Jamie Foxx is one of the most versatile and talented entertainers in Hollywood. He has won an Oscar, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe for his work as an actor, singer, and comedian. But is he related to another legendary comedian who shares his last name, Redd Foxx?
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The Real Name of Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx was born on December 13, 1967, in Terrell, Texas. His real name is Eric Marlon Bishop. He was raised by his grandparents, who adopted him when he was seven months old. He had little contact with his biological parents.
Foxx started playing the piano when he was five years old and dreamed of becoming a professional football player. He also had a knack for telling jokes and making people laugh. When he was 22, his girlfriend dared him to perform at a comedy club’s open mic night. He accepted the challenge and discovered his passion for stand-up comedy.
The Inspiration Behind the Stage Name
When Foxx began his career as a comedian, he noticed that female comedians were often given priority over male comedians at comedy clubs. They were usually chosen first to perform, while the men had to wait for hours for their turn.
Foxx decided to change his name to something more gender-neutral, hoping to get more stage time. He chose the first name Jamie because it could be used for both men and women. He chose the last name Foxx as a tribute to one of his idols, Redd Foxx.
Redd Foxx was a famous comedian and actor who starred in the sitcom Sanford and Son in the 1970s. He was known for his raunchy and hilarious jokes that often touched on topics like sex, race, and politics. He was also one of the pioneers of the “party records” genre, which featured explicit comedy routines on vinyl records.
Foxx admired Redd Foxx’s style and courage and wanted to honor him by using his surname. He also thought that having a catchy and memorable name would help him stand out in the entertainment industry.
The Relationship Between Jamie Foxx and Redd Foxx
Jamie Foxx and Redd Foxx are not related by blood or by marriage. They have never met in person, as Redd Foxx died in 1991 from a heart attack at the age of 68. However, they have a connection through their shared love of comedy and their influence on each other’s careers.
Jamie Foxx has said that Redd Foxx was one of his biggest inspirations and role models. He has credited him for paving the way for black comedians and allowing him to ride on his coattails. He has also said that he learned a lot from watching Redd Foxx’s performances and listening to his records.
Redd Foxx, on the other hand, was aware of Jamie Foxx’s existence and appreciated his talent. In fact, he once called him on the phone to congratulate him on his success and offer him some advice. According to Jamie Foxx, Redd Foxx told him to “keep it funny” and “don’t let them change you”.
The Legacy of Jamie Foxx and Redd Foxx
Jamie Foxx and Redd Foxx are both icons of comedy who have left their mark on the history of entertainment. They have both won awards and accolades for their work in various fields, such as music, film, television, and theater. They have both entertained millions of people with their humor, charisma, and creativity.
They have also inspired many other comedians who came after them, such as Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Tiffany Haddish, and more. They have shown that comedy can be a powerful tool for expressing oneself, challenging stereotypes, and making social commentary.
Jamie Foxx and Redd Foxx may not be related by blood or by marriage, but they are related by spirit and by comedy. They are both legends who share a common bond through their famous last name.
