Jamie Foxx has promised to open up in an upcoming stand-up special about what exactly he went through a year ago when he had to be hospitalized after a near-death health scare.
During the 56-year-old actor’s appearance on Sunday at the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), Foxx accepted the Producer’s Award and told everyone to “cherish” life and your loved ones, People magazine reported.
“I’m so thankful and I get emotional because it’s beyond the scope,” Foxx said. “I had some people in my life that really made sure I was here because it was dire straits.”
“I take things differently now because you just don’t know,” he added. “Everybody wants to know what happened and I’m gonna tell you what happened but I got to do it in my way.”
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Jamie Foxx says he will share details of his mystery health crisis, as he declares he’s a changed man at the AAFCA Special Achievement Awards Luncheon. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dGcsRoOHqf
— ExtraTV (@extratv) March 4, 2024
“I’m going to do it in a funny way. We are going to be on stage,” Foxx continued. “We are going to go back to the stand-up roots. If you want to have a good time and laugh … come see me when we go take this thing out.”
The comedian promised that his upcoming special will have some things “people will love” but said there’s going to be other things that are guaranteed to “pull at your heart string.”
In December, the “Ray” actor took the stage for the first time since being hospitalized in April 2023 and admitted six months earlier he “couldn’t actually walk to [the stage]. And I’m not a clone, I’m not a clone”
“I know a lot of people saying that I was cloned out there,” Foxx said, referencing some conspiracy theories that had been circulating online.
“It feels good to be here,” he added. “I cherish every single minute now, it’s different. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy because it’s tough when it’s almost over, when you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see the light. It was hot in that tunnel, too; I don’t know where I was going. ‘S***, am I going to the right place?'”
“I have a new respect for life, I have a new respect for my art,” he added. “I watched so many movies and listened to so many songs trying to have the time go by. Don’t give up on your art, man, don’t give up on your art. When you realize that it could be over like that… I got to tell you don’t give up on your art and don’t let them take the art from you either.”
Since the actor was hospitalized, very little has been released as to what the health scare was that he had to deal with. His daughter, actress Corrine Foxx, first announced the news on Instagram.
In Corrine’s original post, she wrote, “From the Foxx Family: We wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday. Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family ask for privacy during this time. Much love, The Foxx Family.”