Where Is Debraca Denise, Redd Foxx’s Daughter, Today?

When you think of Redd Foxx, you probably picture his loud, funny voice and unforgettable role as Fred Sanford in Sanford and Son. He made millions of people laugh around the world. But behind his comedy, there’s a softer and lesser-known part of his life — his daughter, Debraca Denise.

Many people don’t even know that Redd Foxx had a daughter. Her name doesn’t show up in the headlines. She doesn’t post on social media. She’s lived a life full of love, privacy, and quiet strength. So, who is Debraca Denise, and where is she today?

In this article, we’ll gently walk through her story — from her childhood to her marriage, from her time on TV to her life after her father’s death. This is the warm, true, and simple story of Debraca Denise, Redd Foxx’s daughter.

Debraca Denise Quick Bio

Who Is Debraca Denise, Redd Foxx’s Daughter?

Debraca Denise is the adopted daughter of the comedy legend Redd Foxx. She was not his biological child, but he loved and raised her like his own. She was born in 1947 and became part of Redd Foxx’s life after he married her mother, Betty Jean Harris, in 1956.

When Redd married Betty, he also made the choice to adopt Debraca. He gave her his last name and gave her a place in his heart. Even though they had no blood connection, their bond was real and full of love.

Today, when people hear her name, they still remember her as Redd Foxx’s daughter — the only child he ever had, even if she wasn’t born to him.

Debraca Denise’s Early Life Before Fame

Debraca was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1947. Her mother, Betty Jean Harris, was a talented showgirl and dancer. Before marrying Redd Foxx, Betty performed in clubs and on stage. Debraca spent her early years with her mom, away from Hollywood and the spotlight.

Life changed when Betty met Redd Foxx at a nightclub where they both performed. They got married in 1956, and that’s when Debraca was adopted into a new, more public life.

But even though her father was a star, Debraca was never the kind of child who wanted fame. She grew up quietly and calmly, watching the world around her instead of jumping into it.

When Redd Foxx Adopted Debraca Denise

The story of Debraca and Redd Foxx really began when he married her mom. It was a big moment for all of them. Betty gave up her stage life to become a housewife, and Redd stepped in to become a full-time father.

Redd Foxx didn’t just sign papers. He truly became her dad. He gave her love, support, and his name. From that point on, Debraca Denise was known as Redd Foxx’s daughter, both at home and in public.

It wasn’t always easy, but for many years, they lived as a family. Redd’s fame kept growing, and Debraca quietly stood in the background, never chasing the spotlight but always being part of his world.

What It Was Like Growing Up as Redd Foxx’s Daughter

Imagine growing up with one of the funniest men in America as your dad. There were probably jokes at the dinner table and lots of energy in the house. But with fame also came stress. Debraca saw both the good and hard sides of her father’s career.

Her mom, Betty, became Redd’s business manager. She scheduled shows, handled calls, and made sure things ran smoothly. Debraca grew up watching her mom work hard behind the scenes while her father became a star on TV.

Still, Debraca stayed out of the camera’s view. She didn’t act like a “celebrity kid.” She didn’t party or chase attention. She lived with calm and care — something many people admire about her today.

Debraca Denise’s Relationship With Her Father

Like many families, Debraca and Redd Foxx had good times and hard times. They shared love and laughter, but things changed when Redd’s marriage to Betty ended in 1974. The divorce was painful. Redd even filed a restraining order against Betty.

This difficult time affected Debraca, too. The family that once felt close was now pulled apart. And sadly, Redd did not attend her wedding the next year.

But the story didn’t end there. Before Redd passed away in 1991, he and Debraca made peace. They fixed their bond and reconnected. That quiet healing showed how deep their love really was.

Debraca Denise’s Wedding and Married Life

In June 1975, Debraca married a businessman named Ralph Russell. The wedding was fancy and expensive — about $40,000 at the time — and took place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

It should’ve been a happy family moment, but Redd Foxx was not there. He was still upset about his divorce from Betty and chose not to attend. Even so, Debraca moved forward with her new life.

She and Ralph Russell have been married ever since. They’ve kept their lives private. Some reports say they had a son named Paul Hiles, but the family has never confirmed it. Debraca has always kept her personal life away from the spotlight — just the way she likes it.

Did Redd Foxx’s Daughter Have Children?

This is one of the questions people ask the most. Did Debraca Denise have kids? The truth is, no one knows for sure.

Some say she and Ralph Russell had one child — a boy named Paul. But there’s no public proof, no photos, no interviews. Debraca never shared that part of her life.

