Debraca Denise gained attention as the daughter of Redd Foxx, the iconic American stand-up comedian and actor. Although she made appearances on various television shows, she later chose to step away from the public eye and media spotlight. Her choice to lead a private life has intrigued many, prompting curiosity about her story. Discover the captivating life journey of Redd Foxx’s daughter and her family below.
Even after his death, Redd Foxx remains celebrated as one of the greatest American entertainers of all time. His only publicly known child, Debraca Denise, is said to have been adopted by him. Although she married in the mid-70s and prefers a private life, tabloids and the media continue to find stories about her and her family.
Profile summary
| Profile Summary | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Debraca Denise |
| Gender | Female |
| Famous As | Redd Foxx’s daughter |
| Year of Birth | 1947 |
| Age | 76/77 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Profession | Television star |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) |
| Father | John Elroy Sanford (alias Redd Foxx) |
| Mother | Betty Jean Harris |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Ralph Russell |
Early Life
Debraca Denise was born in 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri. Her early years are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with limited information about her childhood and education. Her adoption by the renowned comedian Redd Foxx brought her into the public eye. Despite the sparse details of her early life, it is evident that her connection to Foxx had a significant impact on her personal and professional journey.
Family Background
Debraca Denise’s stepfather, Redd Foxx, was a celebrated American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his bold nightclub performances during the civil rights era. Nicknamed the “King of the Party Records,” Foxx recorded over 50 albums throughout his career. He gained fame for his roles in TV shows like “Sanford and Son,” “The Redd Foxx Show,” and “The Royal Family.”
Her mother, Betty Jean Harris, was a showgirl and dancer who worked alongside LaWanda Page. Harris and Redd Foxx first met while performing at a nightclub, where their shared interests led to a close relationship. They married in 1956, and their union lasted about 18 years before their separation.
Career and Television Appearances
Debraca Denise appeared in several TV shows, including “Sanford and Son,” “Sanford,” and “Unsung Hollywood.” These roles underscored her connection to Redd Foxx and her involvement in the entertainment industry. While not as prominent as her father, Debraca established her own presence on television, showcasing her acting talents and engaging audiences.
Personal Life
Since her marriage to Ralph Russell in June 1975, Debraca Denise has maintained a low profile. Despite making occasional television appearances, she prefers to keep her personal life private. This preference for discretion has kept details about her romantic relationships and potential children largely out of the public eye.
Redd Foxx’s Influence
Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, was a trailblazing stand-up comedian and actor. His career left an indelible mark on comedy and entertainment before his death on October 11, 1991, in Los Angeles. During the civil rights movement, Foxx’s innovative and provocative humor earned him the title “King of the Party Records,” reshaping comedy and inspiring future generations of comedians. His acting career, highlighted by his iconic role as Fred G. Sanford on “Sanford and Son” (1972-1977), further solidified his legacy as a comedic pioneer who challenged societal norms and broke racial barriers.
Who is Debraca Denise?
Debraca Denise is the adopted daughter of the late American stand-up comedian and actor John Elroy Sanford, more widely known as Redd Foxx.
How old is Debraca Denise?
As of 2024, Debraca Denise is 76 or 77 years old. She was born in 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri.
What is Debraca Denise’s ethnicity?
Debraca Denise is an American of African-American descent.
Who is Debraca Denise’s mother?
Debraca Denise was nine years old when Redd Foxx married her mother, Betty Jean Harris, on July 5, 1956. Foxx later adopted Debraca, raising her as his own. Betty Jean Harris was a showgirl and dancer who worked alongside LaWanda Page, known for her role as Aunt Esther on “Sanford and Son.”
Betty and Redd first met at a nightclub where they were both performing. After their marriage, Betty left her show business career to manage Foxx’s business interests, including Redd Foxx Enterprises. Their marriage ended due to Redd’s infidelity, leading Betty to return $110,000 that had been withdrawn from their bank accounts as part of the divorce settlement.
