Jamie Foxx Opens Up About His Stroke Experience in Emotional Netflix Special

In a heartfelt special on Netflix entitled "What Had Happened Was...", Jamie Foxx opened up about the stroke he suffered in April 2023, detailing the frightening moments leading to his hospitalization. Foxx described experiencing a severe headache, prompting him to request aspirin; however, before he could take any, he blacked out and lost 20 days of memory. His hospitalization came after his concerned sister insisted on taking him to Piedmont Hospital, where medical staff discovered he was enduring a brain bleed that prompted a stroke.

The actor expressed gratitude for the support of his family, particularly his sister Deidra and daughter Corinne, who shielded him from public scrutiny during his recovery. Foxx vividly recounted the surreal experience of feeling peaceful during his medical ordeal, stating, "It was kind of oddly peaceful, I saw a tunnel." While he initially struggled with accepting the reality of his condition—joking about his disbelief that he could suffer a stroke—he ultimately faced a challenging path to recovery that included rehabilitation in Chicago.

Foxx, who was filming the Netflix project "Back In Action" with Cameron Diaz at the time of his stroke, highlighted the importance of family support throughout his journey. He acknowledged the emotional toll the experience had on his loved ones, especially noting his sister’s prayers while he underwent surgery. With this emotional revelation, Foxx aims to inspire awareness around stroke symptoms, encouraging others to recognize the signs such as sudden weakness or speech difficulties. His story marks a significant moment of vulnerability from a high-profile actor, promoting discussions about health and recovery.