Redd Foxx (December 9, 1922 – October 11, 1991), born John Elroy Sanford, was an American comedian best known for his starring role as Fred Sanford on the television sitcom Sanford and Son. Foxx was born in St. Louis, Missouri and raised on Chicago's South Side. His mother was part Seminole, making Foxx one quarter Seminole. His father, an electrician, left the family when Foxx was four. He was raised by his mother, his minister, and his grandmother.