Jamie Foxx is opening up about his harrowing near-death experience during his latest comedy special, “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was,” now available on Netflix.
In April 2023, Foxx was taken to the hospital while he was in Atlanta filming a movie. His daughter, Corinne, initially shared on social media that her father had faced “a medical complication.” Foxx later credited his daughter, his sister Diedra Dixon, and the hospital staff for saving his life after he revealed that he suffered a brain bleed that resulted in a stroke. He recounted that he had no memory of nearly three weeks during this critical time.
Foxx described waking from a 20-day coma to find himself in a wheelchair, struggling to walk and having to relearn basic functions. He shared that the road to recovery would be challenging, as doctors informed him of the significant work ahead, but there was hope for recovery.
Despite the difficulties, Foxx demonstrated the remarkable progress he has made during his special. He engaged in singing, dancing, and playing the piano, expressing that the love of his family and his faith played essential roles in his healing process.
Gayle King, a co-host on “CBS Mornings,” attended one of the special’s three tapings and commented on Foxx’s impressive recovery, stating that he was “in fine form” throughout. She noted the excitement of a packed audience in Atlanta who wanted to hear Foxx share his story on his own terms.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and recovery. Jamie Foxx’s experience shines a light on the power of support from loved ones, the strength of the human spirit, and the hope that exists even in the face of dire medical challenges. His ability to turn a traumatic event into a source of inspiration through humor reflects the remarkable capacity for healing and growth that can emerge from adversity.