On Oct. 11, 1991, comedian Redd Foxx died of a heart attack at age 68.

Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford, is remembered as one of the most celebrated comedians and is also credited with breaking racial barriers with his groundbreaking television show, Sanford and Son.

Foxx was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on Dec. 9, 1922. After a long career in stand-up comedy, Foxx gained mainstream notoriety after starring in Sanford and Son. The show was one of the first successful sitcoms to feature an all-Black cast and its success paved the way for future all-Black ensembles.

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(Photo: NBCU Photo Bank)