Sanford and Son Was Even More Interesting Behind The Scenes

Redd’s Magic Shoes

Redd Foxx claims the shoes they had him wear were magic. He struggled to keep character while practicing, so he would sneak on set and get his shoes. “Just as soon as I put those big heavy shoes on and walk out there, I become Sanford—but not until then, not until I put my shoes on,” said Redd.

“I can put the rest of the outfit on, but if I don’t have those shoes on, I don’t even think like him.” The rest of the cast knew how important those shoes were to Redd. They never dared to mess with them.