Jeff Foxworthy
Jeff Foxworthy
* when comedian performs nearby.
Jeff Foxworthy, born in Georgia, emerged as a leading figure in Southern comedy by adding a witty and innovative twist to the humor he had enjoyed from earlier regional stars. Drawing inspiration from the formulaic joke-writing style of Johnny Carson, Foxworthy created a hit comedic concept based on the phrase "You might be a redneck if...". His clever observations, such as "You might be a redneck if you've ever cut your grass and found a car" or "if your Dad walks you to school because you're in the same grade", quickly became signature jokes that resonated widely, leading to multiple novelty books and cassette tapes. Determined to pursue his comedic aspirations, Foxworthy left a $30,000-per-year job in the 1980s, opting instead to earn just $20 a night performing in Atlanta's tough comedy clubs. His persistence paid off when he was awarded "Best Stand-Up Comic" at the American Comedy Awards in 1990—a significant achievement, particularly for a Southern comedian relying on "good ol' boy" humor. Unlike earlier Southern humorists like Jerry Clower or the stars of Hee Haw, Foxworthy distinguished himself with his contemporary style, eschewing stereotypical rural attire for a more relatable presentation. With a pleasant Southern drawl, Foxworthy's comedic appeal crossed regional lines, leading to guest appearances on "The Tonight Show" and opening for both Jay Leno and jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, as well as country legends like Garth Brooks and Eddie Rabbitt. He went on to star in two Showtime comedy specials, further establishing his presence in the entertainment world. Foxworthy's adept comedy writing propelled his debut album, "You Might Be a Redneck If…", to achieve triple platinum status—a remarkable feat for a comedy album. His first three Warner Bros. albums collectively sold eight million copies. His 1995 release, "Games Rednecks Play," achieved platinum status in just five weeks and was nominated for a Grammy in 1996. By then, he had his own sitcom, although it did not enjoy long-term success, with critics focusing more on his writing skills than his performance style. Despite his television career facing challenges and his absence from the film industry, Foxworthy remained a prominent figure on the stand-up comedy circuit. He continued to enjoy success with his books and albums, becoming perhaps the best-selling Southern humorist of the past fifty years. His novelty book "You Might Be A Redneck If…" went through over thirty printings, and his 1996 book "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem" spent two months on the New York Times Best Seller List, selling over 600,000 copies. In total, his books have sold more than three million copies, and his annual comedy calendar sold over a million copies. Foxworthy has also expanded his brand into other ventures, including opening "Jeff Foxworthy's Backyard Bar-B-Q" in Kissimmee, Florida. He is committed to philanthropy, serving as the Honorary Chairman of the Duke University Children's Hospital's "Children's Classic Golf Tournament," raising a million dollars for the cause. Staying true to his roots, Foxworthy continues to reside in Atlanta with his wife and two daughters.
Awards
Best Stand-Up Comic at the American Comedy Awards in 1990
0

Netflix Specials

Thumbnail for Jeff Foxworthy: The Good Old Days
Jeff Foxworthy: The Good Old Days

Standup comedy

Thumbnail for Standup comedy
Standup comedy
Thumbnail for Standup comedy
Standup comedy
Thumbnail for Standup comedy
Standup comedy
Thumbnail for Standup comedy
Standup comedy
Thumbnail for Standup comedy
Standup comedy