Debraca Denise gained recognition as the adopted daughter of comedy legend Redd Foxx, best known for his role in the hit TV series “Sanford and Son.” While she lived much of her life away from Hollywood’s glare, her connection to one of America’s most groundbreaking comedians and her role as his estate executor make her story worth telling.
Quick Facts About Debraca Denise
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Debraca Denise (Debraca Foxx) |
| Birth Year | 1947 |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Current Age | 76-77 years (as of 2024) |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Adoptive Father | Redd Foxx (John Elroy Sanford) |
| Mother | Betty Jean Harris |
| Husband | Ralph Russell (married 1975) |
| Profession | Actress, Estate Executor |
| Known For | Redd Foxx’s daughter, TV appearances |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000-$5 million (unverified) |
Early Life and Adoption by Redd Foxx
Born in 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri, Debraca Denise entered the world under circumstances that remain largely private. Her biological father’s identity has never been publicly disclosed, maintaining one of the few mysteries in her otherwise documented life.
Her life changed completely when her mother, Betty Jean Harris, married comedian Redd Foxx on July 5, 1956. Debraca was nine years old at the time. Redd Foxx formally adopted her, and she took his surname, becoming Debraca Foxx. Despite having no biological connection, Redd treated her as his own daughter, creating a bond that would last until his death in 1991.
The adoption brought Debraca into a world of comedy clubs, television sets, and Hollywood glamour. Her childhood shifted from typical Midwestern life to the fast-paced entertainment industry of Los Angeles.
Family Background and Upbringing
Betty Jean Harris, Debraca’s mother, was a talented showgirl and dancer who performed in nightclubs during the 1950s. She met Redd Foxx while they were both performing at the same venue. Their shared love of entertainment brought them together.
After marrying Redd, Betty gave up her performance career to become a housewife and business manager for her husband. She handled Redd Foxx Enterprises and supported his rising career, which would eventually make him one of America’s most famous comedians.
Growing up as Redd Foxx’s daughter meant exposure to show business from an early age. Debraca witnessed her father’s transformation from a nightclub comedian known for “blue” material to a mainstream television star. This unique upbringing shaped her understanding of fame and its challenges.
The marriage between Redd and Betty ended in divorce in 1974, with reports citing Redd’s infidelity as the cause. Despite their separation, Debraca maintained relationships with both parents.
Career and Television Appearances
Debraca followed her family into entertainment, though she never pursued stardom with the same intensity as her father. Her television appearances were selective and often connected to Redd Foxx’s projects.
She appeared in episodes of “Sanford and Son,” the NBC sitcom that made her father a household name from 1972 to 1977. In one 1976 episode, she played Donna’s daughter, sharing screen time with the cast that included Demond Wilson and LaWanda Page.
She also appeared in “Sanford,” the short-lived 1980 spin-off where she played Cal, a friend of Fred Sanford. Her most recent public appearance came in 2015 when she was interviewed for “Unsung Hollywood,” a TV One documentary series profiling influential African-American entertainers. The episode focused on Redd Foxx’s life and legacy, with Debraca sharing personal memories of her father.
Beyond these appearances, Debraca maintained a low profile. She never pursued acting as a full-time career, preferring privacy over celebrity.
Marriage to Ralph Russell
On June 19, 1975, Debraca married Ralph Russell, a Los Angeles businessman, in what newspapers called one of the most expensive celebrity weddings of the year. The ceremony took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, attended by 450 guests.
The wedding cost approximately $40,000 (equivalent to over $200,000 today). Debraca wore a white chiffon gown designed by Beverly Hills designer Holan Miller. Deimon Schott served as best man, while Antoinette Woods was maid of honor. The reception featured a champagne luncheon, and Debraca’s mother Betty hosted an additional party at her Toluca Estate home.
