Fred Sanford is a fictional character from the television sitcom Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 to 1977. Portrayed by actor Redd Foxx, Fred is a cantankerous junk dealer living in Los Angeles with his son, Lamont Sanford. The show is known for its humor, often revolving around Fred's witty remarks and his interactions with various characters. The character of Fred Sanford is famous for his catchphrase, "It's the big one, Elizabeth!" which he exclaims when pretending to have a heart attack. The show tackled social issues while providing comedic entertainment, making Fred Sanford an iconic figure in American television history.