Redd Foxx Death Date and Age
Redd Foxx died on October 11, 1991, at the age of 68, in Las Vegas, Nevada. His death was confirmed by the Clark County coroner and reported by major outlets including the Associated Press and The New York Times. The date is widely cited in obituaries, biography timelines, and entertainment history databases as the official end of his career and life.
At the time of his death, Redd Foxx was one of the most recognizable names in American comedy, with decades of stand-up specials, film roles, and television work behind him. His passing was covered by Biography.com and other reference sites as a significant moment in entertainment history, marking the loss of a pioneering African American star who helped shape modern stand-up comedy.
Cause of Death and Final Days
The official cause of death was a heart attack, with coronary artery disease listed as a contributing factor. According to the Clark County Office of the Medical Examiner and reports from WebMD, Foxx had a history of health issues including diabetes and hypertension, which are known risk factors for cardiac events.
In the days before his death, Redd Foxx was reportedly working on new comedy material and preparing for a return to the stage. His sudden collapse at a Las Vegas studio led to emergency medical response, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. The incident was later detailed in documentary retrospectives and by Healthline as a cautionary example of cardiovascular risk in older adults.
Legacy and Career Highlights
Redd Foxx rose to fame through his stand-up albums and nightclub performances in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming one of the first Black comics to achieve mainstream success. He later starred in the hit NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 to 1977 and consistently ranked among the top shows in Nielsen ratings during its run.
Sanford and Son and Later Projects
Sanford and Son, based on the British series Steptoe and Son, featured Foxx as Fred Sanford, a junk dealer in Los Angeles. The show earned him an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe, and it remains in syndication worldwide. After Sanford and Son, he continued acting in films and television, including a brief return to sitcoms with The Redd Foxx Show in the late 1980s.
Financial Legacy and Estate
At the time of his death, Redd Foxx's estate was valued at several million dollars, though he faced significant tax debts and legal disputes. The Internal Revenue Service filed claims against his estate, and the matter was covered in financial and legal reports, including analysis by Forbes and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in relation to broader celebrity tax cases.
Cultural Impact and Influence
Redd Foxx influenced generations of comedians, from Richard Pryor to modern stand-up performers. His style of observational humor, direct audience engagement, and unapologetic delivery broke barriers in an industry that was largely segregated at the time. Today, his work is studied in media and cultural studies programs, and his recordings and shows continue to be referenced in discussions about the evolution of American comedy.
Where to Watch Redd Foxx Content
Fans can access Redd Foxx specials and Sanford and