Jamie Foxx Opens Up About 2023 Health Crisis in Netflix Special
Jamie Foxx is sharing his harrowing journey through a 2023 medical emergency with humor and candor in his Netflix comedy special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…. The Academy Award-winning actor revealed he suffered a “brain bleed that led to a stroke” while filming Back in Action in Atlanta in April 2023. Despite the serious topic, Foxx infused the story with his signature wit, even joking about his friend Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Foxx recounted the initial signs of trouble: “I was having a bad headache,” he said, explaining how he asked for an aspirin but collapsed before he could take it. Reflecting on his time in a coma, he revealed, “I don’t remember 20 days.”
Doctors initially misdiagnosed Foxx, giving him a cortisone shot and sending him home. However, as his condition worsened, he was rushed to Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. "Atlanta saved my life," he said, expressing deep gratitude for the city, his medical team, and his family.
Foxx also credited his sister, Deidra Dixon, and daughters, Corrine Foxx and Anelise Bishop, for fiercely protecting his privacy during his recovery. "They said, ‘Nobody sees him!’ and shut the world out while I healed," Foxx shared.
The special details his emotional battle to regain mobility and balance, humorously describing moments like needing assistance from nurses for basic tasks. “What kind of old man sh*t is that?” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
Initially resistant to therapy, Foxx admitted to feelings of anger and frustration, saying, “I’m Jamie Foxx. I don’t need no f***ing therapist.” But with the help of a tough-love therapist named Holly, he embraced the process. She pushed him to focus on his blessings, reminding him of others in rehab who might not recover.
Foxx also reflected on how the ordeal reconnected him to his faith. “God blessed me with this talent, money, and fame. But when I forgot about Him, He blessed me with a stroke,” he said, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and humility.
The special didn’t shy away from addressing conspiracy theories about his health, including rumors spread online. Foxx tackled these with humor, performing a song that repeated “F*** you” to debunk the wildest claims, like being cloned. He also joked about rumors involving Combs, poking fun at the internet’s speculation with lines like, “The internet said Puffy tried to kill me. Did he? Hell no! I left those parties early.”
Filmed at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre in October, the special featured heartfelt moments, musical interludes—including a performance by his daughter Anelise—and plenty of laughter. It ended with Foxx expressing gratitude for his life, family, medical team, and fans.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… is now streaming on Netflix.
