
If you’d like to explore more celebrity finances or engage in the discussion, visit Ando Money and share your thoughts!
