John Elroy Sanford (December 9, 1922 -- October 11, 1991), known professionally as Redd Foxx, was an American comedian and actor, best remembered for his explicit comedy records and his starring role on the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son. Foxx gained notoriety with his nightclub act during the 1950s and 1960s (considered by the standards of the time to be raunchy). His big break came after singer D