Debraca Denise is best known as the adopted daughter of the legendary comedian and actor Redd Foxx, whose talent and humor made him a household name. Although she grew up surrounded by fame and success, Debraca chose a very different path from her famous father. She preferred to live quietly, focusing on family, love, and personal peace rather than public attention. Her story is one of grace, strength, and loyalty—a reminder that not everyone connected to fame seeks the spotlight. Through her calm presence and private lifestyle, Debraca has become a lasting part of Redd Foxx’s legacy, representing the warmth and family behind the laughter that made millions smile.
Profile Summary
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Debraca Denise Foxx |
| Nickname / Other Name | Debraca Foxx |
| Date of Birth | Around 1947 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 77–78 years old |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Occupation | Former TV Actress, Estate Executor |
| Famous For | Being the adopted daughter of Redd Foxx |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Ralph Russell (married 1975) |
| Children | Rumored, but not confirmed |
| Mother | Betty Jean Harris (singer and showgirl) |
| Adoptive Father | Redd Foxx (comedian and actor) |
| Current Residence | Believed to be living in the United States |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $500,000 – $5 million |
| Known For | Connection to Redd Foxx, appearing on Sanford and Son |
| Alive / Deceased | Alive (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Family Background
Debraca Denise was born in the United States, most likely around 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her mother, Betty Jean Harris, was a talented singer and showgirl who performed in nightclubs and had a rising career before meeting Redd Foxx. Betty was known for her elegance and strong will, and she carried herself with confidence and charm both on and off stage. When she met Redd Foxx, their relationship quickly turned into love, and the two married in 1956.
At that time, Betty was already a mother to young Debraca. After the marriage, Redd decided to adopt Debraca as his own daughter, making her a part of his growing family. This act of love created a lifelong bond between them and marked the start of a new life for Debraca, one that would connect her to one of the biggest names in comedy history.
Age and Looks
As of 2025, Debraca Denise is around 77 or 78 years old, having been born in the late 1940s. Despite her age, she is remembered as a graceful and elegant woman with warm, dark brown eyes, black hair, and a calm presence that reflects her gentle nature. Standing about 5 feet 5 inches tall, she has always carried herself with quiet confidence and timeless beauty. Her simple and natural style, paired with her poise, shows that true elegance comes from within rather than fame or glamour.
Growing Up with Redd Foxx
When Redd Foxx married Betty Jean Harris in 1956, he lovingly adopted her young daughter, Debraca Denise, and raised her as his own. Growing up with Redd was both exciting and special because he was already becoming a famous comedian known for his quick wit and humor. Debraca’s childhood was filled with laughter, visits to television sets, and moments with well-known entertainers, yet her father made sure she stayed humble and grounded. Even with his busy career, Redd cared deeply for her and treated her with love and pride. He gave her not only his last name but also a strong sense of family and belonging that shaped the rest of her life.
Mother
Her mother, Betty Jean Harris, was a strong and talented woman who gave up her career in entertainment after marrying Redd Foxx. Betty supported her husband behind the scenes while raising Debraca in a warm, loving environment. Known for her beauty and elegance, she provided balance in a home that was often filled with the noise of fame. Betty taught her daughter to stay grounded, to respect others, and to live with dignity — lessons that Debraca carried throughout her life. Even after her divorce from Redd in 1974, Betty remained close to her daughter and continued to be her greatest influence.
Adoptive Father
Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford, became Debraca Denise’s adoptive father when he married Betty Jean Harris. He was one of the most influential African-American comedians of all time and was best known for his hit TV show Sanford and Son. Despite his busy schedule and fame, Redd always had a soft spot for Debraca.
He loved her deeply and often referred to her as his real daughter. Their bond grew strong over the years, even though they faced challenges, especially during his divorces and financial troubles. Redd’s love for Debraca was so deep that he later appointed her as the executor of his estate after his death in 1991, showing how much he trusted her.
Relationship with Redd Foxx
The relationship between Debraca and Redd Foxx was filled with both love and complexity. Redd raised her with care, providing her with a stable and joyful childhood despite the challenges that came with fame. However, after his divorce from her mother, their relationship experienced tension, especially during her 1975 wedding.
Redd did not attend the ceremony, a decision believed to have stemmed from emotional distance and misunderstandings. Despite this, the two reconnected later in life, and their bond was repaired before his death. Debraca always spoke respectfully about her father and continued to protect his legacy even after his passing.
Marriage and Private Life
In June 1975, Debraca Denise married Ralph Russell, a successful Los Angeles businessman. Their wedding took place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and was one of the most beautiful and talked-about social events of the time. The ceremony was luxurious, featuring fine decorations, elegant guests, and a joyful atmosphere.
Although her father, Redd Foxx, was not present due to family differences, the event marked a happy beginning for Debraca. She and Ralph have remained together for decades, living quietly and privately. Their marriage has been long-lasting and filled with respect, proving that Debraca values love and loyalty above fame.
Debraca Denise Children
Debraca Denise has kept her personal life completely private, and there is no confirmed information about whether she has children. Some unverified reports suggest that she may have a son named Paul Hiles, but no official records or interviews confirm this. Debraca has never discussed her family in public, showing her strong desire to protect her private life. Her decision not to share personal details with the public aligns with her lifelong choice to stay out of the spotlight.
