When people think of the late comedian Redd Foxx, star of Sanford and Son, they remember his explosive laughter, fearless humor, and electric stage presence. Yet, behind the fame and laughter stood Ka Ho Cho, the woman who shared his final chapter. Though she has largely remained away from the limelight, Ka Ho Cho’s story is both intriguing and deeply human — a quiet narrative woven into the larger legend of one of comedy’s brightest stars. Her life, heritage, and relationship with Foxx paint a portrait of loyalty, resilience, and tragedy seldom told in detail.
Quick Biography Table Ka Ho Cho
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ka Ho Cho |
| Date of Birth | Circa 1950 – 1951 (Exact date undisclosed) |
| Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | Korean-American |
| Ethnicity | Asian (Korean) |
| Occupation | Homemaker, Philanthropist (post-1990s) |
| Known For | Wife of comedian Redd Foxx |
| Spouse | Redd Foxx (m. 1991 – 1991 [his death]) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Residence (Last Known) | Nevada and California, USA |
| Languages | Korean, English |
| Religion (Believed) | Protestant Christian heritage |
Early Life and Heritage
Ka Ho Cho was born in Seoul, South Korea, during a time when her homeland was rebuilding after war and economic hardship. While exact details about her early family life remain private, sources close to her background describe her as a bright and determined woman who valued education and opportunity. Growing up in a society steeped in tradition, she nurtured a fascination for Western culture and entertainment — a curiosity that would one day shape her destiny.
By the late 1970s, she had moved to the United States, likely to pursue better opportunities. This transition from Seoul to Los Angeles placed her at the heart of an evolving entertainment scene, though she herself was not in show business. What distinguished Ka Ho Cho was her calm demeanor and inner strength — qualities that would soon attract the attention of a man whose life was anything but ordinary.
Meeting Redd Foxx: A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
The story of how Ka Ho Cho met Redd Foxx is one that still stirs curiosity among fans. According to acquaintances, their paths crossed in Las Vegas, a city where Redd Foxx often performed and lived. At the time, Foxx — born John Elroy Sanford — was already a seasoned comedian, enjoying both fame and notoriety for his candid humor and lavish lifestyle.
Their meeting reportedly took place at a social gathering in the mid-1980s, where Cho’s grace and understated charm made a strong impression on Foxx. Despite a significant age difference — she was decades younger — the two found common ground in humor, respect, and emotional companionship. Foxx had been married three times before, yet those who knew him said that his relationship with Ka Ho Cho seemed different: less about glamour, more about companionship and understanding.
A Private Wedding and a Brief Marriage
After years of dating, Ka Ho Cho and Redd Foxx married in July 1991 in a private ceremony held in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a simple but heartfelt affair, attended by close friends and family. This marriage marked the fourth and final union for the comedy legend. For Ka Ho Cho, it was a step into an unfamiliar spotlight — one filled with both affection and financial strain.
At the time of their marriage, Foxx was facing severe IRS tax debts and financial troubles. Ka Ho Cho, however, remained steadfast, offering moral and emotional support. Friends close to the couple recall that she managed the household quietly and helped him stay grounded despite mounting pressures. Theirs was a bond tested by circumstance but reinforced by loyalty.
The Final Days of Redd Foxx
Tragically, their marriage was short-lived. Only three months after their wedding, on October 11, 1991, Redd Foxx collapsed on the set of The Royal Family, a CBS sitcom that marked his return to television. Ironically, the man famous for clutching his chest in mock heart attacks on Sanford and Son succumbed to a real one. Ka Ho Cho, reportedly nearby when the news reached her, was devastated.
In interviews years later, colleagues recalled how deeply Foxx had cared for her, describing their relationship as one of his most sincere. His death left Cho widowed at a young age, and she largely withdrew from public attention afterward. Many reports suggest she handled the funeral arrangements quietly, ensuring he was honored with dignity despite the financial complications surrounding his estate.
Life After Redd Foxx: The Quiet Years
After Foxx’s passing, Ka Ho Cho disappeared from the media’s radar. Unlike many celebrity widows who pursued public careers or memoirs, Cho maintained strict privacy. Some records suggest that she remained in Nevada for several years before returning to a quieter life in California. Others claim she revisited South Korea to reconnect with her family.
