Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Yun Chi Chung |
| Birthplace | South Korea |
| Known For | Third wife of comedian and actor Redd Foxx |
| Marriage | Married Redd Foxx in 1976, divorced in 1981 |
| Nationality | Korean-American (after immigration) |
| Profession | Private individual, worked outside the entertainment spotlight |
| Famous Partner | Redd Foxx, star of “Sanford and Son” |
Introduction
Yun Chi Chung is best known for her marriage to the legendary comedian Redd Foxx, the groundbreaking star of Sanford and Son. While Foxx was famous for his bold comedy style and unforgettable television presence, Yun Chi Chung lived a very different kind of life—private, soft-spoken, and largely outside the spotlight. If you’ve ever wondered who she was, what her life looked like, and how her marriage to Redd Foxx unfolded, this biography offers a clear and well-researched look at her story.
Early Life and Background
Yun Chi Chung grew up in South Korea, far from the Hollywood environment she later became connected to. Details about her childhood remain limited, mostly because she never sought public attention, interviews, or media exposure. What we do know is that she moved to the United States as a young adult, searching for better opportunities, like many immigrants of that era. Her life before marrying Foxx was simple and private, and she reportedly worked regular jobs to support herself.
By the time she met Redd Foxx, she had already built a quiet life in America, far removed from show business. This contrast between her life and Foxx’s fast-paced celebrity lifestyle would later play a major role in how their relationship unfolded.
Meeting Redd Foxx
Redd Foxx, born John Elroy Sanford, was already a household name when he met Yun Chi Chung. His role as Fred G. Sanford on Sanford and Son brought him widespread fame in the 1970s. Unlike many Hollywood couples who met at studios or industry events, Foxx and Yun met through mutual connections outside the entertainment world.
What drew them together was their contrasting personalities—Foxx’s bold, comedic flair and Yun’s calm, shy presence. Friends of Foxx often said he enjoyed being around people who grounded him, and Yun’s gentle nature offered him a sense of peace away from the stage and cameras.
Marriage to Redd Foxx
Yun Chi Chung and Redd Foxx married in 1976, making her his third wife. The wedding itself was not a Hollywood spectacle but a more intimate celebration, fitting Yun’s preference for privacy. At the time, Foxx was at the height of his success, and the attention around him often spilled into his personal life.
Their marriage combined two very different worlds—Yun’s quiet lifestyle and Foxx’s hectic entertainment schedule. Despite these differences, they shared several good years. Some sources say she brought balance to Foxx’s life, especially during periods when his career was overwhelming or stressful.
However, their relationship also faced challenges. Foxx was known for his generosity and spending habits, which sometimes caused financial strain. The pressures of fame, lifestyle differences, and Foxx’s demanding work routine made the marriage difficult to maintain in the long term.
Divorce and Life After Marriage
Yun and Redd Foxx divorced in 1981, ending their five-year marriage. Unlike many celebrity breakups that turn into public headlines, their separation remained relatively quiet. Yun did not speak to the media about the divorce, did not write memoirs, and did not involve herself in entertainment-industry events. She simply stepped back into the private life she had always preferred.
After the divorce, Foxx went on to marry again, while Yun continued to live outside the public eye. Very little information has surfaced about her life after the separation because she chose not to engage in celebrity culture or public storytelling. In many ways, her silence has contributed to ongoing curiosity about who she was and what her life looked like.
Connection to Redd Foxx’s Legacy
Although Yun Chi Chung was married to Foxx during a period when he was enormously successful, she is not often mentioned in discussions of his career. Most biographical accounts focus on his work, his comedy albums, his television achievements, and occasionally his financial struggles. Yun’s role in his life is more personal, existing in the quieter spaces of Foxx’s history.
Still, she represents an important chapter in his story. Their marriage happened during years when Foxx was navigating both incredible success and personal turbulence. Having someone in his life who was not part of Hollywood may have offered him emotional stability in a world that constantly demanded his time and energy.
Why Yun Chi Chung Remains a Fascinating Figure
Even though she lived privately, there are a few reasons people remain curious about her:
Her cultural background contrasted sharply with Foxx’s comedic style and public persona
She was married to Foxx during a major period in his career
She avoided the spotlight entirely, which makes her more intriguing in a celebrity-centered culture
Her story reflects the experiences of many immigrant women who build meaningful lives outside public attention
A Look at Historical Sources
Because Yun lived privately, most information about her comes from historical news reports and biographies focusing on Redd Foxx. A reliable place to learn more about Foxx’s life (which includes mentions of Yun) is the Los Angeles Times obituary archive and various reputable entertainment history databases.
A helpful starting point: https://www.latimes.com/archives
These external sources provide context about Foxx’s marriages and timeline, helping shape a clearer picture of Yun’s place in his life.
FAQs
1. Who is Yun Chi Chung?
She was the third wife of comedian and actor Redd Foxx. They were married from 1976 to 1981.
2. Where was she born?
She was born in South Korea.
3. How did she meet Redd Foxx?
They met through social connections outside the entertainment industry, not through Hollywood events.
4. Did Yun Chi Chung work in entertainment?
No, she lived a private life and did not pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
5. When did she marry Redd Foxx?
They married in 1976.
6. Why did they divorce?
The marriage faced pressures from lifestyle differences, Foxx’s demanding work schedule, and financial challenges.
7. Did Yun Chi Chung remarry?
Public records do not indicate that she remarried after divorcing Foxx.
8. Is she still alive?
Her current life remains private, and no public records confirm her recent whereabouts.
Closing Note
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