Eddie Murphy Paid for Comedian Redd Foxx's Funeral & Headstone after He Died Moneyless

April 15, 2020 | by Comfort Omovre

Eddie Murphy recently opened up about his love for Redd Foxx and how he paid for his funeral after the comdeian died moneyless.

Often, bad things happen to people who have worked hard all their lives. Some times it might be ignorance, and other times, it might be a stroke of bad luck, but whatever the case, it is often sad to see someone who has struggled die moneyless.

Known for his raunchy and scatological style of comedy, Redd Foxx born John Elroy Sanford was one comedian to watch out for back in the ’80s and ‘90s. But with a series of unfortunate events befalling him, Eddie Murphy had to pay for his funeral.

Eddie Murphy speaks onstage during the LA Tastemaker event for Comedians in Cars at The Paley Center for Media on July 17, 2019, in Beverly Hills City. | Photo: Getty Images.

EDDIE'S REVELATION

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Eddie Murphy revealed that he had given a shout out to Redd in the movie "Dolemite" because he loved him. He further expressed that:

"Redd Foxx, I had to physically pay for his funeral, and buy his headstone, and do all that stuff."

Eddie explained that the reason he had to do it was because some people who were in the business often did not have their stuff together before they passed on and because he loved Redd, he did it for him.

EDDI AND REDD'S RELATIONSHIP

While many may not know it, Eddie and Redd had an excellent relationship. With Redd being like a mentor to Eddie and helping him in the early years of his career while also featuring in his movie "Harlem Nights."

Redd’s family was still fighting over his wealth and how to take care of his taxes.

Although the two had a wonderful relationship, Eddie could not attend Redd’s funeral because of other engagements at the time, but he sent in his tribute.

Eddie Murphy accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award onstage during the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020, in Santa Monica, California. | Photo: Getty Images.

REDD'S FINANCIAL WOES

While Redd was living the life onscreen and using most of his time to make people laugh, he was not keen on properly handling his finances, and this led him to fall in trouble with the tax force.

Before his death in 1991, the Internal Revenue Services had raided Redd's home carting away most of his properties, including cars and furniture, which were to be auctioned off to pay his taxes.

Speaking of the experience, Redd claimed that he was poorly treated and in an inhumane manner. He also expressed that the IRS was angry about the money he made from the movie "Harlem Nights."

Redd Foxx as Fred G. Sanford in the movie "Stanford and Son" circus 1900. | Photo: Getty Images

THE LIFE OF REDD

Redd's life was filled with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Known for his raunchy comments and adult jokes, he influenced a new generation of comedians.

Asides from being a comedian, Redd also acted in movies and was famous for the television series "Sanford and Son," where he played the role of Fred Sanford, a grouchy junk dealer.

Redd Foxx as Fred G. Sanford in the movie "Stanford and Son" circus 1900. | Photo: Getty Images

He was married four times, and even years after his death, his family was still fighting over his wealth and how to take care of his taxes.

Although Redd influenced Eddie Murphy’s career, it is impressive to note that at the time it was needed, Eddie was able to be of help to the late comedian.