Redd Foxx was one of the most influential comedians of the 20th century, best known for his role as Fred G. Sanford on the hit sitcom Sanford and Son. While millions remember him for his sharp humour, unforgettable delivery, and groundbreaking comedy albums, his personal life—especially his marriages—was equally colourful. If you’re curious about Redd Foxx’s spouses, relationships, and the highs and lows of his romantic journey, this in-depth guide covers everything you need to know.
Who Was Redd Foxx? A Quick Overview
Born John Elroy Sanford in 1922, Redd Foxx rose from a challenging childhood in St. Louis and Chicago to become a pioneer of Black comedy. He earned the nickname “King of the Party Records” for his bold, adults-only stand-up albums before becoming a household name in the 1970s. Behind the scenes, however, the comedian led a complicated personal life, including several marriages, financial ups and downs, and emotional struggles.
How Many Times Was Redd Foxx Married?
When discussing “Redd Foxx spouse” history, one important fact stands out: he was married four times. Each marriage reflected different stages of his career and personality, ranging from passionate beginnings to turbulent endings. Despite multiple attempts at finding lasting love, Foxx’s romantic relationships often mirrored the drama and intensity of his comedic life.
First Marriage: Evelyn Killebrew (1948–1951)
Redd Foxx’s first spouse was Evelyn Killebrew, whom he married in 1948. This marriage took place early in his career, during his rising years on the stand-up circuit. The relationship was relatively short-lived, lasting only a few years before ending in divorce. Not much is publicly documented about their private life, but it was a foundational chapter that occurred before fame reshaped his world.
Second Marriage: Betty Jean Harris (1956–1974)
Redd Foxx’s second marriage, to Betty Jean Harris, is often considered his most significant and longest-lasting union. They met while both were working in entertainment—Betty Jean as a dancer and showgirl. According to accounts of their relationship, Foxx asked her to retire from performing after they married, and she agreed.
Their marriage lasted nearly two decades, overlapping with Foxx’s rise to national fame. Together, they raised Betty Jean’s daughter, Debraca, whom Foxx treated as his own. When fans explore “Redd Foxx spouse” histories, Betty Jean is usually the wife most associated with his major career breakthroughs.
Despite lasting many years, their marriage ended in a difficult divorce in 1974, involving financial disputes that reportedly cost Foxx a significant portion of his earnings.
Third Marriage: Yun Chi Chung (1976–1981)
In 1976, Foxx married Yun Chi Chung, a Korean singer he had met in Las Vegas. Their relationship came two years after his second divorce and marked a completely different chapter in his personal life. This marriage lasted five years and brought moments of stability—but also tension.
As Foxx faced financial challenges, tax issues, and the pressures of maintaining his career, the marriage began to strain. Their 1981 divorce was another difficult split, further straining Foxx’s finances. Still, Yun Chi Chung remains a noteworthy figure in his story, representing a period of transition as he navigated middle age and shifting career demands.
Fourth Marriage: Ka Ho Cho (1991–1991)
Redd Foxx’s fourth and final marriage was to Ka Ho Cho, whom he married in July 1991. She was a dancer and entertainer from Las Vegas, and their relationship blossomed late in Foxx’s life. By this time, Foxx was working to revive his career through new TV roles, and Ka Ho Cho became his emotional support during his comeback efforts.
Tragically, their marriage lasted only a few months. In October 1991, Foxx collapsed on the set of his television show and died from a heart attack at age 68. Ka Ho Cho stayed by his side through his final days and continued to manage parts of his estate in the aftermath.
A Look at Redd Foxx’s Personality in Relationships
Redd Foxx was known for being charismatic, witty, and incredibly generous. People close to him described him as warm-hearted, despite his rough exterior and biting comedic style. However, his relationships often suffered from his unpredictable finances, work stress, and demanding career.
He was also known for his sense of humour at home, often blending comedy with everyday life. Although Foxx married four times, those who knew him said he genuinely sought companionship and stability—even when life made it difficult to maintain.
Did Redd Foxx Have Biological Children?
One question many fans ask when exploring Redd Foxx’s spouse history is whether he had children of his own. The answer is no—Redd Foxx did not have biological children. However, during his marriage to Betty Jean Harris, he adopted and raised her daughter, Debraca Denise, treating her as his own child. Their relationship had ups and downs, especially surrounding estate issues after his death, but she remains a key part of his family history.
Financial Challenges and Their Impact on His Marriages
Redd Foxx’s financial troubles are legendary. Despite earning millions throughout his career, he frequently struggled with tax debt, overspending, and costly divorces. These economic struggles strained his marriages, especially his second and third. At several points, Foxx had his property seized, and his financial setbacks affected both his personal and professional life.
Despite the challenges, his spouse and those close to him often praised his generosity. He was known for helping friends financially, supporting fellow entertainers, and sharing whatever he had—even when it put him in difficult positions.
Love, Loss, and Late-Life Romance
Foxx’s marriage to Ka Ho Cho came during a hopeful, but vulnerable period of his life. Although short, their union showed that Foxx never gave up on love, even after heartbreak and financial difficulties. Those who witnessed their relationship described it as affectionate, supportive, and filled with a late-life tenderness that Foxx deeply valued.
His passing only months after their wedding made Ka Ho Cho the final spouse in his long, complicated romantic history.
How His Relationships Shaped His Legacy
While Redd Foxx’s career was groundbreaking, his personal life added depth and humanity to his story. His marriages reflected both his warmth and his flaws, his passions and his struggles. Each spouse represented a different phase of their life—from early career beginnings to global fame to late-life reinvention.
His personal relationships also influenced his comedy. Much of his humour came from real-life experiences, including relationship challenges, domestic life, and everyday frustrations, which fans loved hearing him joke about.
Conclusion: The Many Chapters of Redd Foxx’s Love Life
Redd Foxx’s marriages were complex, emotional, and deeply intertwined with his journey as a performer. From Evelyn Killebrew to Betty Jean Harris, Yun Chi Chung, and Ka Ho Cho, each spouse played a role in shaping the man the world admired. His romantic life was far from perfect, but it was authentic, passionate, and reflective of the unique personality that made him a legend.
