Jamie Foxx reveals he had a stroke in 2023
4 min read
Jamie Foxx, seen here at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta for his Netflix special 'What Had Happened Was,' has opened up about the medical emergency he faced last year. [Parrish Lewis/Netflix]
Hollywood star Jamie Foxx has shared for the first time the cause of his hospitalization in April 2023, revealing he had suffered a stroke due to a brain bleed. During a Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, the actor disclosed the details of his health scare, describing the moment he realized something was seriously wrong.
Foxx, best known for his roles in Django Unchained and Ray, recounted how a bad headache led to his stroke. He had asked for an aspirin but blacked out before he could take it. “I don’t remember 20 days,” he told the audience, describing how the ordeal unfolded. At the time, his daughter, Corinne Foxx, had informed the public that he was dealing with a “medical complication,” but no specific details were shared about his condition.
In the special, recorded in Atlanta, where Foxx had been working when he fell ill, he explained how his symptoms progressed. Initially, Foxx was sent home by doctors after receiving a cortisone injection. However, his sister, Deidra Dixon, noticed he wasn’t acting like himself, prompting her to take him to Piedmont Hospital. It was there that doctors discovered the brain bleed. “If I don’t go in his head right now, we’re going to lose him,” Foxx recalled the doctor saying.
The operation was critical, and while Foxx’s sister stayed by his side, praying outside the theater, doctors worked to save him. Despite the severity of the stroke, the origin of the brain bleed could not be determined. Foxx described the experience as surreal, saying, “Your life doesn’t flash before your face. It was kind of oddly peaceful. I saw a tunnel; I didn’t see the light.” He joked, “It was hot in that tunnel, am I going to the wrong place?”
Following the surgery, Foxx’s doctor warned his family that while he might make a full recovery, it would be the toughest year of his life. The actor praised his sister and daughter for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal. “They didn’t want you to see me like this, and I didn’t want you to see me like this,” he said. He expressed gratitude for their decision to keep his condition private, explaining that his daughter had been worried about the public reaction, particularly the potential for people to make memes about his unsteady movements post-stroke.
Foxx also shared the physical challenges he faced after waking up on May 4, 2023. He recalled being unable to walk and sitting in a wheelchair with no memory of how he had ended up in that condition. “Jamie Foxx don’t get strokes,” he initially thought, struggling to come to terms with the reality of his situation. He then spent time in rehabilitation in Chicago, working on regaining his strength and mobility.
At the time of his stroke, Foxx had been filming Back In Action for Netflix, alongside Cameron Diaz, when he suddenly fell ill. Despite the setback, Foxx’s recovery was supported by his family, and this special marked the first time he publicly provided details about the extent of his health crisis.
Foxx’s revelation sheds light on the challenges that come with recovering from a stroke and highlights the importance of family support during such times. The actor has since expressed deep appreciation for the love and care he received, helping him through the physical and emotional toll of the experience.
What are the signs of a stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Early signs of a stroke may include:
- Face weakness: One side of the face may droop, or the person may have difficulty smiling.
- Arm weakness: The person may be unable to lift both arms and keep them raised due to weakness or numbness.
- Speech problems: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking clearly can indicate a stroke.
Other symptoms of a stroke may include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the leg.
- Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes.
- Difficulty thinking, speaking, or finding the right words.
- Sudden confusion or memory loss.
- A severe headache with no known cause.
- Dizziness, unsteadiness, or falling, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Recognizing these signs early and seeking immediate medical attention can help reduce the long-term effects of a stroke. For those like Jamie Foxx who face recovery, the process can be physically and emotionally challenging, but with proper care, a full recovery is possible.
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