Jamie Foxx Opens Up About Medical Emergency and Near-Death Experience
In a candid interview on his Netflix comedy special “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…”, the Oscar-winning actor revealed that he had a medical emergency in April 2023 that left him on the brink of death. Foxx, 56, discussed how his sister Deidra Dixon recognized that something was seriously wrong and rushed him to the hospital.
Initially, Foxx was given a cortisone shot by a doctor who then sent him home, but his sister knew better and insisted on taking him to the hospital. At Piedmont hospital, Foxx was diagnosed with a brain bleed that had led to a stroke, and doctors told his sister that if they didn’t operate on him immediately, he would die.
Foxx recalled the experience as peaceful, despite being unconscious, and described seeing a tunnel that felt hot and smelling like brimstone. He even joked about seeing the devil or Sean “Puffy” Combs at the end of the tunnel. Foxx credited his sister’s quick thinking and prayer with saving his life and praised the staff at Piedmont hospital, saying, “Ya’ll saved my life just 400 yards away from here.”
The experience led Foxx to rediscover his faith, and he credits it with his recovery. He also emphasized the importance of his sense of humor, joking that if he can stay funny, he can stay alive. Foxx also took issue with the initial medical care he received, giving the doctor a rating of half a star out of five.
Foxx’s new comedy special “What Had Happened Was…” is now available on Netflix, and his forthcoming film “Back in Action” opposite Cameron Diaz will be released on January 17.