After a mysterious health scare that left fans worried and wondering about his well-being, Jamie Foxx finally shared his journey in his highly anticipated one-man show, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was….
This intimate and powerful performance gave fans a deeper look at Foxx’s struggles and triumphs in the wake of a serious medical complication that led to his hospitalization in April 2023.
If you’re looking for a comedy special that will have you crying from laughter, this isn’t it. Instead, you may have tears, but they will come from a place of gratitude—appreciating every breath you take and the love and support of those around you.
While the special still showcases his humor, it’s more of a testimony of Foxx’s personal journey of recovery, resilience, and the healing power of laughter.
Here are four standout highlights from the show:
What happened?
Foxx begins the special by recounting the incident that led to his hospitalization. It started with a severe headache that he initially dismissed, but the situation quickly worsened. “April 11, I was having a bad headache, and I asked my boy for Aspirin,” Foxx shared in the special. Before he could take the Aspirin, he blacked out. Foxx revealed he was unconscious for 20 days.
The Diagnosis
At Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, doctors informed Foxx’s sister, Deidra Dixon, that he was suffering from a brain bleed that had led to a stroke. They warned that without immediate surgery, his chances of survival were slim. After the procedure, the doctors told Dixon that while Foxx might fully recover, it would be the most challenging year of his life.
Staying Alive Through Laughter
One of the most inspiring segments of the special is Foxx’s reflection on what motivated him to keep going. His mantra became clear: “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive.” For Foxx, comedy was not just a career choice but a lifeline, a reason to keep pushing forward when the going got tough. His love for laughter and performing was a source of strength during his recovery. Foxx revealed that during his rehabilitation, he entertained himself and the hospital staff by impersonating people like Denzel Washington, Dave Chappelle, and even Donald Trump.
Not a Clone—Just Jamie Foxx
In one of the funniest moments of the special, Foxx addresses the rumors that circulated during his recovery, including jokes that he had been replaced by a clone. To prove he’s still the same Jamie, he hilariously slips into his iconic Wanda character from In Living Color, complete with her cross-eyed look, reaffirming his signature humor and energy. Foxx also revisited some of his most memorable moments, including singing his hit song Slow Jamz.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…. is now streaming on Netflix.
