Jamie Foxx has broken his silence on the life-threatening health scare that kept him out of the public eye for six months in 2023. In his new Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, the Oscar-winning actor and comedian reveals for the first time that he suffered a brain bleed, which led to a stroke. The special, now streaming, blends comedy, music, and raw emotion to recount Foxx’s journey from near-death to recovery.
The Health Crisis That Changed Everything
Foxx begins the special by addressing the mystery that surrounded his disappearance in April 2023. He recalls experiencing a severe headache before his sister, Deidra Dixon, rushed him to Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a brain bleed that required immediate surgery. “I don’t remember 20 days,” Foxx admits, recounting the harrowing experience. He credits his sister with saving his life and his family for fiercely protecting his privacy during the difficult months that followed.
The recovery process was grueling. Foxx recalls waking up in a wheelchair with no memory of what had happened. Doctors warned him it would be the “worst year of his life,” and he faced a daunting journey to regain his health. From physical therapy to emotional healing, Foxx relied on humor and resilience to navigate the challenges. “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive,” he says, describing his mantra during recovery.
A Powerful Testimony of Faith and Family
The special, which begins with his daughter Corinne introducing him on stage, is as much a celebration of life as it is a reflection on survival. Foxx shares emotional moments, including how his teenage daughter Anelise played her guitar at his bedside, which he says inspired him to fight for his life. He also recounts deep conversations with God that gave him the strength to persevere.
At its core, the show is a testament to the power of family, faith, and humor. Foxx blends heart-wrenching anecdotes with his signature impressions, impersonating figures like Denzel Washington, Dave Chappelle, and Donald Trump to lighten the heavy subject matter.
The Laughter and the Rumors
Despite the serious nature of his story, Foxx doesn’t shy away from addressing some of the more outlandish rumors that circulated during his recovery. From claims that he was paralyzed to conspiracy theories involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, Foxx confronts the internet’s wild speculation with wit and humor. “The internet tried to kill me,” he jokes, dancing to Unk’s Walk it Out to prove his health has been restored.
He even pokes fun at the bizarre rumor that he had been “cloned” during his absence, humorously debunking it in the special’s finale.
A Comeback Like No Other
While the special is billed as a comedy, it’s much more than that. It’s a raw, uneven, yet deeply personal exploration of Foxx’s health crisis and comeback. From recounting iconic moments in his career to performing his hit songs, the show captures the multidimensional entertainer at his most vulnerable and triumphant.
Foxx’s journey from near-death to center stage is nothing short of remarkable, and his Netflix special offers a level of insight that no talk show or interview could provide. It’s not just a comeback story—it’s a celebration of resilience, faith, and second chances.
A Defining Moment in Jamie Foxx’s Career
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… stands as a testament to the actor’s strength and versatility. While the special has its raw moments, it hints at the potential for a one-man Broadway show should Foxx choose to revisit this defining chapter in his life. For now, the special offers a rare glimpse into a deeply personal struggle, leaving audiences inspired by Foxx’s ability to turn pain into laughter and gratitude.
Available now on Netflix, the special is an emotional rollercoaster that reminds us all to cherish life’s second chances.
