Jamie Foxx Opens Up About His Health Crisis in Netflix Special
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… offers a heartfelt and revealing look at the actor’s life-threatening health scare in April 2023, marking the first time the Oscar-winning entertainer has shared details about his mysterious disappearance from the public eye. Though marketed as a comedy special, the Netflix program is a mix of humor, music, and raw emotion, chronicling Foxx’s journey through illness, recovery, and faith.
A Sudden Emergency
In April 2023, Foxx was hospitalized in Atlanta while filming Back in Action with Cameron Diaz. At the time, little information was shared, leaving fans speculating about the nature of his illness. In his special, Foxx recounts the harrowing ordeal, describing how a severe headache escalated into a medical emergency. His sister, Deidra Dixon, sensed something was wrong and drove him to multiple hospitals before landing at Piedmont Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a brain bleed leading to a stroke.
Foxx recalls the terrifying prognosis: immediate surgery was needed, and doctors warned his family of a tough road ahead. His recovery would be arduous, including a period of being wheelchair-bound and intensive rehabilitation.
A Triumphant Return
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The special begins with fan speculation videos, followed by Foxx’s daughter, Corinne, introducing him with pride and emotion. Foxx’s entrance, shades on and hands forming heart emojis, is met with thunderous applause. Fighting back tears, he declares, “I was fighting for my life, but I’m here in front of you.”
Foxx’s Southern roots and faith shine through as he credits Atlanta for saving his life and leads the audience in a call-and-response of “God is good—all the time.”
Humor as Healing
While Foxx addresses rumors and misinformation—including speculation about Sean “Diddy” Combs’ involvement in his hospitalization—he uses humor to disarm and connect. “They said I was paralyzed. They said I couldn’t walk. Well, look at me now,” he quips, dancing to Unk’s “Walk It Out.” He even jokes about Diddy’s infamous parties: “I left them early… I was out by nine.”
Despite the levity, Foxx takes a serious turn to share the truth: “We still don’t know what happened to me.” He recounts waking up in a wheelchair on May 4, 2023, confused about his condition. His initial resistance to recovery gave way to determination, spurred by his family’s unwavering support and his teenage daughter Anelise playing guitar by his hospital bedside.
Faith, Family, and Resilience
Foxx’s journey was deeply spiritual, involving introspection and conversations with God. Humor became his mantra: “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive.” He credits his recovery to a combination of faith, family, and a fierce will to fight back.
In a poignant moment, Foxx honors his sister Deidra, who saved his life, and Holly, a nurse who encouraged him to push forward. He reflects on his struggles with ego, sharing how vulnerability became a pathway to healing.
A Celebration of Life
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The special is not just a recounting of a health crisis but a celebration of resilience. Foxx mixes comedy, impersonations, and music, revisiting iconic moments from his career in Ray, Django Unchained, and Any Given Sunday. He also performs hits from his music catalog, culminating in a heartfelt piano piece about second chances.
Addressing bizarre online rumors, including claims that he was cloned, Foxx laughs them off and focuses on gratitude. The show closes with an uplifting spirit of thanksgiving, highlighting the power of love, humor, and faith.
A Unique Offering
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… is more than a comedy special. It’s a deeply personal testimony that blends humor with vulnerability, offering insights no interview or talk show appearance could provide. While the special feels raw and uneven at times, it holds the potential for a Broadway-style one-man show should Foxx choose to revisit this transformative chapter.
For now, the special stands as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the strength of the human spirit.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… is streaming now on Netflix.
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