15 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Sanford and Son’

10. CBS Passed on the Show

While the show eventually aired on NBC, another channel initially had a shot to air Sanford and Son. Lear and company repeatedly asked the brass at CBS to watch rehearsals of the show before it aired, but they declined, expressing no interest in the project. Of course, then-president of CBS, Fred Silverman, later regretted that dismissal after NBC snapped up the show and it became a hit.

11. Red Foxx Wore Makeup

When Sanford and Son began, Red Foxx was only 49, though his on-screen character was pushing 65. As a result, Foxx wore makeup on the show in order to play older. Of course, as the show progressed, the makeup would miff Foxx, because viewers assumed he was as old as his TV character.

12. Foxx Came Up With the Heart Attack Bit (Sort Of)

One of Fred Sanford’s most famous recurring jokes was dramatically clutching his chest, looking to the heavens, and shouting, “This is the big one! I’m coming home to you Elizabeth!” According to the comedian, this joke was based on his real life mother, who would apparently do the exact same thing (and for the exact same reasons).