Hollywood star Jamie Foxx has revealed the reason for his hospitalization in April 2023.
During a Netflix special, the Django Unchained actor shared with the audience that he suffered a “brain bleed that led to a stroke.” Foxx recalled having a severe headache one day and requesting an aspirin, but before he could take it, he “blacked out” and lost memory of the next 20 days. Speaking emotionally in Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, which was recorded in Atlanta—where he fell ill—Foxx explained that doctors initially sent him home after giving him a cortisone injection.
His sister then visited and noticed he wasn’t acting like himself. Concerned, she drove him to Piedmont Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a brain bleed that had caused the stroke. He was told that if surgery wasn’t performed immediately, he might not survive. Foxx revealed that his sister prayed during his operation while doctors worked to stabilize him.
Despite their efforts, the doctors were unable to pinpoint the source of the brain bleed. Foxx also shared his surreal experience during the incident, 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?”
After the surgery, Foxx’s doctor informed his family that while he might make a full recovery, it would be a challenging year ahead. The actor praised his sister, Deidra Dixon, and daughter, Corinne, for their support, noting that they made sure no one saw him during his recovery, as he didn’t want fans to witness him in that state. Foxx gestured to show that his head movements were unsteady post-stroke, and his daughter was concerned about memes being made of him.
He explained that when he woke up on May 4, 2023, he was in a wheelchair, unable to walk, and had no memory of why he was in that condition. Initially, he was in denial, thinking, “Jamie Foxx don’t get strokes.” He later underwent rehabilitation in Chicago.
At the time of his health crisis, Foxx was filming Back In Action for Netflix alongside Cameron Diaz. Since then, he has spoken warmly about the support he received from his family, but this marks the first time he has provided specific details about his condition.
Signs of a Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Early signs include:
- Weakness on one side of the face (difficulty smiling, drooping on one side)
- Weakness or numbness in one arm (difficulty lifting both arms)
- Speech difficulties (slurred words, confusion)
Other symptoms may include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in one side of the body (including legs)
- Sudden vision loss or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Difficulty speaking or thinking of words
- Sudden memory loss or confusion
- Severe headache
- Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness, or falling, especially with other symptoms
Earlier, Foxx’s daughter Corinne had said he experienced a “medical complication” but did not provide further details about his health at the time.
