Debraca Denise Foxx, the daughter of legendary comedian Redd Foxx, has led a life largely outside of the public spotlight. While her father became one of the most iconic names in American comedy, Debraca’s journey has been much more private. Her role as his daughter, her relationship with him, and the legacy she inherited are all important aspects of her story. This article will dive into the details of her life, covering her early years, her relationship with Redd Foxx, her own personal life, and where she is today.
Early Life and Adoption by Redd Foxx
Debraca Denise was born on December 16, 1947, to Betty Jean Harris, a dancer and showgirl. Redd Foxx, who was born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, had a significant impact on her early years. In 1956, when Debraca was about 9 years old, Redd Foxx officially adopted her. At that time, Betty Jean Harris and Foxx were married, and Debraca took on the surname Foxx.
While Foxx’s life was filled with public attention and fame due to his groundbreaking career in comedy, Debraca’s upbringing was much quieter. Foxx, already established as a prominent comic and entertainer, would go on to make history as one of the first African American comedians to achieve national fame.
The Life of Redd Foxx and Debraca Denise’s Role
Redd Foxx’s rise to fame was rooted in his revolutionary approach to stand-up comedy. He is most famous for his role as Fred G. Sanford in the iconic sitcom Sanford and Son, which was on air from 1972 to 1977. His role as a cantankerous, but lovable junk dealer was groundbreaking, and the show earned him a place in American TV history.
However, while Foxx’s professional life was thriving, his personal life, including his relationship with Debraca, was often under scrutiny. Reports from the time suggest that the two had a loving but sometimes strained relationship, with tensions rising during certain periods. Despite these difficulties, Foxx remained a key figure in Debraca’s life, and she carried his legacy long after his death.
Redd Foxx’s Death and Debraca’s Role in His Estate
Redd Foxx passed away on October 11, 1991, from a heart attack while on set for a new show called The Royal Family. His death, which came unexpectedly at the age of 68, left a significant gap in the entertainment world. In the wake of his passing, much of his estate was left in disarray, as Foxx had accumulated significant debts over his career.
Debraca Denise, as Foxx’s adopted daughter, was entrusted with managing his estate. She took on the responsibility of overseeing his assets, which included royalties from his past television and comedy work. However, the process was complicated, as Foxx’s estate was also entangled in legal battles over debts and unresolved financial issues. In 1993, Debraca was involved in a legal dispute with Foxx’s fourth wife, Ka Ho Cho, over the administration of the estate. This was a period marked by public litigation and attempts to settle Foxx’s financial obligations.
Despite the challenges, Debraca Denise served as the executor of Foxx’s estate, managing the financial and legal matters that followed his death. She continued to maintain the legacy of her father while navigating the difficult task of sorting out his financial affairs.
Debraca Denise’s Personal Life
Debraca Denise’s personal life remained relatively out of the public eye throughout the years. She married Ralph Russell, a businessman, in 1975, and they had one child together, a son named Paul Hiles. The couple has remained largely private, and very little public information is available about Debraca’s life beyond her family ties to Redd Foxx.
Her personal life was marked by her desire for privacy. While her father’s name kept her in the public conversation, Debraca made it clear that she was not interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Instead, she focused on her family life, maintaining a quiet existence away from the public glare.
Debraca Denise’s Public Appearances
Although Debraca Denise chose a private life, she did make a few public appearances over the years. Notably, in 2011, she was featured in the documentary Unsung Hollywood, which explored the lives of African American entertainers, including her father. During her brief appearance, Debraca reflected on her father’s legacy and her own personal experiences growing up with Redd Foxx as her father.
In addition, Debraca appeared at various events to honor her father’s memory, including commemorative services for Redd Foxx and interviews where she spoke briefly about her experiences growing up as his daughter. These rare appearances, however, were the exception rather than the rule.
Is Debraca Denise Still Alive?
As of the latest reports in 2025, Debraca Denise is still alive. She has largely stayed away from public life in recent years, focusing on her family and her personal pursuits. There have been no reports or credible sources suggesting otherwise, and she continues to live a private life, avoiding the media spotlight.
Debraca has kept a low profile since the early 2000s, and there have been no major updates on her activities in recent years. Her decision to stay out of the public eye has allowed her to maintain some degree of anonymity and avoid the pressures associated with her father’s fame.
Debraca Denise Today: The Legacy of Redd Foxx
Although Debraca Denise has remained private, her connection to Redd Foxx’s legacy continues to impact the way she is remembered. Redd Foxx’s contributions to comedy and television are immense, and as his daughter, Debraca Denise carries a significant part of that legacy.
Despite the challenges she faced managing her father’s estate, Debraca has remained a key figure in preserving the memory of Redd Foxx. His impact on American culture and the world of entertainment is immeasurable, and through her, that legacy continues.
Debraca Denise’s Net Worth
There is no definitive or publicly disclosed figure for Debraca Denise’s net worth. However, it is likely that, as the heir to Redd Foxx’s estate, she has benefited financially from her father’s royalties and legacy. The estate has faced significant legal and financial challenges, particularly due to Foxx’s debts at the time of his death, but Debraca’s involvement in managing his assets means she has likely inherited a portion of his wealth.
It is important to note that Debraca Denise has largely avoided discussing her financial matters in the public domain, keeping her personal life, including her wealth, private. As such, estimates about her net worth remain speculative at best.
Conclusion
Debraca Denise Foxx’s life is a reflection of the complexities and challenges that come with being the child of a famous figure. While her father, Redd Foxx, was a comedic icon whose impact on the entertainment world is still felt today, Debraca has chosen a quieter path, focusing on her family and managing the legacy her father left behind.
Born on December 16, 1947, Debraca’s journey has been marked by her love for her family, her role as the executor of Redd Foxx’s estate after his death in 1991, and her choice to live a quiet life, far from public attention, focusing on family and personal fulfillment. Her story is one of resilience, navigating personal challenges while preserving the memory of one of comedy’s most groundbreaking figures.
Today, Debraca Denise remains a quiet figure, still living and honoring the legacy of Redd Foxx in her own way. Her journey continues to be a testament to the complexities of family, legacy, and the importance of carving out one’s own identity amidst the shadows of fame.
