Are Larenz Tate and Redd Foxx Related?

A common question among fans is if Larenz Tate and Redd Foxx are related, especially after watching them work together on “The Royal Family” sitcom. Social media buzzes with questions about their possible relation, and viewers often wonder if these two talented performers share a bloodline.

Their connection runs deeper than most people think. Though not related by blood, they formed a strong bond during their time on “The Royal Family” – a show that became a defining moment in their careers. Their professional relationship grew into something meaningful that affected both their lives profoundly.

The Early Days of Their Connection

Larenz Tate and Redd Foxx’s connection started in 1990 after Tate landed a role in the CBS sitcom “The Royal Family”. Eddie Murphy created the show as part of his development deal with CBS, bringing together a remarkable ensemble cast.

Larenz Tate’s Casting in The Royal Family

The series revolved around Atlanta mail carrier Alexander Alphonso “Al” Royal (played by Redd Foxx) and his wife Victoria (portrayed by Della Reese). Their retirement plans changed unexpectedly after their daughter Elizabeth moved in with her three children – including Curtis, played by Larenz Tate. The show aimed to be Foxx’s comeback vehicle, as he hadn’t starred in a successful TV series since “Sanford and Son” ended in 1977.

First Meetings with Redd Foxx

Tate found himself learning from two industry veterans – Redd Foxx and Della Reese – at the time he joined the set. These seasoned performers shared compelling stories about:

• Their experiences breaking racial barriers in show business
• Connections to various civil rights leaders
• Their knowledge about surviving in the entertainment industry

Original Dynamic Between the Two Actors

Foxx and Tate’s relationship grew beyond their on-screen grandfather-grandson roles. Tate became a “surrogate grandson” to both Foxx and Reese. Foxx took special interest in directing the young actor’s career path and encouraged him to stay authentic in his performances.

Foxx gave Tate a straightforward yet powerful piece of advice: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated”. This wisdom highlighted the value of working with people who appreciated his talents. Foxx protected Tate’s artistic integrity and helped him resist directions that didn’t feel true to his character.

Their mentorship became a defining chapter in both their careers. Their professional bond proved especially valuable for young Tate as he learned to direct his path through Hollywood’s complexities.

Redd Foxx’s Mentorship Role

Redd Foxx did more than play a grandfather on screen. He became a true mentor to Larenz Tate and shared great wisdom that shaped the young actor’s career. Their bond grew way beyond the typical veteran-newcomer relationship you see in Hollywood.

Career Advice and Guidance

Foxx gave Tate a powerful piece of advice that became his career mantra: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated”. This wisdom highlighted the value of working with people who truly appreciate your talents. Of course, Foxx pushed Tate to stay true to himself and speak up when things didn’t feel right – advice Foxx wished he had taken in his early career.

Life Lessons Shared

Foxx taught Tate vital lessons about the entertainment industry during their time together. His guidance went beyond acting tips and covered:

• Breaking through racial barriers in show business
• Standing firm in creative decisions
• Maintaining artistic integrity despite pressure

Impact on Tate’s Acting Approach

Foxx’s mentorship showed clearly in Tate’s approach to his craft. These lessons shaped how Tate handled roles in acclaimed projects like Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, and Crash. Tate made sure to bring his authentic voice to new characters – a direct result of Foxx’s guidance.

The most important effect came from Foxx’s insistence that Tate should resist following directions that didn’t match authentic character portrayals. Tate later shared, “Redd Foxx didn’t want me to do what white writers wanted me to do and always told me to be as authentic as I could possibly be”.

This mentorship helped Tate build what he calls “a career and body of work I could be proud of”. The seemingly ageless NAACP Image Award nominee still honors these teachings in his roles and creative choices.

Behind the Scenes of The Royal Family

The real-life story behind “The Royal Family” shows how the cast grew close while creating what became Redd Foxx’s last TV show. The backstage atmosphere mixed friendship with occasional tension.

Daily Interactions and Bonding

Cast members built strong connections through their everyday work. Foxx and Della Reese led the group as seasoned performers. Their chemistry from working together in “Harlem Nights” naturally carried over to the new show. Larenz Tate and other young cast members learned valuable lessons from these experienced actors.

