Where Is Debraca Denise Now? Inside The Life of Redd Foxx’s Daughter

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to grow up as the child of a famous star — but then choose a quiet life away from all the cameras? That’s the story of Debraca Denise.

She is best known as the adopted daughter of Redd Foxx, the legendary comedian who made millions laugh with his role in Sanford and Son. Even though she once appeared on TV, Debraca never chased fame. She lived part of her life in the spotlight — and then walked away from it.

In this article, we’ll learn who Debraca Denise really is, how she grew up, what her life was like with Redd Foxx, and where she is now. Let’s take a closer look at her peaceful journey — one step at a time.

Debraca Denise Foxx Profile Summary

Her Early Life Before Fame

Debraca Denise was born in 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. She was raised by her mother, Betty Jean Harris, who worked as a dancer and showgirl. Debraca’s biological father was never publicly known, and there isn’t much information about her early childhood.

Her mother, Betty, was busy with her career in show business. But everything changed for Debraca when she was just nine years old. That’s when Betty met Redd Foxx, a rising star in comedy, and their lives took a new turn.

Soon after meeting, Betty and Redd fell in love and got married in 1956. Not long after, Redd made a loving decision — he adopted Debraca as his daughter. From that day forward, she became part of a new family and took on the name Debraca Denise Foxx.

How Redd Foxx Became Her Father

Redd Foxx, whose real name was John Elroy Sanford, wasn’t just a famous comedian. He was also a man who cared deeply about family. When he married Betty Jean Harris, he accepted Debraca as his own daughter.

Debraca wasn’t just raised by a regular dad. Her new father was on his way to becoming a comedy legend. He later starred in hit TV shows, made big records, and became a household name. But at home, he was simply “Dad” to Debraca.

Being adopted by Redd brought Debraca into the world of fame, lights, and laughter. But while her father performed on stage, Debraca mostly stayed behind the scenes. She had a calm, quiet nature — and that never really changed, even as she grew up around Hollywood.

What Was Her Relationship With Redd Foxx Like?

Debraca and Redd shared a special bond. He raised her like his own and gave her love and support during her early years. But like many families, they also went through hard times.

When Redd and Betty divorced in 1974, things became tense. The divorce wasn’t friendly, and Redd even filed a restraining order against Betty. During this time, Debraca and Redd drifted apart.

But their bond wasn’t broken forever. Later on, father and daughter reconnected and rebuilt their relationship. It wasn’t always easy, but they found a way to be in each other’s lives again — showing that love in a family can still grow after hard times.

Debraca Denise’s Wedding and Love Life

In June 1975, Debraca got married to Ralph Russell, a businessman from Los Angeles. Their wedding wasn’t small — it was a grand event held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. It cost around $40,000, which was a huge amount at the time.

But there was one thing missing at the wedding — Redd Foxx didn’t attend. Reports say there was a mix-up with the invitations, and ongoing issues with the family also played a role. So instead of her father, Debraca’s uncle, Kent Harris, walked her down the aisle.

Even without her father there, Debraca’s wedding was filled with joy. Her mother, Betty, hosted a lovely reception at her estate. It was a day to celebrate love, even with a few bumps along the way.

Did Debraca Have Children?

Over the years, some reports have said that Debraca and Ralph had a son named Paul Hiles. Other stories say the couple chose not to have children at all. So far, there’s no public confirmation of whether they have kids or not.

One thing is clear — both Debraca and Ralph are very private people. They keep their personal life away from the media, and they’ve never shared much about their family. Whether they have children or not, they’ve kept that part of life completely quiet.

Her Short Time in Showbiz

Even though Debraca didn’t become a full-time actress, she did appear on TV a few times. In 1977, she played Doris Martin in an episode of Sanford and Son, the same show that made her father a star.

She also had a small role in the show’s sequel, called Sanford, in 1980. Years later, in 2015, Debraca was featured in a documentary called Unsung Hollywood. The show talked about the lives of talented Black entertainers — and Debraca’s connection to Redd Foxx made her part of that story.

But after that, Debraca didn’t continue acting. She preferred a quiet life away from cameras and headlines. She had been close to the spotlight — but she never let it define her.

What Happened After Redd Foxx Died?

In October 1991, Redd Foxx died suddenly from a heart attack. He was on the set of his new show The Royal Family when it happened. At first, people thought he was joking, because he used to fake heart attacks in his old show. But sadly, this time it was real.

Redd Foxx passed away at the age of 68, and he didn’t leave a will. That caused many problems with his money and estate. He also had a huge debt — he owed the IRS about $3.6 million. That made things even harder for the family.

The Legal Fight Over Redd Foxx’s Estate

After his death, Debraca Denise was named the executor of his estate. This means she was in charge of handling everything — including the money, the bills, and anything her father left behind.

But soon, there was a big problem. Redd Foxx’s last wife, Ka Ho Cho, said that Debraca was not being honest. She claimed Debraca didn’t share all the money from royalties and TV rights. She also said Debraca wasn’t paying the tax debt properly.

Because of this fight, the court stepped in. In 2006, a public estate manager named John Cahill was appointed. He was now the one in charge of Redd Foxx’s estate. His job was to fix the money problems, pay taxes, and protect the estate for both Debraca and Ka Ho Cho.

Where Is Debraca Denise Now?

So, where is Debraca Denise now?

As of 2025, Debraca is still alive, but she lives a very quiet and private life. She has not been seen in the news or on social media. She doesn’t give interviews, and she stays far away from fame.

She is believed to be living in the United States with her husband, Ralph Russell. They’ve now been married for almost 50 years, which is very rare in today’s world. They enjoy a simple life, away from the spotlight.

Debraca’s Role in Keeping Redd Foxx’s Legacy Alive

Even though Debraca stays quiet, she has played an important role in keeping her father’s name alive. She has spoken about him in a few shows, like Unsung Hollywood, and helped protect his legacy.

She worked on making sure her father’s shows, royalties, and stories were handled properly. Even when things got tough, she stayed strong and focused on doing the right thing.

Thanks to her, Redd Foxx is still remembered today — not just as a funny actor, but as a major part of TV and comedy history.

Final Thoughts

The story of Debraca Denise is not just about fame. It’s about family, loyalty, and living life your own way. She had every chance to be a star, but she chose something different — a peaceful, quiet life.

She went through many things — her parents’ divorce, legal fights, and the pressure of being in a famous family. But she handled it all with calm and care.

Today, Debraca Denise reminds us that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to have a big impact. Sometimes, the quiet people make the strongest choices — and leave behind the deepest stories.

(FAQs)

How old is Debraca Denise now?

Debraca Denise was born in 1947, so she is 77 or 78 years old in 2025.

Is Debraca Denise still alive today?

Yes, she is still alive as of 2025. She lives a quiet and private life away from the media.

What happened to Debraca Denise after Redd Foxx died?

She was named the executor of Redd Foxx’s estate, but later had a legal dispute with his wife. A public estate manager took over in 2006.

Did Debraca Denise have children?

Some reports say she has a son named Paul Hiles, while others say she has no kids. It has never been confirmed.

Where is Debraca Denise now, and what is she doing?

She is believed to be living in the USA with her husband, Ralph Russell. She lives a peaceful and private life, away from the spotlight.

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