AMP in the post
The first teaser for the episode begins with dramatic news clippings and stories about his 2023 hospitalization, culminating in a voiceover proclaiming, “Jamie Foxx literally died!”
Emerging onto the stage to thunderous applause, Foxx proudly exclaims, “I’m back!” In his characteristic style, he teases his audience with, “What had happened was…”
A Health Crisis That Shook Fans
In April 2023, Foxx’s daughter, Corinne, revealed that her father had suffered a “medical complication” requiring hospitalization in Georgia. She reassured fans in a statement:
“Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery.”
At the time, Foxx was filming the Netflix action-comedy Back in Action alongside Cameron Diaz and Glenn Close. Although the incident did not occur on set, it brought production to a halt.
AMP in the post
Three weeks later, Foxx broke his silence on Instagram, expressing gratitude: “Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed.”
In July, Foxx shared an emotional video update addressing his health ordeal. He admitted withholding public updates initially because he didn’t want people to see him in a vulnerable state. “I just didn’t want you to see me like that…with tubes running out of me,” he explained.
Foxx also dispelled rumors circulating about his condition, including claims of paralysis or blindness.
“But I did go through… I went to hell and back. My road to recovery had some potholes as well, but I’m coming back, and I’m able to work,” he said. “I know they talk about people crying on videos — you can do a take two — but I’m not gonna do a take two. It is what it is. If you see me out from now on and every once and a while I just burst into tears, it’s because it’s been tough, man. I’ve been sick, man. But now, I’ve got my legs under me, so you’re gonna see me out.”
Emotional Reflections And Gratitude
AMP in the post
Foxx publicly addressed his health scare during the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television event in December 2023. Accepting the Vanguard Award, he reflected on his progress:
“I couldn’t do that six months ago; I couldn’t actually walk to [the stage]. And I’m not a clone. I know a lot of people saying that I was cloned out there.”
He also shared a surreal experience during his recovery:
“I saw the tunnel. I didn’t see the light. It was hot in that tunnel. I don’t know where I was going…am I going to the right place?”
Foxx admitted to struggling with memory loss surrounding the incident. He recounted, “I had a bad headache, asked my boy for an Advil, and boom—I was gone for 20 days.”
Filming ‘What had happened was…’ was an emotional journey for Foxx. Speaking with Gayle King, he described the experience as “excruciating” due to the pressure of not knowing how the audience would react. “The worry is what gets you,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Foxx turned his special into a heartfelt celebration of resilience, humor, and gratitude. “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive,” he quipped in the trailer. Fans have already responded with enthusiasm, flooding his social media with comments like, “Goosebumps!” and, “I cannot wait!”
The special is just the beginning of Foxx’s comeback. Alongside his return to stand-up, he is set to headline Back in Action, reuniting with Cameron Diaz in a film slated for release on January 17, 2025.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Jamie Foxx right now. Come back here often for all Jamie Foxx spoilers, news, and updates.
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