Memorable Moments Together

The show faced its share of challenges. The tension between Foxx and the white producer stood out. Della Reese later revealed this conflict affected Foxx deeply. He was “actually mad at said producer” in his final moments on set. The daily filming brought its own challenges as everyone worked to create great television while dealing with behind-the-scenes issues.

Cast Dynamics and Relationships

The cast bonded in several ways:

• Foxx took on a mentor role with Tate
• Foxx and Reese developed a supportive partnership
• The set felt like a family home

The relationships faced their toughest test when Foxx had his heart attack during rehearsal. The moment turned tragic as most people thought he was doing one of his famous heart attack routines from “Sanford and Son”. This misunderstanding delayed help when Foxx needed it most.

The crisis revealed how much the cast cared for each other. Eddie Murphy, who brought Foxx and Reese together for both “Harlem Nights” and “The Royal Family,” showed his respect by paying for Foxx’s funeral and burial arrangements. His gesture proved how deep their connections ran.

The cast balanced their professional work with personal friendships that went beyond their TV roles. These relationships shaped the show’s legacy as much as the content itself. Their genuine care and respect created a space where both veteran and younger actors could grow, even through difficult times.

The Tragic End of Their Partnership

October 11, 1991, brought devastating news that changed the relationship between mentor Redd Foxx and his young protégé Larenz Tate forever. A routine rehearsal day for “The Royal Family” turned tragic when Foxx collapsed on the Paramount Studios lot at 4:10 p.m.

Foxx’s Sudden Passing During Filming

The tragic events started when Foxx had to pause an Entertainment Tonight interview to film a simple scene. Tension built up as a producer asked Foxx to perform a basic action – walking across the back of a chair. This seemingly minor request would lead to devastating results.

The situation took a cruel twist as cast members thought Foxx was doing one of his trademark fake heart attacks, similar to his famous “Sanford and Son” routines. Several precious moments passed before everyone realized the severity. Medical staff rushed him to Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, where doctors pronounced him dead four and a half hours later.

Tate’s Response to the Loss

Larenz Tate felt the loss deeply. He had built a close bond with Foxx through their grandfather-grandson relationship both on and off screen. Tate would always remember Foxx’s lessons about staying authentic in acting and standing firm in creative decisions.

Show’s Aftermath and Changes

“The Royal Family” needed major changes after Foxx’s death. The show tried these steps to continue:

• Producers created tribute commercials saying “Like any family, The Royal Family will go on”
• Jackée Harry joined as Victoria’s sister Ruth
• The show took a break for rewrites
• Harry’s character became the Royals’ eldest daughter, CoCo

The series struggled without its patriarch. Ratings dropped for episodes without Foxx. The network decided to cancel the series before finishing its first season, leaving two episodes unaired.

Redd Foxx’s death not only cut short a promising mentorship with Larenz Tate but also closed a remarkable chapter in television history. His last moments on set showed both creative tension and dedication to his craft. This serves as a powerful reminder of the pressures that entertainment veterans face as they try to protect their legacy.

Carrying Forward Foxx’s Legacy

Larenz Tate’s 30-year career spans roles and productions of all types. He still lives by the wisdom from his former mentor, Redd Foxx. Their brief but meaningful connection shapes Tate’s craft and his place in Hollywood today.

Tate’s Career Choices Influenced by Foxx

Without doubt, Foxx’s most lasting advice appeals to Tate’s career choices: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated”. This guidance helped Tate choose his roles carefully, building an impressive portfolio of authentic characters:

• Memorable performances in classics like Menace II Society and Love Jones
• Complex characters in productions like Power Book II: Ghost
• Innovative projects such as the audio drama Bronzeville

Honoring His Mentor’s Memory

Tate’s steadfast dedication to authenticity reflects Foxx’s teachings about being true to oneself. “I’ve asked myself over the years how could I lead a career with integrity, avoid as many pitfalls I possibly can, and build a career and body of work I could be proud of,” Tate revealed. His authentic storytelling showed in his content production, especially when he and Laurence Fishburne pitched Bronzeville as “a story where Black people ain’t running from white folks”.

