Redd Foxx's First Wife: Evelyn Killebrew & Their Short Marriage

What secrets lie hidden within the early years of a comedy legend? Redd Foxx, a name synonymous with groundbreaking humor, had a life that extended far beyond the bright lights of television, including a series of marriages that shaped his personal and professional journey.

His first marriage, a pivotal chapter in the story of Redd Foxx's life, was to a woman named Evelyn Killebrew. Their union, which began in 1948, marked the start of a complex relationship that would later end in divorce. This early chapter occurred during a time when Foxx was still forging his path in the entertainment industry. In his twenties, he was far from the household name he would become, a struggling artist washing dishes alongside Malcolm X, while simultaneously chasing his dream of a career as a musician.

The marriage to Evelyn Killebrew, a detail often relegated to the footnotes of Foxx's biography, offers a glimpse into the comedian's formative years. The details of their relationship remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, and grounds for their separation remain a mystery to date, yet the very fact of the union provides a fascinating look at the man before his fame.

Category Details
Full Name John Elroy Sanford (Redd Foxx)
Born December 9, 1922, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Died October 11, 1991, Queen of Angels Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Marriages Evelyn Killebrew (1948-1951), Betty Jean Harris (1956), and two others.
Known For Stand-up comedian, actor (Sanford and Son)
Career Highlights Groundbreaking stand-up performances, starring role in the hit sitcom "Sanford and Son," numerous comedy albums.
Early Career Washing dishes, pursuing music, performing in comedy clubs.
Residence Hollywood, Los Angeles
Legacy One of the most influential comedians of his time, paved the way for future generations of African-American performers.
Reference Wikipedia

The details surrounding his first marriage remain relatively scarce. It is known that the couple married in 1948 and that the union ended in divorce in 1951. While the precise reasons behind their separation remain unclear, the limited information available suggests a chapter in Foxx's life that predates his ascent to stardom. It serves as a reminder that even comedy legends have personal histories often separate from the public persona.

Following the end of his first marriage, Foxx's romantic journey continued. On July 5, 1956, he married Betty Jean Harris, a dancer and showgirl. Harris, who would later become involved in most of Foxx's business ventures, brought a daughter, Debraca Denise, into the marriage, whom Foxx adopted. Betty was a colleague of Lawanda Page, who would later become Foxx's television rival, Aunt Esther, on "Sanford and Son."

Foxxs love for humor was evident throughout his life, especially through his stand-up routines. A pioneer of "blue humor," his comedy albums initially found a limited audience, particularly among white record stores. However, his records gained wider availability in the 1960s, although they were still considered "marginally" available in some sectors.

The narrative around Foxx's personal life also encompasses an early association with Evelyn Killebrew. Killebrew was, according to available records, his first wife. While the specifics of their relationship are scarce, their three-year marriage from 1948 to 1951 offers insight into Foxx's life before the widespread fame that would define the rest of his career.

Beyond his wives, other relationships and events contributed to the tapestry of his life. It is known that he was in a relationship with Midori in 1976. Beyond the wives, the personal story of Redd Foxx offers layers of detail that are of interest to those who enjoy studying his life and career.

Evelyn Killebrew's story, while closely linked to Foxx, also stands on its own. While much of her personal life remains private, her name appears in relation to his marriages. Furthermore, in Franklin, TN, an Evelyn Eve Killebrew, age 60, was noted in records. Her details included her graduation from Bradley University and her love of animals and helping others, and she was survived by her husband, Philip Johnson. The details paint a picture of a woman who was modest, supportive, and cherished by her family. Her background demonstrates that the individuals in Foxx's personal story had lives and interests that stretched beyond their time with him.

Redd Foxx's marriages and relationships offer a window into his life away from the stage, where he was known for his outrageous humor and distinct style. His four marriages, the first to Evelyn Killebrew, the second to Betty Jean Harris, and two others, each contributed to his personal narrative. Each partnership, including the ones that did not last, served as a chapter in the story of his life.

The comedian's legacy, as it relates to his marriages, is significant. He was the first to marry Evelyn Killebrew, a fact that connects her to an important chapter of the comedian's life. In addition, his marriages show that he was open to forging connections throughout his life.

The personal lives of celebrities are not always easy to piece together. Little is known about the private lives of those who were closest to them. For Foxx, his relationships provide an additional layer to his story.

The tale of Redd Foxx's marriages offers a fascinating glimpse into the personal life of a comedy legend. From his early days with Evelyn Killebrew, to the later chapters that included Betty Jean Harris and other partnerships, each relationship contributed to the complex and multifaceted story of a man who, through his humor, touched the lives of millions.

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