If you’re over 40, you likely remember the phrase, “Elizabeth, I’m coming!” or “It’s the big one, Elizabeth!” The legendary Redd Foxx uttered those words regularly in his memorable and longtime role as Fred Sanford in Sanford and Son in the 1970s — making them still part of the vernacular of pop culture today and a memorable aspect of the overall Redd Foxx career.
While Sanford and Son utilized Foxx’s real last name (and his dad and brother’s actual names), it wasn’t autobiographical; however, what made it so genius was that the plotlines drew on actual aspects of Foxx’s life, and Fred’s personality closely resembled his own. The actor’s character shared his sharp wit, comedic timing, and often bawdy humor, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for TV audiences at the time.
If you’re over 40, you likely remember the phrase, “Elizabeth, I’m coming!” or “It’s the big one, Elizabeth!” The legendary Redd Foxx uttered those words regularly in his memorable and longtime role as Fred Sanford in Sanford and Son in the 1970s — making them still part of the vernacular of pop culture today and a memorable aspect of the overall Redd Foxx career.
While Sanford and Son utilized Foxx’s real last name (and his dad and brother’s actual names), it wasn’t autobiographical; however, what made it so genius was that the plotlines drew on actual aspects of Foxx’s life, and Fred’s personality closely resembled his own. The actor’s character shared his sharp wit, comedic timing, and often bawdy humor, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for TV audiences at the time.
Sanford and Son was also groundbreaking for its time, giving Black actors, often shunned by Hollywood due to race, the well-deserved spotlight. It also provided then-comedian Foxx a shot at not only acting on TV, but being a central character in the show, —something that was rare then.
Racism was still rampant in America at that time, and instead of avoiding the topic, Foxx and the show tackled it head-on, earning admiration and respect from fans around the world. Best of all, he did it with humor. It “opened the door for a Black family to move into the all-white TV neighborhood,” writes the Associated Press.
But there’s more to Redd Foxx than fake heart attacks and memorable catchphrases. Let’s look at his journey to becoming Fred Sanford and beyond.
