Larenz Tate Grandfather, The Untold Story Behind Their On-Screen Relationship

Larenz Tate, born on September 8, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, is an acclaimed American actor known for his versatility and captivating performances across television and film. As of 2024, Tate is 49 years old and continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood. He is married to Tomasina Parrott, and the couple has four children together: Zander, Zion, Miles, and their youngest, also named Zander. With a career spanning decades, Tate’s estimated net worth is around $4.5 million, earned through his steady work in both acting and production.

Despite a long list of iconic roles, one of the more curious aspects of his career is the confusion regarding his relationship with legendary comedian Redd Foxx. Many fans have speculated that the two were related, with some even believing Foxx was Tate’s real-life grandfather. However, the truth is far more nuanced, stemming from a television role that paired the two actors as family members, but only in fiction.

Early Life and Family Roots

Larenz Tate comes from a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. He was born to Peggy and Larry Tate, who raised Larenz and his two older brothers, Larron and Lahmard, in Chicago before relocating to California in the early 1980s. The Tates’ move was a crucial turning point in their lives, as it eventually steered the brothers into the entertainment industry.

Their introduction to acting came when their parents encouraged them to explore the arts. With the support of their parents, Larenz and his brothers enrolled at the Inner City Cultural Center in Los Angeles, where they developed their skills and passion for drama. Under the guidance and motivation of their parents, the Tate brothers began building their careers, with each of them landing roles in both television and film over time. Larenz, the youngest of the three, would go on to become the most widely recognized member of the family, thanks to his breakthrough role in the 1993 film Menace II Society.

Larenz Tate’s Career Breakthrough

Before his breakout role in Menace II Society, Tate began his acting career with smaller roles on television. He made his debut in 1985 in an episode of The New Twilight Zone. His early years in the industry were filled with minor television appearances, which helped him gradually build his resume and refine his craft. By the early 1990s, he was securing larger roles, and his work caught the attention of both audiences and critics alike.

It was in 1991 that Tate would find himself working alongside one of comedy’s most legendary figures, Redd Foxx, on a sitcom called The Royal Family. The show, created by Eddie Murphy, featured Foxx as the patriarch of the Royal family, playing Alexander Alphonso “Al” Royal, with Larenz Tate portraying his grandson, Curtis Royal. This pairing led to widespread speculation and confusion about their real-life relationship, as many fans mistakenly believed Foxx was Tate’s grandfather off-screen as well.

The Royal Family: Fiction Versus Reality

The confusion about Larenz Tate and Redd Foxx’s relationship stems from their roles in The Royal Family. Premiering on September 18, 1991, the sitcom was a family comedy centered around the dynamic between Foxx’s character, Al Royal, his wife Victoria (played by Della Reese), and their grandson Curtis (played by Tate).

At the time, the show garnered positive reviews and had promising ratings. Redd Foxx was already a household name, famous for his iconic role in Sanford and Son, and his presence on The Royal Family attracted many viewers. Larenz Tate, though younger and less experienced at the time, held his own alongside the seasoned comedian, showcasing the charisma and talent that would later define his career.

However, the show’s success was tragically cut short when Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack on set. On October 11, 1991, just a few weeks after the show’s debut, Foxx collapsed during rehearsal. Despite immediate medical attention, he passed away later that day. The devastating loss not only shook the cast and crew but also led to the eventual cancellation of The Royal Family, as it struggled to maintain its ratings without its leading star.

While Foxx and Tate only played family members on screen, their working relationship was filled with admiration and respect. In interviews after Foxx’s death, Tate expressed his deep appreciation for the comedian, recalling the wisdom Foxx shared with him during their brief time together on set.

Clearing Up the Misunderstanding

The rumor that Redd Foxx was Larenz Tate’s real-life grandfather gained traction after a memorable interview Foxx gave on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1991. During the appearance, Foxx jokingly referred to Tate as his “grandson,” a playful comment that many viewers took literally. The rumor persisted for years, with fans on social media continuing to speculate about their relationship long after Foxx’s passing.

For example, one user on X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote, “Redd Foxx is Larenz Tate (O-Dogg) Grandfather never knew that,” while another questioned, “When did Redd Foxx become Larenz Tate’s grandfather?” The confusion has since been clarified multiple times, with both Tate and Foxx’s family confirming that the two actors were not related in real life. Their connection was purely professional, and the on-screen bond they shared as grandfather and grandson in The Royal Family remained just that—a fictional relationship.

A Legacy of Talent and Mutual Respect

While Redd Foxx and Larenz Tate were not family by blood, their collaboration on The Royal Family left a lasting impact on both of their legacies. Tate’s career continued to flourish after Foxx’s untimely death, and he remains an influential figure in Hollywood, praised for his versatility in roles ranging from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies. His brothers, Larron and Lahmard, also continue to work in the entertainment industry, solidifying the Tates as a family of accomplished actors.

Today, Larenz Tate’s body of work is celebrated, and his respect for Redd Foxx remains evident in the way he speaks about their time together. While the misconception about their relationship may still linger among some fans, the truth is that their bond was one of professional admiration rather than familial ties.