Sanford and Son

Fred G. Sanford

Lamont Sanford

The network was not eager to cast Redd Foxx in the lead. Foxx had been a stand-up comedian whose material was very blue. In order to get the network to relent, a test screening was held at CBS (not NBC) with the network executives and the cast of Norman Lear's hit All in the Family in attendance. According to producer Aaron Ruben, the gag that eventually sold the show was Fred's fake heart attack. This also helped to prove that a black cast could lead the show.

The character 'Fred Sanford' was ranked #42 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" (20 June 2004 issue).

In the second episode it is revealed that Lamont's middle name is Grady. But in Season 6 episode "The Lucky Streak," Fred admits that Lamont is his middle name and that he actually has no first name because he and Elizabeth never got around to it.

The exterior shot of the Sanford house/junk shop as seen in the opening credits does not match the exterior of the house/junk shop as it appeared on the show. In the opening credits shots, the house's front door is seen almost flush against the street with a very small front yard and little to no junk out in front of the house. In the show however, the Sanfords have a huge front yard with piles and piles of junk scattered about and the street is very far from the front door.

Lamont Sanford: This house was always damp, even my bed was damp.

Fred Sanford: [calling the newspaper] Hello? Is this the Herald Examiner? Well, lemme speak to Harold.

Aunt Esther: Now Fred