Remember to clearly announce – this is not a drill

January 14, 1972 –

Sanford and Son, featuring comedian Redd Foxx (whose last name was really Sanford) and Demond Wilson, premiered on NBC-TV on this date.

Throughout the series, whenever Lamont threatened to move out, or things did not go Fred’s way, he would clutch his chest and fake a heart attack, shouting variations of “Hear that Elizabeth? I’m coming to join you!” That running gag was blamed for Redd Foxx’s death, from a heart attack, while filming The Royal Family. When he complained of chest pains, no one believed him until it was too late.