Passing on Foxx’s Wisdom to Others

Tate carries Foxx’s legacy by guiding the next generation. His work with the California Community Foundation’s Building a Lifetime of Options and Opportunities for Men (BLOOM) initiative shows his support for at-risk youth. “It boosts the young brothers’ morale and excitement,” Tate explained about his mentoring work.

Foxx’s teachings reach beyond Tate’s career choices. He and his brothers created the Tate Brothers Foundation to raise awareness for sickle cell anemia. This charitable work embodies Foxx’s advice about giving back to the community.

Tate supports authentic storytelling in the entertainment industry by taking on projects that challenge the norm. He stuck to his vision for Bronzeville despite network resistance, and the project got over 20 million downloads. This determination reflects Foxx’s encouragement to keep artistic integrity whatever the industry pressures.

As a father of four sons, Tate uses these lessons in his personal and professional life. “I was always taught to treat everybody like a human being,” he reflects, adding that “The more I made people feel comfortable, the more they’ll share with me”. His approach to building real connections mirrors Foxx’s mentorship during their time on The Royal Family.

Is Larenz Tate Related To Redd Foxx Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Larenz Tate related to?

Larenz Tate is related to his parents, Larry and Peggy Tate, and his brothers, Lahmard and Larron Tate. All three brothers have pursued careers in the entertainment industry, forming a talented family unit. There is no evidence that Larenz Tate is related to Redd Foxx.

Is Red Fox Larenz Tate’s grandson?

No, Red Fox (Redd Foxx) is not Larenz Tate’s grandson. There is no familial connection between Redd Foxx and Larenz Tate. Despite rumors, the Redd Foxx family and the Larenz Tate family are not related.

Who paid for Redd Foxx’s funeral?

Eddie Murphy paid for Redd Foxx’s funeral expenses. At the time of Redd Foxx’s death, he had significant financial troubles, leaving his estate in debt. Eddie Murphy stepped in to honor his legacy and assist the Redd Foxx family.

Did Red Fox have a twin brother?

No, Redd Foxx did not have a twin brother. He was an only child and often incorporated fictional stories into his comedy routines. The Redd Foxx family lineage does not include a twin sibling.

Is Larenz Tate a triplet?

No, Larenz Tate is not a triplet. He is one of three brothers, along with Lahmard and Larron Tate, but they were born at different times. The Larenz Tate family consists of siblings who are close in age but not triplets.

What is Redd Foxx buried at?

Redd Foxx is buried at Palm Valley View Memorial Park in Las Vegas, Nevada. His burial site has become a place for fans to pay respects to the late comedian. Despite his financial struggles at the time of his death, Redd Foxx’s legacy endures.

Who are the three Tate brothers?

The three Tate brothers are Larenz Tate, Lahmard Tate, and Larron Tate. All three have successful careers in entertainment, with Larenz being the most well-known for his roles in film and television. The Larenz Tate family remains close-knit and supportive of each other’s endeavors.

Are Larenz Tate brothers twins?

No, Larenz Tate’s brothers are not twins. While Lahmard and Larron share a resemblance and work in the same industry, they are not twins. The Larenz Tate family includes three brothers who share a strong bond but were born at different times.

Is Larenz Tate still on Power?

Yes, Larenz Tate is still on Power Book II: Ghost, a spin-off of the original Power series. He plays Councilman Rashad Tate, a recurring character who brings intrigue and depth to the storyline. His continued presence on the show highlights his importance to the plot.

What movie does Larenz Tate have a twin?

Larenz Tate does not have a twin in real life, but in the film The Inkwell (1994), he plays a character navigating family relationships. While he does not portray a twin in this movie, themes of close family bonds are explored, similar to the Larenz Tate family dynamic.

Who is Redd Foxx’s grandson?

Redd Foxx does not have any publicly known grandchildren. Despite his multiple marriages, Redd Foxx did not have children, and therefore, the idea of Larenz Tate being related to Redd Foxx is incorrect. The Redd Foxx family line does not extend to include a grandson like Larenz Tate.