What happens when a Korean immigrant marries one of America’s most beloved black comedians during his peak fame? The union of Yun Chi Chung—known as “Joi”—and Redd Foxx was more than just a Hollywood headline: it was a convergence of cultures, public scrutiny, and personal struggle. In this article, we’ll unpack her story with depth, context, and credible sources, going far beyond a surface biography to honor her individuality and the complexities of the era.
Background: Yun Chi Chung and Redd Foxx – Worlds Collide
Yun Chi Chung’s Journey
While details about Yun’s early life remain scarce, she arrived in the U.S. from Korea and worked in Las Vegas as a cocktail waitress when she met Redd Foxx. Her identity beyond being Foxx’s wife remains largely untold, underscoring her privacy preference.
Redd Foxx at the Time
By the mid-1970s, Redd Foxx—born John Elroy Sanford—was a television legend for his role as Fred G. Sanford on Sanford and Son (1972–1977), and a pioneering stand-up comedian with roots in the Chitlin’ Circuit. His fame and financial success had peaked, but tensions were rising behind the scenes.
The Marriage: December 31, 1976
Redd Foxx married Yun Chi Chung on December 31, 1976, at the Thunderbird Hotel in Las Vegas—they were about 20 years apart in age. The ceremony captured public fascination, casting Joi as a cultural outsider entering a highly public world.
A photo from Orlando’s Stars Hall of Fame attraction shows the couple standing together with wax figures, likely taken around 1977—an image that speaks volumes about their visibility at the time.
Yun Chi Chung kept a low profile after her split from Redd Foxx, choosing a life away from the limelight. This privacy mirrors other celebrity spouses who prefer not to live in the public eye. Read more about Sara Matter to see a similar example of a celebrity partner living privately.
Cultural Clashes and Domestic Strain
Reports suggest tensions emerged from cultural differences—most notably in family roles, communication, and even cuisine. One recollection notes that Redd wasn’t fond of Korean dishes, and Chung didn’t cook much American food, which contributed to conflict.
Yet it’s likely the root causes were deeper—clashing expectations, fame pressures, and personal challenges that transcended surface-level disagreements. Redd’s lifestyle and mounting debt only heightened the strain.
The Divorce: 1979–1981
In October 1979, Foxx filed for divorce, citing incompatibility. Voices in the media quoted him saying, “I’ve been married three times and I’m out,” and that “he’d rather children inherit his money than a former spouse,” Wikipedia.
Chung responded with a suit alleging cruelty. The proceedings were tense, media-drawn, and emblematic of power dynamics intersecting with personal lives.
By 1981, the divorce was finalized. Redd Foxx paid a $300,000 settlement and reportedly had to continue support payments of around $2,500 per month while the divorce proceeded
After the Storm: What Happened to Yun Chi Chung?
After the divorce, Yun Chi Chung chose privacy—no public appearances, interviews, or records of her life are known. This exit from the spotlight, while remarkable in its silence, suggests a conscious step back from fame’s glare.
In many ways, her disappearance from public view speaks to her agency: reclaiming her story beyond tabloid narratives.
Contextualizing Their Union
Hollywood & Interracial Marriage in the 1970s
Their marriage happened at a time when interracial relationships—especially between a black man and an Asian woman—were prone to public scrutiny. Chung’s willingness to step into that spotlight speaks to her resilience and individuality.
Redd Foxx’s Financial Turmoil
Following the divorce, Redd endured years of financial hardship—he filed for bankruptcy in 1983, and by 1989, the IRS seized properties over nearly $1 million in back taxes. The divorce settlement was a significant financial blow during that time.
Reflection: What Her Story Teaches Us
- Agency in anonymity: Rejecting public attention, Yun Chi Chung’s silence is a statement.
- Beyond stereotype: Her story transcends being “the third wife of a star.” She’s a person caught between cultures, love, fame, and selfhood.
- Legacy of respect: Recounting her narrative respectfully helps shift how we view those who opt out of fame rather than fading into anonymity.
FAQ
1. Who was Yun Chi Chung?
She was the Korean-born cocktail waitress who became the third wife of comedian Redd Foxx in 1976. Beyond their marriage, records about her life remain scarce—highlighting her aversion to fame and desire for privacy.
When did Redd Foxx and Yun Chi Chung marry and divorce?
Marriage: December 31, 1976, at Thunderbird Hotel in Las Vegas. Divorce filed in October 1979, finalized in 1981 with a $300,000 settlement.
3. What caused their marriage to fail?
Reported reasons include cultural and domestic conflicts—food being a symbolic example—but underlying pressures from fame, distance, and finances likely played stronger roles.
4. What became of Yun Chi Chung post-divorce?
She lived privately and off the public radar. No verified information exists about her life after the separation—a rare and respectful choice amid fame’s usual aftermath.
5. Is Yun Chi Chung still alive?
There are no recent public records or confirmed media reports about Yun Chi Chung’s current whereabouts or status. Since she has maintained a very private life after her divorce from Redd Foxx, her present situation remains unknown to the public.
Conclusion: The Quiet Strength of Yun Chi Chung
Yun Chi Chung’s life with Redd Foxx was brief but symbolically layered—an intersection of culture, fame, love, and retreat. Her decision to live quietly afterward reflects a powerful choice: to reclaim personal narrative away from the loud spotlight.
Her story reminds us that not all chapters need to be public to matter. Sometimes, gracefully stepping away is an expression of strength, inviting us to respect the stories that choose to remain partial and dignified.