Who is Debraca Denise’s father?
Debraca Denise’s biological father remains unidentified publicly, but Redd Foxx is recognized as her father. Born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri, Foxx achieved fame with his raunchy nightclub act during and after the civil rights movement. Known as the “King of the Party Records,” he recorded over 50 albums in his lifetime.
Foxx’s career extended beyond stand-up comedy to television and film. He starred in popular TV shows such as “Sanford and Son,” “The Redd Foxx Show,” and “The Royal Family.” His film credits include “All the Fine Young Cannibals” (1960), “Cotton Comes to Harlem” (1970), “Norman… Is That You?” (1976), and “Harlem Nights” (1989).
Redd Foxx’s contributions to entertainment earned him numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, two Image Awards, and three Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
What happened to Debraca Denise’s father?
Redd Foxx, Debraca Denise’s father, passed away on October 11, 1991, at the age of 68. He suffered a heart attack on set during a break from rehearsals for “The Royal Family.” Foxx’s sudden collapse initially went unnoticed as he was well-known for staging fake heart attacks and pratfalls on “Sanford and Son.”
Paramedics briefly revived Foxx before transporting him to Queen of Angels Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, he died four and a half hours after his arrival.
Did Redd Foxx have any biological children?
There is no record of Redd Foxx having any biological children apart from his adopted daughter, Debraca Denise. Redd Foxx was married four times, but none of these marriages resulted in biological offspring.
His first marriage was to Evelyn Killebrew in 1948, which ended in divorce in 1951. He then married Betty Jean Harris, Debraca Denise’s mother, in 1956, but this marriage lasted only until 1957.
In 1976, Redd married Yun Chi Chung, a Las Vegas cocktail waitress who was 20 years younger than him and had recently arrived in the USA. Their marriage was annulled in 1981, and Yun received a $300,000 divorce settlement after citing cruelty in her counter-divorce suit.
Redd’s final marriage was to Ka Ho Cho from South Korea in 1991. They met in Las Vegas, and their marriage lasted just four months before his untimely death.
What does Debraca Denise do for a living?
While Debraca Denise is widely recognized as the daughter of the iconic American comedian Redd Foxx, she has also made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in several television shows, including the music-focused documentary series “Unsung Hollywood” (2014) and the NBC sitcoms “Sanford and Son” (1972) and “Sanford” (1980).
Debraca Denise’s Net Worth
Debraca Denise’s net worth remains undisclosed, as she has not publicly revealed her earnings from her television appearances. Upon Redd Foxx’s death in 1991, she became the sole legal heir to his estate. However, Foxx’s estate faced significant financial issues, including a $3.5 million debt to the IRS. Prior to his death, Foxx had declared bankruptcy, and the IRS had imposed various tax liens to recover unpaid income taxes.
Debraca Denise and Ka Ho Cho’s Legal Battle
Debraca Denise, despite not being Foxx’s biological daughter, had a close relationship with him and was appointed executor of his estate. This led to a legal dispute with Foxx’s widow, Ka Ho Cho, who accused Denise of mismanaging the estate. Cho claimed that Denise failed to provide proper accounting, receipts, or information about revenue from royalties and licensing deals.
Redd Foxx’s wife also alleged that Debraca Denise had diverted funds meant for estate taxes. Due to these disputes within the family, the Nevada probate court appointed a public administrator in 2006 to manage the estate.
The administrator was tasked with resolving the estate’s tax obligations and ensuring that funds were distributed to the heirs. Additionally, Ka Ho Cho engaged in a financial dispute with John Cahill, the public administrator from Las Vegas, where Redd resided at the time of his death.
Who is Debraca Denise’s husband?
Debraca Denise married Ralph Russell, a businessman based in Los Angeles, in June 1975 at the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Prior to her marriage to Russell, Debraca was romantically involved with Jackie Jackson, an American singer and songwriter who co-founded the Jackson 5 with his brothers Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson.
Who are Debraca Denise’s children?
