In his much-anticipated Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, the multi-talented actor and comedian reflects on the life-altering medical crisis that struck him in April 2023. With humor, heart, and sincerity, Jamie Foxx opens up about his stroke, the impact it had on his health, and the lessons he learned along the way. For fans and newcomers alike, this special is an emotional yet funny rollercoaster that blends stand-up comedy with a personal story of survival, gratitude, and faith.
Jamie Foxx’s Health Crisis: The Road to Recovery
In April 2023, Jamie Foxx’s world was turned upside down. While filming Back in Action in Atlanta, the star suddenly fell ill, suffering a “brain bleed that led to a stroke.” His daughter, Corrine Foxx, broke the news on Instagram, describing it as a “medical complication,” but the specifics remained unclear. Rumors swirled, and some conspiracy theorists even joked that Foxx had been replaced by a clone. In What Had Happened Was…, Foxx sets the record straight, providing an intimate and heartfelt look into the life-threatening experience.
The Unforgettable 20 Days
Foxx candidly admits he has no memory of the 20 days following his stroke. After feeling a bad headache, Foxx asked for aspirin, but before he could take it, he lost consciousness. For 15 of those days, doctors thought they would lose him. His condition was critical, and his vital signs were unstable. Foxx recalls, “I don’t remember 20 days,” acknowledging how close he came to death.
The Role of Family and Faith in His Recovery
In What Had Happened Was…, Foxx emphasizes how critical his family’s support was during his recovery. He credits his sister, Deidra Dixon, and daughters, Corrine and Anelise, for helping keep the media at bay while he focused on healing. “Nobody sees him!” they insisted, ensuring he had the privacy and space to recover. Foxx also attributes his emotional healing to his faith, describing how God helped him through this life-threatening experience. “It’s about blessings. God blessed me with this talent, this money, this fame. And when I forgot about God, he blessed me with a stroke,” Foxx reflects in the special.
The Road to Recovery: Humor, Therapy, and Resilience
Foxx’s recovery wasn’t easy. After regaining consciousness in a wheelchair on May 4, he was sent to rehab in Chicago, where he faced physical and emotional challenges. He jokes about the difficult moments, including a nurse helping him with basic tasks like bathing and using the bathroom. “What kind of old man shit is that?” Foxx quips, adding humor to the uncomfortable reality of his situation.
In therapy, Foxx initially struggled with anger and frustration. “I’m Jamie Foxx. I don’t need no f***ing therapist,” he recalls thinking. But with tough love from a therapist named Holly, Foxx turned a corner. She helped him realize how blessed he was to have the chance to recover, pointing out that many people in the facility would never walk again. Eventually, Foxx found his balance and regained his mobility.
Humor and Impressions: A Return to Comedy
Foxx’s ability to use humor as a coping mechanism is a central theme of What Had Happened Was…. As he reconnected with his comedy roots, Foxx’s impressions of celebrities like Denzel Washington, Dave Chappelle, Jay-Z, and Mike Tyson brought the audience to tears with laughter. One of the standout moments of the special is Foxx’s hilarious take on Denzel Washington in a hospital setting, imagining how the iconic actor would handle the awkward task of needing help to use the bathroom.
However, this special is more than just a comedy hour. It’s a celebration of life, a tribute to his family and the people who supported him, and a reflection on the profound journey of recovery. Foxx’s message is clear: “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive.” Comedy, he explains, was his lifeline through the darkest moments.
Conspiracy Theories and Internet Rumors
Foxx also addresses the conspiracy theories that surrounded his health scare. One rumor suggested he had been replaced by a clone, prompting Foxx to perform a humorous song of defiance, repeatedly singing “F*** you” to those who questioned his authenticity. He also pokes fun at some of the wild rumors that circulated online, including one about music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly trying to poison him. Foxx’s take on the situation? “The internet said Puffy tried to kill me. I know what you’re thinking: Did he? Hell no, n****. I left those parties early. I was out by nine, n****. Something don’t look right, n****.”
These moments of levity help balance the special’s more serious themes, allowing Foxx to demonstrate his incredible ability to laugh in the face of adversity. He continues to explore the intersection of fame and health, noting how people seem to relish in the drama surrounding the lives of public figures.
A Tribute to Family, Faith, and Medicine
One of the most touching parts of What Had Happened Was… is Foxx’s heartfelt tribute to the medical professionals who saved his life. After recounting the challenges of his initial misdiagnosis and his subsequent emergency surgery at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Foxx expresses deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who helped him pull through. He jokes about his medical team, but there’s no mistaking the reverence he feels for the people who helped him fight for his life.
Foxx’s daughters, who attended the taping of the special, also take center stage. In a moving moment, his daughter Anelise plays the guitar while Foxx sings. The performance is a symbol of the healing power of love and family. The special ends with Foxx giving thanks for his life, his family, and the second chance he’s been given.
A Stand-Up Special with Heart
While What Had Happened Was… is technically a stand-up special, it is also so much more than that. It’s an act of gratitude, a moment of reflection, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Foxx blends humor, personal anecdotes, and a sense of vulnerability that makes this special unlike any other.
The Healing Power of Humor
Throughout the special, Foxx returns to the theme of humor as a healing tool. His comedic talent was what kept him grounded during his recovery, and he credits his ability to laugh for helping him survive. For Foxx, comedy isn’t just about making people laugh—it’s a way of dealing with life’s hardest moments. “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive,” he says, a sentiment that underscores the importance of humor in difficult times.
A Legacy of Gratitude
As What Had Happened Was… comes to a close, Foxx leaves viewers with a message of gratitude and hope. He acknowledges how blessed he is to have come through such a traumatic event and how grateful he is for his family, his fans, and the people who helped him heal. This special is a celebration of life, faith, and the power of humor to heal even the deepest wounds.
Watch What Had Happened Was… Now on Netflix
Jamie Foxx’s What Had Happened Was… is now streaming on Netflix, and it’s an unmissable watch for fans of comedy, personal stories, and anyone who appreciates the resilience of the human spirit. Foxx’s unique ability to blend humor and heart makes this special a powerful and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Foxx’s work, this special is a must-see.
Check out Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… on Netflix now, and join the actor as he reflects on his life, his health crisis, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
