Charles Santore, Sanford and Son: Redd Foxx

Sanford and Son was a comedy series about Fred G. Sanford, a bad-tempered and uncooperative junk dealer living in Los Angeles with his son, Lamont Sanford, who yearns for his independence but avoids moving out to keep his father out of trouble. Though the father and son have clashing personalities and many disagreements, they have a close bond and help one another get out of tricky situations. In the digital catalogue for this exhibition, Santore explains why this was the last TV Guide assignment for which he made a preparatory sketch—thereafter he sent only completed illustrations to his editor.

Comedian Redd Foxx (1922–1991) achieved widespread fame for his role as Sanford, portraying him as sardonic and clever, always plotting to earn quick money to pay off his numerous debts. During Sanford and Son’s five-year run, Foxx was nominated four times for a Golden Globe and won in 1973. He also received three Primetime Emmy nominations.