Redd Foxx Wives: Inside His Four Marriages

Legendary comedian and actor Redd Foxx built an unforgettable legacy through his boundary-pushing stand-up and his iconic television role as Fred G. Sanford on Sanford and Son. Yet behind the laughter, his personal life was marked by complex relationships, financial turbulence, and four distinct marriages. Understanding his four wives offers a clearer picture of the man behind the persona, shedding light on the private struggles that often mirrored the drama of his public career.

Foxx married four times across his life: Evelyn Killebrew, Betty Jean Harris, Yun Chi Chung, and Ka Ho Cho. Each relationship coincided with different phases of his entertainment journey, moving from his early days scraping by on the Chitlin' Circuit to his peak television superstardom and his later financial battles with the IRS.

Evelyn Killebrew (First Marriage, 1948–1951)

Foxx married his first wife, Evelyn Killebrew, in 1948. At this point, Foxx was still trying to establish himself in the entertainment world, working various odd jobs and performing small club gigs after moving to New York and later launching his comedy partnership with Slappy White.

The marriage happened during a time of intense struggle and transition. Foxx was developing the adult-themed routines that would eventually make him famous on underground party records, but mainstream success was still years away. The marriage did not withstand the pressures of his early touring lifestyle and financial instability, ending in divorce in 1951.

Betty Jean Harris (Second Marriage, 1956–1975)

Foxx's longest and most publicly visible marriage was to Betty Jean Harris, a showgirl and dancer whom he wed in July 1956. Harris was a colleague of LaWanda Page—the actress who later famously played Foxx's TV rival Aunt Esther on Sanford and Son.

This nineteen-year marriage spanned Foxx's rise to prominence. During the late 1950s and 1960s, Foxx became the "King of the Party Records," releasing explicit comedy albums that sold millions of copies in Black communities before crossing over to white audiences on the Las Vegas Strip. Harris was by his side as he transitioned from a gritty club comic to a wealthy headliner.

During this marriage, Foxx also adopted Harris's nine-year-old daughter, Debraca, who took the surname Foxx. However, the immense pressure of sudden television fame following the 1972 premiere of Sanford and Son strained the relationship. The couple separated and divorced in 1975, with Harris receiving a substantial settlement that later contributed to Foxx's complex financial difficulties.

Yun Chi Chung (Third Marriage, 1976–1981)

Shortly after his divorce from Harris, Foxx married Yun Chi Chung (sometimes referred to as Joi Yun Chi Chung) in 1976. Chung was a Korean-American woman whom Foxx met during his travels and residency in Las Vegas.

The mid-to-late 1970s were a tumultuous period for Foxx professionally. He engaged in high-profile contract disputes with network executives, walked away from Sanford and Son, and launched short-lived variety projects like The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour. The whirlwind nature of his career, combined with cultural differences and personal stress, led to frequent friction. The marriage ended in divorce around 1981, leaving Foxx publicly stating that he was done with marriage altogether.

Ka Ho Cho (Fourth Marriage, 1991)

Despite his vow to stay single, Foxx surprised many by marrying Ka Ho Cho in July 1991, just months before his passing. The couple met at Bally's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in March 1989, a period when Foxx's life was spiraling into severe financial ruin. The IRS had famously raided his home that same year, seizing property and assets to satisfy millions in unpaid back taxes.

Cho, who emigrated from Seoul, South Korea, stood by him through the grueling legal and financial investigations. In a revealing interview with Jet magazine, Foxx explained his decision to wed again: "She saw me with a nickel. And hopefully, she will see me with a dollar. I'll give her seventy-five cents of it". Cho remained his wife until October 11, 1991, when Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack on the set of his CBS television series The Royal Family.

Common Misconceptions About Foxx's Personal Life

Fans often confuse the timeline of Foxx's relationships with his professional milestones. A frequent misconception is that Betty Jean Harris appeared on Sanford and Son. While Harris was a fellow performer and knew LaWanda Page from the Chitlin' Circuit days, she never acted on the show. Page was cast specifically because of her decades-long friendship and working history with Foxx.

Another frequent point of confusion involves his financial state at the time of his final marriage. Tabloids often sensationalized his relationship with Ka Ho Cho, ignoring the genuine support she provided while he faced aggressive IRS seizures and bankruptcy. Far from being a glamorous Hollywood romance, their short marriage was grounded in mutual reliance during Foxx's final, most vulnerable years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times was Redd Foxx married?

Redd Foxx was married four times. His wives were Evelyn Killebrew, Betty Jean Harris, Yun Chi Chung, and Ka Ho Cho.

Did Redd Foxx have any children?

Foxx did not have biological children, but he adopted his second wife Betty Jean Harris's daughter, Debraca, who took the name Debraca Foxx.

Who was Redd Foxx's wife when he died?

Ka Ho Cho was his wife at the time of his death in October 1991. They were married for just a few months before he passed away from a heart attack on the set of The Royal Family.

Why did Redd Foxx face financial trouble later in life?

Foxx earned substantial sums during his run on Sanford and Son, but poor financial management, expensive divorces—particularly his settlement with Betty Jean Harris—and severe disputes with the Internal Revenue Service led to massive tax liens, bankruptcy in 1983, and a 1989 IRS raid on his home. Learn more about tax compliance standards through the IRS Official Site. Explore historical records of legendary entertainers via the Smithsonian Institution.