Career and Television Appearances
Although Debraca did not pursue a full-time career in entertainment, she did appear on television a few times, mostly connected to her father’s work. She had a small role on Sanford and Son and later on Sanford, where she played Doris Martin. These appearances allowed her to experience acting firsthand and gave fans a brief look at her natural charm and confidence. In 2015, she also appeared on Unsung Hollywood, a documentary series that celebrated the lives of African-American entertainers, including her father.
Beyond these appearances, Debraca stayed away from Hollywood, choosing instead to live a simple life. Her decision not to chase fame showed maturity and self-awareness, especially since she grew up surrounded by people who lived for the spotlight. Debraca understood early that happiness doesn’t come from being famous—it comes from living peacefully and true to oneself.
Redd Foxx’s Death and Legal Challenges
When Redd Foxx passed away suddenly in October 1991 from a heart attack on the set of The Royal Family, it was a heartbreaking loss for Debraca Denise and his fans around the world. After his death, Debraca was named the executor of his estate, which sadly came with serious financial problems since Redd had died owing millions of dollars in back taxes to the IRS. Managing his estate turned into a long and stressful process, and disagreements arose between Debraca and Redd’s last wife, Ka Ho Cho, over how the estate was being handled.
The issue eventually went to court, and a public administrator was later appointed to take over. Despite all the legal challenges, Debraca handled everything quietly and respectfully, showing great strength during one of the hardest times of her life.
Life After Fame
After the legal issues and public attention surrounding her father’s estate ended, Debraca Denise stepped away from fame completely. She chose to live a private and peaceful life with her husband, Ralph Russell, somewhere in the United States. She has no social media accounts, rarely appears in public, and has not given any interviews for many years.
Her choice to stay out of the spotlight shows her calm and humble nature. In a world where many people seek attention, Debraca has found happiness in privacy, proving that true peace comes from living quietly and being content with life away from fame.
Debraca Denise’s Age and Net Worth
Debraca Denise is believed to have been born in 1947, which would make her about seventy-seven or seventy-eight years old in 2025. Throughout her life, she has managed to maintain a low profile while also securing a comfortable living. When Redd Foxx died, his estate was in serious financial trouble, but over the years, parts of it were restored.
Debraca is believed to have received some residual income and rights related to her father’s work. Her estimated net worth varies depending on sources, but it’s generally believed to be between $500,000 and $5 million. While she has never confirmed these figures, it’s clear that money has never been her focus. Her wealth lies in her peace of mind, her long marriage, and the love she shared with her family.
Legacy and Impact
Even though Debraca never became a celebrity, her life remains deeply tied to the history of American comedy through her father’s legacy. She is a living reminder of the man who broke barriers and made millions laugh with his sharp humor and honesty. Redd Foxx’s influence continues to shape modern comedy, and through Debraca, part of that history lives on quietly. Her story also teaches a valuable lesson about identity.
She proved that even if you are connected to fame, you can still choose to define your life on your own terms. Debraca’s choice to stay private in a world of constant exposure is both rare and admirable. It shows that true legacy doesn’t always have to shine under bright lights—it can live quietly in the memories and hearts of those who loved and respected the person behind the fame.
Where Is Debraca Denise Now?
Today, Debraca Denise remains one of the most private figures connected to classic television history. She is believed to still reside in the United States, possibly in California, though no public records confirm her exact location. She does not give interviews, attend public events, or maintain any known online presence.
This makes her life peaceful and personal, exactly the way she seems to want it. Her decision to live this way has earned her respect from fans who understand that privacy is a form of freedom. Even though she avoids publicity, her name often appears in discussions about Redd Foxx’s life and legacy. Her quiet existence keeps her father’s story human, reminding people that behind every famous comedian was a family that loved him deeply.
Conclusion
Debraca Denise’s life is a story of calmness, love, and quiet strength. As the adopted daughter of one of America’s greatest comedians, she could have easily followed a path of fame, but she chose peace instead. Her loyalty to her family, her respect for privacy, and her graceful character make her truly remarkable.
Through every challenge, from her father’s death to legal disputes, she handled everything with maturity and class. Today, she stands as a reminder that not everyone connected to fame needs to live under the spotlight. Her peaceful life is her success, and her story continues to inspire those who value family, love, and dignity above all else.
FAQs About Debraca Denise
1. Who is Debraca Denise?
Debraca Denise is the adopted daughter of legendary comedian Redd Foxx and his second wife, Betty Jean Harris. She grew up surrounded by fame but chose to live a private and peaceful life away from Hollywood.
2. Is Debraca Denise still alive?
Yes, Debraca Denise is believed to be alive as of 2025. She continues to live a quiet life in the United States, staying away from public attention and the media.
3. When was Debraca Denise born?
Debraca Denise was born around 1947, which makes her about 77 or 78 years old in 2025. Her exact birth date has not been made public.
4. Who were Debraca Denise’s parents?
Her biological mother was Betty Jean Harris, a nightclub singer and showgirl, and her adoptive father was Redd Foxx, the famous comedian and actor known for Sanford and Son.
5. Is Debraca Denise married?
Yes, Debraca Denise has been married to Ralph Russell, a Los Angeles businessman, since 1975. The couple has lived a private and happy life away from media attention.
6. Did Debraca Denise have any children?
There is no confirmed public information about Debraca Denise having children. Some rumors exist, but she has never discussed her family life publicly.
7. What is Debraca Denise’s net worth?
Debraca Denise’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $5 million, mainly from managing her father’s estate and her personal investments. However, the exact amount is not officially confirmed.
