He thanks God for the second chance.
In his recent Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, Jamie Foxx shared details of his life-threatening medical emergency from 2023, when he was hospitalized due to a brain bleed and stroke. Foxx credited his survival to the power of prayer, the support of his family, and his faith in God. He revealed that he lost memory of 20 days during his recovery, including a period while working on the film Back in Action. Foxx’s condition was so severe that doctors were uncertain if he would survive, but he believes it was divine intervention and prayers that helped him pull through.
Foxx recounted the day he began experiencing a severe headache, asking a friend for aspirin, but before he could take it, he collapsed and lost consciousness. His sister, Deidra Dixon, drove him around Atlanta to find a hospital. She followed her instincts and found a doctor who quickly diagnosed him with a brain bleed, warning that immediate surgery was necessary to save his life. Despite the gravity of the situation, Foxx’s sister stood firm in her faith, telling the doctors that she had already prayed for him, and God would guide them through.
While Foxx was in a coma, his daughter Anelise played her guitar for him, a moment he describes as a “miracle.” Foxx believes that her music helped stabilize his condition, calling it a “spiritual defibrillator.” His recovery was slow, but after regaining consciousness, Foxx was unable to walk and had to undergo rehabilitation. He expressed deep gratitude for his family’s support during this difficult time and for the overwhelming love and prayers he received from fans around the world.
In the months following the incident, Foxx shared updates on social media, expressing his gratitude for the second chance at life. He described his journey as “unexpected” and “dark,” but noted that he was beginning to feel like himself again. Foxx also reflected on his faith, sharing how his upbringing in church, influenced by his grandmother, shaped his worldview. His grandmother taught him to embrace kindness and compassion for all people, regardless of differences, and he continues to carry that lesson with him.
Foxx hopes that his experience can inspire others and contribute to a greater sense of unity, particularly within religious communities. He expressed a desire for churches of all races and cultures to come together in worship, sharing his vision of “umbrella Christianity,” where all people, regardless of background, can come together under the same faith. His personal journey serves as a reminder of the power of faith, family, and forgiveness in overcoming life’s greatest challenges.