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

13. LaWanda Page Almost Didn’t Get the Job

LaWanda Page, who came in halfway through season two to become Fred’s primary antagonist, was almost passed over for the part because she was too nervous to audition. Thankfully, Red Foxx insisted that she be given enough chances to show her stuff because he was convinced that she was the perfect actress for the role.

14. Foxx’s Untimely Death

Years after the show was cancelled Foxx was working on another show, The Royal Family, when he suffered a fatal heart attack on the set. Unfortunately for Foxx, help wasn’t immediately summoned as the cast and crew believed that Foxx was just doing a bit from his classic sitcom. He wasn’t. The comedy star collapsed on set and never awoke.

15. The Sanford Arms

After the show was cancelled, NBC tried to use the property in another series in which Phil Wheeler moves into the Sanford home, trying to turn the house next door into a popular hotel. Several characters from Sanford and Son showed up, but the show never caught on and was cancelled after just four episodes.