Redd Foxx

John Elroy Sanford (December 9, 1922 – October 11, 1991), better known by his stage name Redd Foxx, was an American stand-up comedian and actor. Foxx gained success with his raunchy nightclub act before and during the civil rights movement. Known as the "King of the Party Records", he performed on more than 50 records in his lifetime. He portrayed Fred G. Sanford on the television show ''Sanford and Son'' and starred in ''The Redd Foxx Show'' and ''The Royal Family'', where he played the husband of Della Reese, and grandfather to actor Larenz Tate.

His film projects included ''All the Fine Young Cannibals'' (1960), ''Cotton Comes to Harlem'' (1970), ''Norman... Is That You?'' (1976) and ''Harlem Nights'' (1989).

In 2004, Foxx ranked 24th in ''Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time''. Foxx not only influenced many comedians but was often portrayed in popular culture as well, mainly as a result of his catchphrases, body language and facial expressions exhibited on ''Sanford and Son''. During the show's six-year run, Foxx won a Golden Globe Award and received an additional three nominations, along with three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Foxx was posthumously given a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 1992. Provided by Wikipedia