Jamie Foxx, a well-known actor and comedian who has won an Oscar, recently shared scary details about a serious health problem he faced in 2023. In his Netflix special on December 10, 2024, called Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, Foxx talked openly about the big brain bleed that led to a stroke.
The problem started on April 11, 2023, while he was working on the movie Back in Action with Glenn Close and Cameron Diaz. Foxx said he had a bad headache that a doctor didn't take seriously at first, but it quickly got worse and needed urgent surgery.
Foxx stayed in the hospital for weeks and lost 20 days of his memory. His sister, Deidra Dixon, played a big role by trusting her instincts and taking him to the hospital, which saved his life. With the support of his family, including his daughters Corinne Foxx and Anelise Bishop, and lots of love from fans, Foxx was able to make a great recovery.
This special gave fans a look at his health scare, recovery, and thoughts on it.
What happened to Jamie Foxx during his health crisis?
In April 2023, while Jamie Foxx was working on the Netflix film Back in Action, he started getting terrible headaches. After a doctor gave him a shot of cortisone, his condition got worse.
His sister Deidra noticed he was extremely tired, so she took him to a hospital in Atlanta. At the hospital, they discovered he had a brain bleed that led to a stroke. If he hadn't had quick surgery, it could have been very dangerous.
Jamie Foxx mentioned that he felt very unusual during this time:
“Your life doesn’t flash before your face. It’s oddly peaceful. I saw the tunnel, but I didn’t see the light.”
He said that doctors couldn't find where the bleeding was coming from, but they stressed that quick action was needed. The doctors told his family that while he could get better, it would be a difficult process.
Jamie Foxx woke up on May 4 and, as he shared in the special, couldn't walk and needed therapy and rehabilitation in Chicago.
Jamie Foxx's road to recovery
Foxx thanks his sister and daughters for helping him get through the hardest times. His sister, Deidra, prayed outside the room where he had surgery, trusting that a higher power would help. After the surgery, Foxx had to go through many difficult months of recovery.
He talked about the challenges he faced with moving around and joked about how his daughter made sure no one saw him while he was recovering.
“She didn’t want people to see me because I was dizzy from the stroke.”
Support from fans helped him feel better too.
Foxx expressed immense gratitude, saying,
“Even when I see people on the street and they yell out, ‘Man, we’re glad you’re here,’ it feels amazing.”
In July and August 2023, his Instagram posts focused on how thankful and strong he felt.
"It’s been an unexpected dark journey… but I can see the light,” he wrote.
Jamie Foxx’s mission moving forward
During his performance, Foxx shares funny stories and sings while also talking about a personal experience. He explains how important it is to recognize stroke symptoms and act quickly.
The Cleveland Clinic says that a brain bleed, or intracranial hemorrhage, is a very serious type of stroke. It stops oxygen from getting to the brain and can be life-threatening. Foxx's story shows how important it is to keep seeking medical help, as his sister's quick actions likely saved his life.
The show also discusses his journey to recovery. This includes his return to the stage, where he performed with his teenage daughter, Anelise. Foxx's determination and strength are inspiring to people all around the world.
You can watch Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… only on Netflix.