Exploring The Life Of Red Foxx: Understanding His Wives And Personal Journey

When people talk about comedy legends, the name Red Foxx often comes up, and for good reason. He was a master of his craft, someone who brought a unique style of humor to audiences everywhere. His work, especially on a very popular television show, made him a household name, you know, for so many years. People remember his sharp wit and that very distinctive laugh.

Beyond the bright lights of the stage and screen, like your favorite communities on Reddit where folks gather to share interests, Red Foxx had a personal life, one that involved a few different marriages. It's a part of his story that many find quite interesting, as it gives a fuller picture of the man behind the jokes. We are, after all, often curious about the lives of those who entertain us, seeing how they lived away from the public eye.

Today, we're going to take a closer look at the women who shared parts of their lives with him, exploring the story of **red foxx wife** or, more accurately, his wives. We'll talk about each of his marriages, offering some insight into these relationships and how they fit into the broader narrative of his truly remarkable life. It's a way, in some respects, to appreciate the whole person, not just the performer.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Red Foxx
• Personal Details of Red Foxx
• The Marriages of Red Foxx
  • Evelyn Killebrew: A First Connection
  • Betty Jean Harris: A Longer Chapter
  • Yun Chi Chung: A Union from Far Away
  • Ka Ho Cho: The Final Vows
• Red Foxx's Personal Life: Beyond the Stage
• Frequently Asked Questions About Red Foxx's Wives
  • How many times was Red Foxx married?
  • Who was Red Foxx's first wife?
  • Did Red Foxx have any children?

Biography of Red Foxx

John Elroy Sanford, better known to the world as Red Foxx, was a comedian and actor whose career spanned many decades. He came into the world on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, a place that, you know, has seen many great artists begin their paths. His early life involved a move to Chicago, where he started to shape his comedic talents, often performing in clubs and various venues. This was a time when, arguably, many performers were honing their skills in front of live audiences, learning what truly made people laugh.

His journey in entertainment began in the stand-up comedy scene, where he gained a reputation for his rather edgy and often risqué humor. He was, in fact, quite ahead of his time in some respects, pushing boundaries with his material. This style, while perhaps not for everyone, really connected with a segment of the audience looking for something different. He released many comedy albums, which helped spread his fame beyond the club circuit, making him more widely known across the country.

The role that truly cemented his place in popular culture was Fred G. Sanford on the television show "Sanford and Son." This sitcom, which premiered in the early 1970s, showed his incredible comedic timing and ability to connect with a very broad audience. He played a cantankerous junk dealer, and his interactions with his son, you know, were absolutely classic. The show was a massive hit, and it allowed him to show off his range as an actor, moving from stand-up to a more structured acting role, which, apparently, he took to quite naturally.

Throughout his career, Red Foxx continued to work in both television and film, taking on various roles that showcased his unique brand of humor. He was a performer who, basically, never stopped working, always looking for new ways to make people smile. His impact on comedy is still felt today, as many comedians credit him as a major influence. He left us on October 11, 1991, but his legacy, you know, pretty much lives on through his extensive body of work, a truly significant contribution to entertainment.

Personal Details of Red Foxx

The Marriages of Red Foxx

Red Foxx, a man known for his incredible stage presence and comedic timing, also had a personal life that saw him enter into marriage several times. His relationships, like many aspects of a public figure's existence, were sometimes in the spotlight, sometimes kept more private. Each of his marriages represents a distinct period in his life, reflecting different stages of his career and personal growth. It's a way, kind of, to see how his private world unfolded alongside his public persona. He was, in some respects, a very complex individual, and his relationships, you know, pretty much show that.

He married a total of four times, with each union lasting for a period of years, some shorter than others. These relationships, as a matter of fact, took place during various phases of his professional journey, from his early days as a stand-up comedian to his time as a major television star. Understanding these connections helps us get a broader sense of his life story, moving beyond just the jokes and the characters he played. It shows a side of him that, you know, was very much human, with all the ups and downs that come with personal connections.

The details of these marriages, while not always widely publicized at the time, are part of the historical record of his life. We can look at them as chapters in a larger book, each one contributing to the overall narrative of a truly remarkable individual. It’s interesting to consider how these relationships might have influenced his work, or, conversely, how his demanding career might have shaped his personal life. It’s a bit like looking at a community on Reddit, seeing all the different threads and how they connect, or don't, in a way.

Evelyn Killebrew: A First Connection

Red Foxx's first marriage was to Evelyn Killebrew. This union took place in 1948, a time when he was still, you know, very much building his career in the world of comedy. He was performing in clubs, working hard to get his name out there, and trying to make a living from his comedic talents. It was a period of hustle and growth for him, and his personal life, apparently, began to take shape alongside his professional aspirations. This was, in a way, the start of his adult life, both personally and professionally.

The marriage to Evelyn Killebrew lasted for about three years, ending in 1951. Details about this particular relationship are not widely known, as it occurred before he achieved the widespread fame that would later define his public image. Many public figures, especially during their early careers, keep their personal lives, you know, pretty much out of the spotlight. This period was, in short, a foundational one for him, laying the groundwork for the success that would come later. It was a time of beginnings, for him and for his first wife.

For someone like Red Foxx, whose life was increasingly public, the early relationships often get less attention than the later ones. However, this first marriage was, as a matter of fact, a part of his journey, a piece of the puzzle that makes up his complete story. It shows that even before he became a television icon, he was experiencing the normal aspects of life, including marriage. It was a brief chapter, to be honest, but a chapter nonetheless in the story of Red Foxx's life, and his personal connections.