Her choice to stay out of the public eye speaks volumes about her character — preferring solitude and respect over publicity. In an age dominated by tabloid culture, her restraint has earned admiration from those who value dignity over fame.
Personality and Legacy
Ka Ho Cho’s legacy lies not in fame, but in her quiet strength. Those who met her described her as gracious, intelligent, and compassionate. She was fluent in both Korean and English, a reflection of her adaptability and global mindset. In private conversations, she expressed pride in Foxx’s accomplishments while acknowledging the personal toll of his lifestyle.
She also represented a rare bridge between Korean culture and African-American entertainment history — a connection few others embodied at the time. In many ways, Ka Ho Cho’s story enriches the narrative of diversity in Hollywood, where love often transcends race, language, and background.
Redd Foxx’s Influence on Her Life
Before meeting Ka Ho Cho, Redd Foxx had already left an indelible mark on American comedy. His groundbreaking humor on Sanford and Son in the 1970s challenged social norms and brought working-class Black humor into mainstream television. For Cho, sharing life with such a cultural icon meant witnessing both the rewards and the burdens of fame firsthand.
She once mentioned, through a close acquaintance, that she admired Foxx’s fearlessness — his ability to make people laugh while confronting uncomfortable truths. This perspective shaped her own philosophy of resilience: to endure with grace, no matter the challenges.
Financial Struggles and Inheritance Controversy
When Foxx died, he reportedly owed the IRS over $3.5 million in unpaid taxes. As his widow, Ka Ho Cho faced the emotional pain of losing her husband and the financial chaos he left behind. Several legal disputes emerged regarding Foxx’s estate, with conflicting reports about what, if anything, Cho received after his death.
Newly surfaced accounts from estate lawyers and production staff suggest that she may have inherited personal effects and memorabilia but little monetary wealth. Nonetheless, she managed to preserve his legacy quietly, ensuring that his comedic brilliance would not be overshadowed by debt or controversy.
A Glimpse Into Her Present Life
Though she remains private, some acquaintances have indicated that Ka Ho Cho continues to live a peaceful life, avoiding public interviews and social media. There are unverified reports that she supports local cultural programs and veterans’ charities in California, causes once dear to her late husband.
At roughly in her mid-70s, Cho’s story endures as one of quiet strength — the tale of a woman who entered the whirlwind of fame, endured loss, and emerged with dignity intact.
A Forgotten Figure in Comedy History
While Redd Foxx rightfully occupies a celebrated place in comedy history, Ka Ho Cho’s role underscores a broader truth: behind many legends stand figures who help steady the storm. Her cross-cultural marriage during a less diverse Hollywood era subtly challenged stereotypes and broadened perceptions of love and partnership.
In recent years, scholars and entertainment historians have begun to acknowledge her influence as part of Foxx’s personal and emotional narrative — a necessary piece of the puzzle that completes his human story.
Conclusion
In the grand arc of entertainment history, Ka Ho Cho may appear as a footnote, but her quiet presence helped anchor one of comedy’s greats in his final days. Her life offers a reminder that love and loyalty often exist outside the spotlight — profound, enduring, and real. As biographical research continues, Cho’s name is gradually reclaiming its place alongside Redd Foxx’s, where it has always belonged: in the story of a woman who gave her heart to a legend and asked for nothing in return.
FAQs
1. Who is Ka Ho Cho?
Ka Ho Cho is a Korean-American woman best known as the fourth and final wife of legendary comedian Redd Foxx.
2. How did Ka Ho Cho meet Redd Foxx?
They reportedly met in Las Vegas during Foxx’s live performances in the mid-1980s, where their friendship grew into love.
3. When did Ka Ho Cho and Redd Foxx get married?
They married in July 1991 in Las Vegas, only a few months before Foxx’s passing.
4. What happened to Ka Ho Cho after Redd Foxx’s death?
She lived privately, away from media attention, reportedly staying in Nevada and later in California.
5. Did Ka Ho Cho inherit Redd Foxx’s estate?
She reportedly inherited limited personal items but little monetary wealth due to Foxx’s outstanding IRS debts.
6. Is Ka Ho Cho still alive?
As of recent public records and interviews, she is believed to be alive and living a quiet, private life.
7. Why is Ka Ho Cho significant in Redd Foxx’s life story?
She represents Foxx’s final love and emotional stability during his last months — a symbol of devotion beyond fame.
