The name Debraca Denise is not quite popular but when linked to Redd Foxx, it brings back a lot of fond memories to those that followed TV sitcoms in the 70s,80s, and 90s. Foxx made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian and captivated the hearts of fans with roles in Sanford and Son, The Redd Foxx Show as well as The Royal Family.
Debraca, his daughter did not enjoy as much fame yet the celebrity child had a few roles in the movies before she retracted to the background. As it is, she has not been heard or seen ever since her father’s unfortunate death in October 1991.
A Look Into Her Early Life
Details about the early life of Debraca Dennis apart from being born in 1947 are not quite known till she came into the life of Redd Foxx who was born John Elroy Sanford on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis. Her mother, Betty Jean Harris married Foxx when Debraca was nine years old and not long after, Foxx adopted her. Thus, she came to be known as Debraca Denise Foxx.
As to her growing up years, she did not share it with any siblings since she remained the only known child of her popular father.
Other Elusive Facts About Debraca Denise
1. How did her parents meet and get married?
Debraca’s parents were both into the entertainment circuit. So it was only natural for Redd Foxx and Betty Jean Harris to meet in the line of work. Harris sang and danced to earn a living while Foxx made a huge following from his nightclub act.
They tied the knot on July 5, 1956. their marriage had many arrangements including an agreement on the part of Harris to leave her career as a showgirl.
2. The celebrity child had a brief acting stint
Away from her popular parents, Denise almost followed in her father’s steps as an actress but this dream soon fell short as she appeared in only a few roles. Her acting career was in Hollywood Unsung, Sanford and Son, and Sanford. Except for Hollywood Unsung, her father made his mark as a comedy giant in his role as Fred G. Sanford in Sanford and Son.
Aside from her father’s acting, Redd Foxx is celebrated for his nightclub acts during the Civil Rights movement, and his performance is contained in over 50 records.
3. She married Ralph Russell
The celebrity daughter started her marital journey in her father’s active years. She is reported to have tied the knot with a Los Angeles businessman, Ralph Russell in a $40,000 wedding. The wedding which took place at the Wilshire Hotel was attended by 450 guests and officiated by Rev. Fred E. Stephens of the Ame Church.
As it is, it is unclear if she and Russell ever had any children together or if they are still together.
4. Redd Foxx did not attend his daughter’s wedding
Despite being the closest thing to having a biological child, Redd Foxx did not attend Debraca’s wedding in 1975. As circulated, the reasons for the absence of such a popular comedian and actor known for many family roles varied. Against the backdrop of his failing marriage with her mother Jean who was estranged from Foxx, he felt snubbed.
Moreover, the issues started from the gold I.V which stated it was coming from Mrs. Redd Foxx inviting people to her daughter’s wedding. Fortunately for Debraca, the setback did not stop the occasion from holding as her mother’s brother, Kent Harris walked her down the aisle while her mother later hosted a party at her estate in Toluca to close friends and family.
5. Her Father Was married To Many Women
Though Debraca came into the life of Redd Foxx through marriage, it was not his only marriage. In fact, his marriage to her mom was the second one in his string of four marriages. Notably, it was his longest marriage as it lasted for almost two decades before they had a nasty divorce in 1974.
Her father was married to three other women:
- Evelyn Killebrew(1948-1951): She was the first wife of Redd Foxx but they divorced shortly after.
- Joi Yun Chi Chung(1976-1979): His marriage to the Korean immigrant caused quite a stir due to their 20-year age gap but they crossed that huddle till he filed for divorce in 1979. The marriage made him denounce any plans to get married but soon enough he moved on with another woman after a decade.
- Kaho Cho(1991): Despite Debraca’s stance on marriage, he married his fourth wife in 1991. He claimed that he got married because she stood with him when he did not have a quarter.
6. Eddie Murphy paid for Debraca Denise’s father’s funeral
Her father had enjoyed a long successful career as a stand-up comedian and actor yet, the end of his life was filled with so much misfortune. He suffered from a heart attack while shooting The Royal Family.
While he is known for feigning heart attacks, many of the cast members especially co-star, Della Reese did not know that this was a real one till he was later pronounced dead at the age of 68 on October 11, 1991. His untimely death after suffering a heart attack compounded the issues. He had declared bankruptcy and was declared to be owing taxes by the IRS.
Eddie Murphy stepped in and paid the money for his funeral because of the financial problems that the former actor had suffered. Murphy and Redd Foxx had a close and personal relationship. Moreso, Murphy was the creator and producer of The Royal Family which Foxx starred on.
7. How rich is Debraca Denise?
As of now, Debraca has not revealed her net worth. Her fortune is often linked to that of her famous father and looking at how he lost everything before his death, she may not have inherited much.
Unfortunately, instead of benefitting from her father who once had a net worth of $4 million before losing it on settling divorce cases and a lavish lifestyle, she is now faced with her father’s indebted estate and legal bickerings.
See Also: Joy Mcmanigal – Every Truth About The Ex-wife of Giancarlo Esposito
Where Is Debraca Denise?
The last that is heard of her was in the years following her father’s death when her stepmother, Kaho Cho had a legal squabble with her. As the story goes, Cho who was only married to the Sandford actor for four months accused his adopted daughter of taking out money from the estate instead of paying off the taxes.
Debraca and Cho are likely the only heirs of Foxx who had died without a will and were in the middle of a financial scandal. Such an accusation by Cho against Debraka who was made administrator of the estate did not go unnoticed.
Soon enough, the court removed her as an administrator of his estate in 2006. The following year, the public administrator for Clark County started making moves to see how her father’s story can be sold as a Hollywood script. The move was to generate money for the estate.
As of this writing, it is unclear if Redd Foxx’s fourth wife and his Debraca ever reached any agreement. Moreover, the legal closing of his estate is still unclear.
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