Redd Foxx net worth is a topic that remains intriguing, given the ups and downs of his life.
Best known for his iconic role on Sanford and Son, Foxx reached great heights in television but also faced severe financial troubles, including debt and tax issues.
While many associate his name with a successful comedy career, his financial legacy paints a more complex picture.
From his salary disputes on Sanford and Son to his eventual bankruptcy, Redd Foxx’s financial story is one of both triumph and downfall. In this article, we’ll explore Redd Foxx’s wealth, financial struggles, and salary over the years.
We’ll also provide an overview of his financial management decisions, which were key to his eventual financial troubles.
Redd Foxx Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | John Elroy Sanford |
Popular Name | Redd Foxx |
Birth Date | December 9, 1922 |
Age | 68 years (Died on October 11, 1991) |
Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African American |
Education | N/A |
Marital Status | Married four times |
Spouse | Evelyn Killebrew, Betty Jean Harris, Joi Yun Chi Chung, Kaho Cho |
Children | Debraca Denise |
Dating | N/A |
Siblings | Fred Jr. (Older brother) |
Parents | Fred Sanford (father), Mary Hughes (mother) |
Height | 1.73 m |
Net Worth | -$3.5 million (at the time of death, owed taxes) |
Source of Wealth | Comedy, Acting, TV Shows, Albums |
What is the Net Worth Of Redd Foxx in 2025?
At the time of his death, Redd Foxx’s net worth was reported as -$3.5 million, primarily due to tax debts and financial mismanagement. Despite his success on Sanford and Son and his various comedy albums, Foxx’s later years were marred by bankruptcy and IRS issues. His financial troubles also included a number of lavish purchases, like multiple cars and a Las Vegas home, which were seized due to unpaid taxes.
Comparing Foxx’s financial status to other celebrities, his wealth doesn’t rank among the richest stars. However, his financial misfortunes make for an interesting case study. Other celebrities facing financial issues in similar ways include:
- Richard Pryor
- Eddie Murphy
- Jamie Foxx
- Don Bexley
- Demond Wilson
For a broader look at the richest celebrities, check out our page on their latest net worth here.
Redd Foxx Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
Financial Struggles and Debt
Redd Foxx’s financial history is a story of great earning potential marred by poor financial decisions. Known as the “King of Party Records” for his raunchy comedy albums in the 1950s and 60s, Foxx made a considerable amount of money. However, a series of divorces and a penchant for a lavish lifestyle led to his downfall.
By 1983, Foxx had filed for bankruptcy due to mounting debts, which were exacerbated by his inability to manage his wealth. His debts with the IRS grew to over $3.5 million by the time of his death, and his property, including his Las Vegas home and several cars, was seized.
Redd Foxx’s financial troubles serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial planning, especially when managing sudden wealth. His failure to make prudent decisions during his peak years ultimately led to a devastating financial collapse later in life.
Salary and Income from ‘Sanford and Son’
Redd Foxx’s salary from Sanford and Son was one of the highest in television during its airing, but it wasn’t without controversy. Initially earning $19,000 per episode, Foxx walked off the set in 1973 due to a salary dispute. This resulted in the production company threatening legal action, but Foxx won a significant pay raise.
By the end of the dispute, Foxx’s salary increased to $25,000 per episode, along with a 25% cut of the show’s net profits. This made him the highest-paid actor on TV at the time. In today’s dollars, his salary was equivalent to about $130,000 per episode.
Despite these high earnings, Foxx’s inability to manage his finances resulted in significant debt. Though his pay increased substantially, his lavish spending habits led to financial instability that he struggled with for the rest of his life.
The Impact of His Financial Decisions
Foxx’s financial woes were largely self-inflicted due to poor financial management and a tendency to live beyond his means. His multiple divorces were costly and only added to the financial strain. Furthermore, his decision to purchase multiple expensive cars and properties put him in a difficult position when his income wasn’t consistent.
Financial experts often cite Foxx’s story as an example of how even a successful and high-earning individual can suffer financial collapse without proper money management. His spending habits, along with poor advice from financial advisors, made it difficult for him to maintain his wealth, despite having made millions during his career.
Relationship with the IRS and Tax Issues
Redd Foxx’s issues with the IRS were one of the major contributors to his financial troubles. By the late 1980s, Foxx was in significant tax debt. The IRS filed multiple tax liens against his property, eventually seizing his Las Vegas home and other assets to pay off the outstanding tax liabilities.
The IRS’s relentless pursuit of Foxx’s back taxes is a significant part of his financial downfall. His inability to resolve these issues led to his bankruptcy in 1983 and continued financial problems until his death in 1991. These tax-related challenges were particularly damaging given his previous high earnings and lavish lifestyle.
How He Managed His Finances After ‘Sanford and Son’
After Sanford and Son ended, Redd Foxx faced difficulty maintaining his career and financial stability. He starred in several other shows and movies, but none matched the success of his role as Fred Sanford. His financial troubles, including his bankruptcy, hindered his ability to make smart financial decisions.
Despite these challenges, Foxx continued to work, taking on roles in movies like Harlem Nights (1989) and short-lived TV series such as The Royal Family. Unfortunately, by this time, his financial situation had already deteriorated significantly.
Conclusion
Redd Foxx’s financial journey serves as both a success story and a cautionary tale. While his career reached incredible heights, his financial mismanagement ultimately led to significant debt and bankruptcy.
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