Betty Jean Harris: A Longer Chapter

His second marriage was to Betty Jean Harris, and this relationship began in 1956. This was a time when Red Foxx was, you know, starting to gain more recognition in the comedy circuit. He was releasing comedy albums, and his unique style was beginning to reach a wider audience. So, while not yet a massive television star, he was definitely a known figure in the entertainment world. This marriage, in some respects, unfolded during a period of rising prominence for him, which, you know, could bring its own set of challenges to a personal relationship.

The marriage to Betty Jean Harris lasted for a bit longer than his first, continuing until 1961. This five-year period saw him continue to work tirelessly, building his reputation as a stand-up comedian. The demands of a touring comedian's life, you know, can be pretty intense, often requiring a lot of time away from home. It's a kind of existence that, arguably, can put pressure on any personal connection. This was a significant part of his life, a chapter that, basically, saw him growing both as a performer and as a person.

Betty Jean Harris, like Evelyn Killebrew, remained a somewhat private figure, despite her connection to a rising star. The focus of the public, then as now, tended to be on Red Foxx's comedic performances rather than the intricacies of his personal life. This marriage represents another important step in his journey, showing how his personal story progressed alongside his professional one. It’s another piece of the story of **red foxx wife** relationships, offering a glimpse into his world away from the stage, which, you know, is quite interesting.

Yun Chi Chung: A Union from Far Away

Red Foxx's third marriage was to Yun Chi Chung, a relationship that began in 1976. This particular union happened during a very different phase of his life and career. By 1976, he was a huge star, thanks to the immense success of "Sanford and Son." He was, you know, a household name, recognized by millions across the country. This level of fame, naturally, brings a whole new set of circumstances to any personal relationship, making it, in some respects, very different from his earlier, more private connections.

Yun Chi Chung was a Korean-American woman, and their marriage lasted for about five years, ending in 1981. This period was marked by Red Foxx's continued popularity and his efforts to, as a matter of fact, branch out into other projects after "Sanford and Son" concluded its initial run. The challenges of maintaining a private life while being a public figure were, apparently, very real for him during this time. It's a situation that, you know, many celebrities experience, where the personal and professional often intertwine in complex ways.

Their relationship, like his others, was a part of his ongoing personal story. The public's interest in him was, of course, very high during this era, meaning that details about his personal life, including his marriages, might have received a bit more attention than before. This marriage represents a significant period in his life, one where he was navigating immense fame while also, you know, trying to build a personal connection. It’s another look at the story of **red foxx wife** relationships, showing the different paths his life took.

Ka Ho Cho: The Final Vows

Red Foxx's fourth and final marriage was to Ka Ho Cho. This union took place in 1991, the same year he passed away. It was a very brief marriage, lasting only a few months. This period was near the very end of his life, and he was still, you know, actively working in entertainment. He had started a new television show, showing his continued dedication to his craft, even in his later years. It was a time when he was, in some respects, still trying to make people laugh and bring joy to audiences.

The marriage to Ka Ho Cho highlights how, even late in life, he was still looking for companionship and connection. It’s a reminder that public figures, like everyone else, seek personal happiness and partnership. The abrupt end of this marriage due to his passing, naturally, adds a poignant note to his personal history. It was a short chapter, but a very real one, in the story of his life and his search for connection. This final marriage, in a way, closed out his personal narrative, a truly sad ending to a vibrant life.

For many people, the idea of a quick marriage like this might seem unusual, but for someone with a life as dynamic as Red Foxx's, it was, you know, just another part of his journey. It shows that he was, basically, a person who lived life fully, right up until the very end. The details of this relationship, while brief, are an important part of understanding the complete picture of Red Foxx's personal world. It's the last entry in the story of **red foxx wife** relationships, completing the record of his marital life.

Red Foxx's Personal Life: Beyond the Stage

Beyond the laughter and the iconic characters, Red Foxx's personal life was, you know, pretty much as complex and interesting as his public persona. He was a man who experienced the ups and downs that come with any life, and his relationships with his wives were a significant part of that journey. Like many performers, his demanding career often intersected with his personal world, creating unique situations. It’s a bit like a community on Reddit where, you know, different topics, or "threads," can influence each other in unexpected ways.

His financial struggles, which were, in fact, quite well-known, also played a role in his personal life. Despite his massive success, he faced challenges with money, which, apparently, can put a strain on any relationship. It shows that fame and fortune don't always mean an easy personal path. He was, in some respects, a very generous person, which, you know, might have contributed to some of his financial difficulties. This aspect of his life, naturally, affected his personal connections.

Red Foxx did not have any biological children of his own, which is a fact that many people are curious about when looking into his family life. However, he did have a stepdaughter from one of his marriages, adding another layer to his personal story. This shows that family, in a way, can take many forms. His personal life, ultimately, was a reflection of the man himself: full of character, sometimes challenging, but always, you know, very much real. You can learn more about Red Foxx's incredible career on our site, and link to this page about his life for more historical context.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Foxx's Wives

How many times was Red Foxx married?

Red Foxx was married a total of four times during his life. Each marriage, you know, was a distinct chapter in his personal story. He had different partners at various stages of his career, from his early days as a comedian to his time as a major television star. It shows that, in a way, he was always looking for companionship, which, you know, is pretty common for most people.

Who was Red Foxx's first wife?

His first wife was Evelyn Killebrew. Their marriage began in 1948 and lasted for about three years, ending in 1951. This was a time when Red Foxx was still, you know, building his career in comedy, before he became widely famous. Details about this particular relationship are not, apparently, very widely known, as it happened early in his public life.

Did Red Foxx have any children?

Red Foxx did not have any biological children. However, he did have a stepdaughter from one of his marriages. This means that while he didn't have his own biological offspring, he was, in some respects, part of a family unit that included children. It's a detail that, you know, adds to the complete picture of his personal life, showing how his family grew.