There are reports suggesting that Debraca Denise may have one or more children with her husband, Ralph Russell, with whom she has been married for over 49 years. However, no definitive proof or public confirmation has been provided to substantiate these claims.
Is Debraca Denise still alive?
There are no records of Debraca Denise’s death, obituary, or burial place online, so she is believed to be alive.
Where is Debraca Denise now?
It is believed that Debraca Denise resides in the United States with her spouse, and they may have one or more children.
Is Larenz Tate Redd Foxx’s grandson?
Larenz Tate, the American actor, is not Debraca Denise’s son or Redd Foxx’s grandson. He portrayed Redd Foxx’s grandson in a TV show. Tate has expressed respect for Redd Foxx and values his time spent with the late comedian on “The Royal Family.”
Facts about Debraca Denise
- Debraca took the surname “Foxx” after being adopted by Redd Foxx.
- Her mother, Betty Jean Harris, was Redd Foxx’s second wife and business manager.
- Debraca’s mother and Redd Foxx had a contentious divorce.
- Redd Foxx did not attend Debraca’s wedding in 1975.
- Debraca was named the sole executor of Redd Foxx’s estate.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside her professional life, Debraca Denise indulges in several enjoyable hobbies. She finds pleasure in drawing and painting, using vibrant colors to express her creativity. Reading captivates her imagination, with a particular fondness for fairy tales, thrilling adventures, and humorous joke books. Gardening allows her to connect with nature, while cooking provides a creative outlet for experimenting with new recipes and baking delightful treats. Music also plays a significant role in her life, with a wide range of melodies resonating with her diverse tastes.
Future Aspirations
Debraca Denise has a range of exciting aspirations on her horizon. Much like planning a secret fort or envisioning a space adventure, her dreams are full of potential and enthusiasm. She envisions herself taking on diverse roles in more TV shows, from pirates to princesses, diving deep into the world of storytelling and creativity. Additionally, she may aspire to continue her father’s legacy, bringing laughter and joy to people’s lives as Redd Foxx did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Debraca Denise?
Debraca Denise is the daughter of the iconic comedian and actor Redd Foxx. Although not biologically related, she was adopted by Foxx and became his only publicly known child. She has also made a name for herself in the entertainment industry with roles in TV shows such as “Sanford and Son” and “Unsung Hollywood.”
What is Debraca Denise’s professional background?
Debraca Denise has appeared in several television shows, including the music documentary series “Unsung Hollywood” (2014) and the NBC sitcoms “Sanford and Son” (1972) and “Sanford” (1980). Her career in television highlights her involvement in the entertainment industry.
What are Debraca Denise’s hobbies and interests?
Outside of her professional life, Debraca Denise enjoys drawing and painting, reading fairy tales and adventure books, gardening, cooking, and listening to a wide range of music. These hobbies reflect her creativity and passion for diverse activities.
What is known about Debraca Denise’s family life?
Debraca Denise married Ralph Russell, a Los Angeles-based businessman, in June 1975. Prior to this marriage, she was in a romantic relationship with Jackie Jackson, a member of the Jackson 5. Her relationship with Redd Foxx, though not biological, was a significant part of her life.
What challenges did Debraca Denise face after Redd Foxx’s death?
After Redd Foxx’s death, Debraca Denise faced legal challenges, including disputes with Foxx’s widow, Ka Ho Cho, over the handling of the estate. The Nevada probate court appointed a public administrator to manage the estate due to these conflicts.
conclusion
Debraca Denise life story is a captivating blend of personal achievement and familial legacy. As the adopted daughter of the legendary comedian Redd Foxx, she carries forward a rich heritage while carving out her own path in the entertainment world.
Her work in television, coupled with her diverse hobbies and interests, showcases her creativity and individuality. Despite facing challenges, including legal battles over her father’s estate, Debraca’s journey reflects resilience and dedication. Her story not only honors the legacy of Redd Foxx but also highlights her own contributions and aspirations, making her a compelling figure in her own right.