What we do know is that she has stayed loyal to a quiet lifestyle. She never used her father’s name to build fame. Instead, she built a life based on love, marriage, and privacy.

Debraca Denise’s Time on TV

Even though Debraca Denise stayed out of the spotlight, she did step in front of the camera a few times. In 1977, she appeared in an episode of Sanford and Son, playing a small role as Doris Martin. This show was her father’s most famous work, where Redd Foxx played Fred Sanford.

A few years later, in 1980, she appeared again in the show’s sequel, simply called Sanford. These roles weren’t big, but they showed that Debraca was part of her father’s world — even if just for a moment.

Her last known appearance came many years later, in 2015. She was featured in Unsung Hollywood, a TV documentary series that told stories of Black entertainers, including her father. It was a sweet moment where fans got to see Redd Foxx’s daughter honoring his memory.

What Happened After Redd Foxx’s Death?

In October 1991, Redd Foxx passed away suddenly while filming The Royal Family sitcom. He had a heart attack during rehearsal. At first, people thought he was joking — because in Sanford and Son, he used to fake heart attacks as part of the show. But sadly, this one was real.

Redd Foxx was only 68 years old. His death shocked his fans and the whole entertainment world. But behind the fame was another surprise — he died in debt, owing the IRS about $3.5 million. He had no Will, no big savings, and no clear plan for his estate.

At first, Debraca Denise was named the executor of the estate. That meant she was in charge of handling everything: the money, the taxes, and anything left behind. But this role quickly became very complicated.

Legal Fight Over Redd Foxx’s Estate

After Redd Foxx died, his fourth wife, Ka Ho Cho, did not agree with Debraca being in charge. She said Debraca didn’t share the full money details. Ka Ho claimed she failed to report money from royalties, licensing deals, and other sources.

She also accused Debraca of not using the money to pay off her father’s IRS debt. This started a legal battle that lasted for years. It became a family fight — not just about money, but also about trust and control.

In 2006, the court stepped in. A public administrator named John J. Cahill was assigned to take over. His job was to settle all debts, manage the estate, and try to get money for the two heirs — Debraca and Ka Ho Cho.

Who Controls Redd Foxx’s Legacy Now?

Since then, the estate has been handled through the court. One of the biggest pieces of value left was the rights to Redd Foxx’s life story — his journey, his struggles, and his fame.

In 2010, John Cahill announced that they were working on selling those rights. The goal was to use any money earned to pay off taxes and give something back to Redd’s heirs, including Debraca Denise.

It’s been a long and slow process. Even now, many fans wonder what’s happening with Redd Foxx’s name and legacy. But one thing is clear — Debraca has never chased headlines. She quietly stepped away and let the court take care of it.

Where Is Debraca Denise Today?

So, where is Debraca Denise, Redd Foxx’s daughter, now in 2026?

The answer is simple: she is believed to be alive and living a very quiet life in the United States, possibly still with her husband, Ralph Russell. There are no interviews, no public events, and no social media. She has completely stepped away from public life.

It’s hard to find updates about her because she wants it that way. After everything — fame, family drama, and court battles — she chose peace. And she has kept it ever since.

Final Thoughts

Debraca Denise may have grown up as Redd Foxx’s daughter, but she lived life on her own terms. She didn’t chase fame. She didn’t use her father’s name for attention. She simply chose love, privacy, and quiet strength.

She went through hard times — her parents’ divorce, being left out of her wedding by her father, and later handling his estate when he passed away. Yet, through all of it, she stayed calm and private.

Her story reminds us that not every “celebrity child” wants the spotlight. Some just want a normal, peaceful life. And maybe that’s the best legacy of all.

(FAQs)

How old is Debraca Denise now?

Debraca Denise was born in 1947, which makes her 78 years old in 2026. She’s older than many fans expect, and she’s lived most of her life outside the spotlight.

Is Debraca Denise married, and does she have kids?

Yes — she married Ralph Russell in 1975. Some reports say they have a son named Paul Hiles, but they’ve never confirmed it. The whole family lives very privately.

What job did Debraca Denise do?

She worked briefly as a TV actress, appearing in Sanford and Son and Sanford. After that, she quietly stepped away from Hollywood and never returned to public work.

What is Debraca Denise’s net worth?

Her net worth is believed to be around $500,000. Even though her father was rich at one point, he died $3.5 million in debt, and it deeply affected her inheritance.

Where is Debraca Denise living now in 2026?

As of 2026, she is believed to be living quietly in the United States with her husband. She has no public presence, no social media, and completely avoids the spotlight.

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