Jamie Foxx has opened up about the serious illness that left him hospitalized last year, revealing he suffered a “brain bleed that led to a stroke”, reported by Forbes. In his newly released Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, the 56-year-old actor shared intimate details about the harrowing experience that left him unable to recall a 20-day period.
The incident began in April 2023, when Foxx’s daughter, Corinne Foxx, announced on social media that her father had been hospitalized after a “medical complication.” At the time, she described the situation as serious, with family members traveling to be by his bedside.
In the special, which premiered on December 10, Foxx candidly described the lead-up to the incident, noting he had been suffering from a severe headache before collapsing. He admitted that the severity of his condition caused a total blackout in his memory for nearly three weeks: “I didn’t remember 20 days of my life”, according to CNN.
Foxx also recounted waking up in a rehabilitation center in Chicago in early May, where he found himself in a wheelchair and unable to walk. Despite the life-altering experience, he managed to find humor in his recovery process, demonstrating the wit and charm he’s known for.
The Oscar winner credited his family for pulling him through the ordeal, including his daughters, Corinne Foxx and Anelise Bishop, as well as his sister Deidra Dixon. Their unwavering support, he said, was instrumental in his recovery.
Foxx’s revelations mark the first time he has shared such specific details about the “mystery illness” that caused widespread concern among fans and industry colleagues. Since the incident, he has slowly returned to the public eye, periodically reassuring his fans about his progress.
While reflecting on his recovery, Foxx’s honesty about the challenges he faced — physically, mentally, and emotionally — adds a layer of vulnerability to the actor’s usual upbeat persona.
The special not only sheds light on his health crisis but also serves as a testament to resilience and the power of family support during life’s darkest moments. With this heartfelt account, Jamie Foxx proves once again that his ability to overcome adversity matches his extraordinary talent.