HollyWood Icon Jamie Foxx Opens Up About Brain Bleed and Stroke That Left Him Hospitalized Last Year

Jamie Foxx has finally broken his silence on the health emergency that left him out of the spotlight for six months in 2023. In his Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, the Oscar-winning actor revealed that he suffered a brain bleed, which led to a stroke, during the filming of ‘Back in Action’ in Atlanta.

Foxx shared that the ordeal began with a severe headache. Moments after asking a friend for aspirin, he lost consciousness and was “gone for 20 days,” with no memory of that period. Initially sent home by medics after receiving a cortisone injection, Foxx’s condition worsened. His sister, Deidra Dixon, sensed something was wrong and rushed him to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, where doctors diagnosed the brain bleed. They warned that immediate surgery was necessary to save his life.

While doctors worked, his sister prayed outside the operating room. Despite the successful procedure, the origin of the bleed was never found, and doctors cautioned that his recovery would be long and difficult.

When Foxx regained consciousness on May 4, 2023, he found himself in a wheelchair, unable to walk or remember how he got there. Initially in denial, he joked, “Jamie Foxx don’t get strokes.” He later shared that the recovery process was humbling, as he had to relearn basic movements during rehab in Chicago. He credited his family, particularly his sister Deidra and daughter Corinne, for their unwavering support throughout his recovery.

The special, blending humor and heartfelt reflection, provides a glimpse into Foxx’s resilience and gratitude. He joked about seeing a tunnel during the experience but not the light, quipping, “It was hot in that tunnel, am I going to the wrong place?” His triumphant return to the stage in Atlanta was met with cheers as he danced and performed, a testament to his determination to recover.

Foxx’s openness about his health scare has resonated with audiences, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. His story highlights the importance of family, resilience, and perseverance in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.