Notably absent from the ceremony was Redd Foxx himself. He and Betty had divorced the previous year, and the split left lingering tension. Some reports suggest Redd never received his invitation, while others indicate he chose not to attend due to the complicated family dynamics.
Debraca and Ralph have remained married for nearly 50 years, a rarity in Hollywood circles. The couple has no children, though some sources conflict on this detail. They’ve maintained privacy throughout their marriage, rarely appearing in public together or giving interviews.
Managing Redd Foxx’s Estate
Redd Foxx died suddenly on October 11, 1991, at age 68, suffering a heart attack during rehearsals for the CBS sitcom “The Royal Family.” Initially, cast members thought he was joking, as he was famous for faking heart attacks on “Sanford and Son.” Paramedics revived him briefly, but he died hours later at Queen of Angels Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center.
His death left Debraca with an enormous responsibility. She was appointed executor of his estate, valued at approximately $3.5 million. However, Redd owed $3.6 million in unpaid federal taxes, leaving the estate technically in debt.
Debraca faced the complex task of managing royalties from “Sanford and Son” reruns, licensing deals for Redd’s comedy albums, and settling his financial obligations. The IRS had seized many of his assets even before his death.
Further complicating matters, Redd’s fourth wife, Ka Ho Cho, whom he’d married just three months before his death, filed legal challenges. Ka Ho accused Debraca of mismanaging estate funds and diverting money meant for tax payments to personal use. The legal battle stretched for years, with Debraca eventually removed as administrator in 2006.
Despite these challenges, Debraca worked to preserve her father’s legacy while navigating the financial maze he left behind.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Debraca Denise’s net worth remains uncertain, with estimates ranging wildly from $500,000 to $5 million. No verified financial information is publicly available, reflecting her commitment to privacy.
Her potential income sources include:
- Residual payments from Redd Foxx’s television shows
- Royalties from comedy album sales
- Licensing fees for Redd Foxx’s name and image
- Her own television appearances (limited)
- Possible business ventures with her husband
The estate’s substantial tax debt likely consumed much of any inheritance Debraca might have received. However, decades of “Sanford and Son” syndication may have provided ongoing income.
Given her low-profile lifestyle and lack of visible extravagance, Debraca appears to have built a comfortable but not ostentatious life. Her net worth, whatever its actual figure, seems sufficient for her chosen private lifestyle.
Physical Appearance and Personal Details
Debraca Denise stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall with a slim build. She has black hair and dark brown eyes, inheriting some of her father’s distinctive facial features while maintaining her own appearance.
Now 76 or 77 years old (as of 2024), she has aged gracefully away from the public eye. The few recent photographs available show a woman who maintains her dignity and poise.
Unlike many celebrity children, Debraca has no social media presence. She doesn’t maintain Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or any other public platform. This deliberate choice reflects her values regarding privacy and her desire to live normally despite her famous connections.
Life Today and Legacy
As of 2024, Debraca Denise is alive and reportedly living in the Los Angeles area with her husband Ralph Russell. She continues to avoid media attention and public appearances.
Her legacy remains tied to Redd Foxx, but she has carved her own path. By managing his estate through difficult circumstances, she helped preserve his contributions to American comedy. Her television appearances, while limited, document an important relationship between father and daughter in entertainment history.
Debraca represents a different kind of celebrity child: one who recognized the value of privacy, maintained a stable marriage, and handled responsibility without seeking spotlight. Her story offers a counterpoint to the typical Hollywood legacy narrative.
Conclusion
Debraca Denise’s life tells a story of family, responsibility, and the choice to live authentically. While she could have used her father’s fame to build her own celebrity career, she instead chose privacy, stability, and quiet dignity. Her management of Redd Foxx’s complex estate, despite personal and legal challenges, demonstrates strength that goes beyond the spotlight.
Today, she remains a guardian of her father’s legacy while living life on her own terms. In an age where celebrity children often seek fame themselves, Debraca’s path offers a different model: one of respect, privacy, and personal choice.
