Remembering Don Bexley, ‘Sanford and Son’s Bubba
What To Know
- Don Bexley, best known as Bubba on Sanford and Son, achieved a late-career breakthrough when he joined the show at age 62, thanks in part to his longtime friendship with Redd Foxx.
- Before television, Bexley had a diverse entertainment career as a singer, dancer, comedian, and orchestra director, breaking barriers as one of the first Black comedians in the Borscht Belt circuit.
- Bexley continued acting and writing into his 80s, remained active in his community, and passed away in 1997 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved supporting actor and entertainer.
For fans of Sanford and Son, Don Bexley will always have a place in their hearts as Bubba, Fred Sanford’s loyal buddy in the junkyard. The actor was already in his 60s when he landed the role that made him famous, a rare and inspiring late-career breakthrough. Bexley passed away on April 15, 1997, at age 87, leaving behind decades of entertainment history and the role of one of television’s most memorable supporting characters. In honor of his long career, let’s learn more about what he did before and after Sanford and Son.
How did Don Bexley get his start?
Bexley was born on March 10, 1910 and long before his time on television, he built a career as a singer, dancer, orchestra director and stand-up comedian. In the 1940s, he worked the famed Borscht Belt comedy circuit in upstate New York, becoming one of the first Black comedians to break into that world. During those early years on the road, Bexley crossed paths with many future legends. He worked with entertainers such as Milton Berle, Danny Kaye, and Henny Youngman, and even danced with Sammy Davis Jr.
Most importantly, he met a young comedian named Redd Foxx. The two men became close friends and professional colleagues, performing together in clubs throughout New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New Jersey. Their friendship would eventually change both of their lives.
Everett Collection
How Don Bexley ended up on Sanford and Son
Despite decades in show business, Bexley had never appeared on television, until a major opportunity arrived in 1971. Foxx had just been cast as Fred Sanford on a new NBC sitcom called Sanford and Son, and he personally convinced producers Bud Yorkin and Aaron Ruben to hire his longtime friend for the role of Bubba. At age 62, Bexley made his television debut, something almost unheard of for a performer his age.
Sanford and Son became an instant hit, remaining one of the most popular shows on television for much of its run from 1972 to 1977. Bexley appeared throughout the series as Bubba and later reprised the character on the short-lived sequel Sanford Arms. Off-screen, Bexley and Foxx shared a genuine bond built over nearly 50 years.
Everett Collection
After the series ended, Bexley continued working steadily as a character actor. He appeared in guest roles on many well-known shows, including Laverne & Shirley, Cheers, Hill Street Blues, Hunter and The Royal Family. He also had roles in films such as What’s Up, Doc? (1972) and Sparkle (1976).
In his later years, Bexley remained active and creative. He continued writing scripts and developing new ideas for television and stage projects well into his 80s. In 1989, he was honored as Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year by the Support the Artists of America organization.
Bexley and Foxx remained close friends until Foxx died in 1991, and Bexley served as an honorary pallbearer at his funeral. After suffering a hip injury, he relocated to Virginia in 1996 to live with a friend who helped care for him. In Virginia, he made personal appearances and participated in community events.On April 15, 1997, Don Bexley died of heart and kidney failure at Hampton Sentara Hospital. He was 87 years old.
Where to Watch Sanford and Son
You can stream Sanford and Son on Peacock with a subscription or free on Tubi or Pluto TV. It also regularly airs on Catchy Comedy, Antenna TV, Sundance Channel and IFC.
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