ATLANTA, USA — Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx has opened up for the first time about the medical emergency that left him in a coma last spring, sharing details during the taping of his new Netflix stand-up special, What Had Happened Was…, set to release on December 10, 2024.
Foxx, 56, told the audience at the October taping in Atlanta that the ordeal occurred while he was filming the movie Back in Action.
Initially believing he had only passed out for a few hours, Foxx revealed that he had actually been in a coma for weeks.
“He basically passed out in an elevator and thought he woke up a couple hours later,” audience member Demecos Chambers told People.
“Well, he was actually in a coma and didn’t wake up until a few weeks later.”
Exhaustion and Recovery
Foxx attributed the medical emergency to “pure exhaustion,” according to Chambers, who recalled Foxx describing how his body had “faltered out” due to overwork and age.
At the time, the actor’s hospitalization had been described only as a result of an unspecified “medical condition.”
Foxx balanced the gravity of the story with his trademark humour.
Chambers noted that while recounting the incident, Foxx incorporated comedic elements, danced, and played songs on the piano.
“It’s stand-up comedy. He’s throwing bits in there left and right,” Chambers said.
The Role of Family
Foxx also shared an emotional anecdote about his family’s role in his recovery.
One of his daughters played a family guitar at his hospital bedside, a moment Foxx credited with waking him from the coma.
“He really worships his daughters,” Chambers said.
“They play a significant part of the show. He says this situation gave him a grander perspective on life and the people around him.”
Foxx’s reflections in the special reportedly delve into themes of resilience and gratitude, with his storytelling weaving humour and heartfelt moments.
A Return to the Spotlight
Foxx’s health scare sidelined him for much of the year, but his return to the stage underscores his enduring charisma and talent.
Known for his versatility across acting, music, and comedy, Foxx has remained a beloved figure in entertainment.
With What Had Happened Was…, Foxx not only reclaims his comedic platform but also offers fans an intimate glimpse into one of the most challenging chapters of his life.
The special is expected to resonate as a testament to his humour, resilience, and devotion to family.
