Ka Ho Cho: Age, Life & Legacy After Marrying Redd Foxx | Discover Now
Who was Ka Ho Cho, and what became of her after her whirlwind marriage to the legendary Redd Foxx? The story of Ka Ho Cho is one of resilience, a journey that intertwined with the highs and lows of Hollywood and the enduring legacy of a comedy icon.
Ka Ho Cho, a name etched in the annals of entertainment history, is primarily recognized as the last wife of the inimitable Redd Foxx. Their union, a brief but significant chapter, offers a glimpse into the personal life of a comedian who brought laughter to millions. Her story, however, extends beyond the confines of her marriage, encompassing her own life experiences, entrepreneurial endeavors, and the aftermath of Foxx's untimely passing. Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1959, Cho's life took her across continents and into the orbit of one of the most influential comedians of the 20th century.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ka Ho Cho (also known as Ka Ho Foxx) |
| Gender | Female |
| Year of Birth | 1959 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 65 years |
| Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
| Current Residence | Korea (assumed) |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Widow |
| Husband | John Elroy Sanford (Redd Foxx) |
| Children | None (Biological) |
| Education | Degree in Business Management |
| Known For | Being Redd Foxx's last wife; Entrepreneur |
| Relationship with Redd Foxx | Married in 1991; together for three months before Foxx's death |
| Legacy | Preserving Redd Foxx's legacy; Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame Inductee (2014) |
| Professional background | Entrepreneur, involved in the business world, owning liquor stores |
| Where did they meet? | Bally's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas |
| Wedding Location | Little Church of the West in Las Vegas |
| Reception Location | Hacienda Hotel |
| Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2014 |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1959, Ka Ho Cho's path to becoming Mrs. Redd Foxx was an intriguing one. Before her marriage to the comedian, she reportedly worked as a dancer in Las Vegas. It was there, amidst the glittering lights and high-stakes atmosphere of the casinos, that she first crossed paths with Redd Foxx. Their connection was immediate, and their relationship blossomed quickly.
Their marriage took place on July 8, 1991, at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, a venue known for its iconic status and quick wedding ceremonies. A reception followed at the Hacienda Hotel. However, the union was tragically short-lived. Just three months after exchanging vows, Redd Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack on the set of the television show "The Royal Family" in October 1991. This sudden loss left Ka Ho Cho a widow, thrust into a world of grief and legal complexities.
The circumstances surrounding Foxx's death and the subsequent legal battles over his estate added layers of complexity to Cho's life. The comedian's legacy was not only one of laughter but also of significant financial assets. Legal disputes arose, forcing Cho to navigate the complexities of probate and the distribution of Foxx's estate. These events, though private, became part of the narrative surrounding her life and the aftermath of her brief marriage.
Despite the challenges, Ka Ho Cho demonstrated resilience. She had a background in business management, having earned a degree in the field. She leveraged her education by venturing into the entrepreneurial world, where she achieved success in starting and managing several businesses. One of her notable ventures was a chain of liquor stores, a testament to her business acumen and drive. This entrepreneurial spirit suggests a woman who, despite the circumstances, was determined to build a life of her own, separate from the shadow of her famous husband.
The marriage was the fifth for Foxx, and it occurred when he was 69 years old, highlighting a relationship that, although brief, was deeply felt by Foxx. He had previously been married to Evelyn Killebrew, whom he wed in 1948, and then to Betty Jean. His third marriage was to Yun Chi, and he later married and divorced. The fact that he married Cho so late in his life speaks to the significance of their connection. It suggests a desire for companionship and support in his later years, and Cho provided that. He also credited her with sticking by him during difficult times, which further solidified their bond.
In 2014, Cho received recognition for her contributions when she was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. While this induction did not directly reflect her personal relationship with Foxx, it is a recognition of her place within the broader context of the entertainment industry. It is a testament to her own achievements, whether they were directly tied to her marriage or developed independently.
Redd Foxx, whose real name was John Elroy Sanford, was born on December 9, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri. His career began in the 1940s, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the comedy world. Foxx was a pioneer of "blue humor," a style of comedy known for its risqu and often controversial content. His albums were initially not available in mainstream record stores, particularly those catering to white audiences. His humor, while groundbreaking, was too explicit for the tastes of many at the time. The comedians career began in Baltimore in 1945, then he teamed up with Slappy White, and in 1952 the team opened for Dinah Washington. Later on he was approached by Dootsie Williams to open for her.
His breakthrough came with the sitcom "Sanford and Son," which premiered in 1972 and made him a household name. Foxx's portrayal of Fred G. Sanford, a cantankerous, shrewd, and often hilariously grumpy junk dealer, was an instant success. The show, a critical and commercial success, brought him widespread recognition and cemented his status as a comedy icon. The character was an embodiment of many older Black men in America, facing both real and imagined social problems, making the show a reflection of Black culture in America.
The legacy of Redd Foxx goes beyond television. His comedy albums, which were known for their explicit content and often sold in the underground market before becoming mainstream, offered a voice to audiences that did not have one. He was a groundbreaking comedian. His work paved the way for other Black comedians. His influence continues to resonate in the comedy world today.
Ka Ho Cho's story, interwoven with the life and legacy of Redd Foxx, is a story of resilience, transition, and the complexities of navigating the aftermath of loss. From her beginnings in Seoul to her brief marriage to the comedy legend, from the glitz of Las Vegas to the legal battles following his passing, Cho has continued to lead her life. Her story is one of many layers, one of a woman who, in the face of adversity, found a way to honor her marriage while forging her own path. Her life, even in its quiet moments, is a testament to her strength and an important part of the continuing narrative of Redd Foxx's enduring legacy.
