Did You Know Comedian Redd Foxx Intentionally Ate Soap to Avoid the World War II Draft?

Before Redd Foxx became a television icon and one of the most influential comedians of all time, his life story was already filled with bold, controversial, and unconventional choices—very much in line with the persona he later brought to the stage and screen. One of the most surprising anecdotes from his early life is the long-circulated story that Foxx deliberately ate soap to avoid being drafted into World War II.

Born John Elroy Sanford in 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri, Redd Foxx grew up during a time when young men were routinely called into military service. According to entertainment lore, when Foxx was scheduled to undergo his military physical, he intentionally ingested soap beforehand. The act reportedly caused severe stomach and digestive issues, leading doctors to classify him as physically unfit for service. Whether viewed as desperation, rebellion, or dark humor, the story reflects the fearless and unconventional spirit Foxx carried throughout his life.

At the time, Foxx was already deeply immersed in entertainment, performing in nightclubs and developing a reputation for sharp, raw, and unapologetically risqué stand-up comedy. Long before mainstream audiences embraced him, Foxx was a legend on the so-called “Chitlin’ Circuit,” performing for Black audiences in clubs where comedians could speak freely about race, sex, politics, and everyday struggles without censorship. His comedy was bold, explicit, and often controversial—earning him the nickname “the king of party records.”

Despite his underground fame, mainstream success was slow to come. Foxx spent decades grinding in nightclubs, releasing comedy albums, and struggling financially, even while influencing generations of comedians who came after him. His fearless approach to comedy helped shape the future of stand-up, paving the way for artists like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock.

Everything changed in 1972 when Foxx landed the role of Fred Sanford on Sanford and Son. The sitcom, which aired until 1977, was based on the British series Steptoe and Son but was transformed into something distinctly American. Foxx’s portrayal of Fred Sanford—a loud, stubborn, junk-dealing widower with impeccable comedic timing—made him a household name almost overnight.

The chemistry between Foxx and Demond Wilson, who played his patient and hardworking son Lamont, became the heart of the show. Sanford and Son was groundbreaking not only for its humor but also for its portrayal of a Black working-class family at the center of primetime television. The series blended slapstick comedy with social commentary, tackling issues of race, poverty, pride, and generational conflict, all while delivering unforgettable one-liners and Foxx’s legendary fake heart attack routine.

Redd Foxx’s rise to fame later in life mirrored his real-life resilience. From allegedly eating soap to dodge the draft, to decades of struggle before stardom, his journey was anything but ordinary. By the time he reached mainstream success, Foxx had already lived several lifetimes worth of stories—stories that fueled his comedy and gave it authenticity.

Today, Redd Foxx is remembered as a pioneer who reshaped television comedy and broke barriers for African-American entertainers. His life, filled with rebellion, risk-taking, and raw honesty, matched the fearless humor that made him unforgettable. Whether myth or truth, the soap-eating draft story stands as a symbol of Foxx’s larger-than-life legacy—a man who always found his own way, no matter how unconventional.