They Let Him Die Like This?! The Disturbing End of Don Bexley

Born on March 10, 1910—though even his birthplace remains disputed between Jamestown, Virginia, and Detroit, Michigan—Don Bexley came from a family deeply rooted in performance.

His father was a Bible scholar and teacher, while his mother was a classical vocalist, blending sacred traditions with artistic flair.

From a young age, Don showed a natural talent for comedy, describing himself as a clown even in his teens.

His early career was shaped by the Chitlin Circuit, a network of venues where Black entertainers could perform during segregation.

It was here that Don honed his craft as a singer, dancer, stand-up comedian, and actor.

He partnered with Dave Turner, recording party albums and tirelessly touring the country.

Crucially, during this period, he met John Elroy Sanford—better known as Redd Foxx—a friendship that would profoundly impact both their lives.

Don’s personal life was as complex as his career.

He married three times: first to Patricia Burgaron, then Jillian, and finally Sally, with whom he had two children.

His multiple marriages hint at the personal sacrifices and challenges he faced while striving to climb the entertainment ladder.

In the early 1970s, Norman Lear sought to create a groundbreaking show portraying Black family life on mainstream television.

Redd Foxx was cast as Fred Sanford, and he insisted on bringing along his old friend Don Bexley, who became Bubba, Fred’s loyal but often underestimated sidekick.

This casting wasn’t just about talent—it was about loyalty and giving opportunities to those from the Chitlin Circuit family.

On screen, Bubba was the lovable, dim-witted friend, but off screen, Don was sharp and aware of the brewing tensions.

The 1973-74 season saw Redd Foxx walk off the show amid a salary dispute, shaking the cast and crew.

Don found himself caught between loyalty to his friend and the pressures of the network, maintaining relationships with all sides—a testament to his political savvy and professionalism.

Despite the turmoil, Don stayed with the show, a steady presence amid chaos.

However, the relationships behind the scenes were never quite the same.

Fellow cast member Demond Wilson noted he scarcely saw Redd Foxx after the show ended, highlighting the fractures that fame and money disputes can cause.

After Sanford and Son ended in 1977, Don continued acting but never quite capitalized on his fame like some co-stars.

The industry’s tendency to typecast him as the comedic sidekick limited his opportunities for more serious roles.

Yet, his third marriage to Sally offered some personal stability in his later years.

Don lived until 1997, passing away at 87 from kidney and heart failure.

Unlike many celebrities, he kept his health struggles private, maintaining dignity even as his body failed.

His death came six years after Redd Foxx’s sudden passing, leaving Don to carry memories of their friendship and shared history alone.

Financially, Don’s net worth was modest by today’s standards.

Residuals and syndication deals were not as lucrative in his era, and he was never driven by money but by love for his craft.

His true wealth lay in the relationships he nurtured and the joy he brought to audiences—intangibles that don’t pay bills but enrich lives.

Don’s career exemplifies loyalty and professionalism in a cutthroat industry.

While others made headlines with drama, Don quietly built a decades-long career, embodying the role of Bubba not just as comic relief but as a symbol of Black male friendship and community rarely seen on television at the time.

His portrayal helped pave the way for future generations of Black actors and comedians, proving that Black-led television could be both commercially successful and culturally significant.

Yet, despite his central role, Don was often overlooked amid the spotlight on Redd Foxx and others.

He skillfully navigated salary wars and personality conflicts while maintaining his integrity—a rare feat in Hollywood’s unforgiving environment.

Though he passed away over two decades ago, his legacy endures through reruns of Sanford and Son, where new generations continue to enjoy Bubba’s antics and heart.

Today, Don Bexley’s influence can be traced in modern Black comedy, where the once-simple “loyal friend” character has evolved into complex, nuanced roles.

Comedians and actors owe a debt to pioneers like Don, who broke ground with their talent and humanity.

His story is a reminder that behind the laughter and fame are real people facing real struggles.

Don Bexley’s life was marked by resilience, loyalty, and grace—qualities that made him not just a beloved performer, but a true legend whose impact remains undiminished.