'Webster' Star Emmanuel Lewis Pays Tribute to Redd Foxx on What Would Have Been His 98th B-Day

On December 9, comedian and actor John Elroy "Redd Foxx" Sanford, who died in 1991, would have turned 98. Actor Emmanuel Lewis posted a sweet tribute in honor of the late legend on Instagram.

Actor Emmanuel Lewis, best known as a child star in the '80s sitcom, "Webster," took to Instagram to celebrate the late Redd Foxx on what would have been his 98th Birthday. Lewis's tribute read:

"Happy Birthday to an ICON John Elroy Sanford PKA Red Foxx Born in St. Louis, Missouri December 9, 1922."

Emmanuel Lewis attends the 43rd Annual Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Westin Bonaventure Hotel on April 29, 2016. | Photo: Getty Images

Lewis wrote that the late icon was best known for his TV shows "The Redd Foxx Show," "Sanford and Son," and "The Royal Family." He added that Foxx also starred in "Harlem Knights," alongside actor Eddie Murphy.

Lewis ended his sweet tribute by stating that the late comedian passed away on October 11, 1991. He concluded with a solemn "Rest in Heaven" to his dear friend.

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

The heartfelt words accompanied a very old throwback photo of Lewis when he was still a child and a charming-looking Foxx. They both seemed captivated as the shot caught them mid-conversation.

Lewis's fans and followers were touched by his kind words in honor of the late comedian. Many comments joined him in celebrating the legend as they remembered the great things that he did.

At the time of his death, Foxx was 68 years old and had lived a wonderful life dotted with its own fair share of challenges.

Foxx was a man of many talents. The St. Louis-born comedian became a television star when he played the role of an irascible, bawdy junkman named Fred Sanford in the beloved '70s sitcom, "Sanford and Son."

Two decades later, on October 11, 1991, he tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack at Paramount Studios while rehearsing an episode for his television series, "The Royal Family."

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

At the time of his death, Foxx was 68 years old and had lived a wonderful life dotted with its own fair share of challenges and struggles. Many stars mourned his passing and celebrated his legacy.

Lewis skyrocketed to fame as a child star in the '80s sitcom, "Webster," and through his career, he got to meet many wonderful people, including the iconic Redd Foxx.

After "Webster" ended, Lewis and his fellow cast members certainly moved on, and now, at 49 years old, the actor looks better than ever as he still cherishes the great memories he shared with friends many years ago.

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