As a journalist with over two decades of experience under my belt, I have witnessed countless stories unfold before my very eyes. But none have moved me quite like Jamie Foxx‘s Netflix special, “What Had Happened Was…” This isn’t your typical comedy special; it’s a raw and emotional rollercoaster ride that takes us through the harrowing journey of a man who faced death and came out on the other side stronger than ever.
[This story contains spoilers from Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…]
Jamie Foxx has now disclosed information about his absence from public view for half a year, which occurred due to a health crisis in April 2023. During this period, he was admitted to the hospital due to an unspecified medical issue, and since then, relatively little has been revealed regarding what transpired with the Academy Award-winning actor.
Though titled Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… on Netflix and labeled a comedy special, Foxx’s reveal is bigger than its billing. (He even picked up an early 2025 Golden Globe nomination for the special.) Through a mixture of laughter, music and sobering truth, Foxx explains what happened to him to the best of his recollection, getting candid about his rehab and recovery process. For the special he returned to Atlanta, which is where he suddenly fell ill while filming the Netflix comedy Back in Action also starring Cameron Diaz. Atlanta, he reveals, is also where he started doing comedy back in 1991. So he is very much getting back to basics, classifying how he snatched his life back from death as a “come-back-to-God” moment.
The special begins with videos of fans speculating about Foxx’s illness. His daughter Corinne Foxx then takes the stage to thank the audience for coming. “This is a special moment for me and my family. It is a blessing to even be here,” she says, before introducing her dad with a rousing, “Give it up for my dad, the real Jamie Motherfucking Foxx.” The curtain rises and there is Foxx with shades on and hands in heart emojis over his chest expressing his love for the crowd.
As I stride out, fist pumping the air, the thunderous applause from the audience echoes around me – it’s a feeling so profound, my eyes well up with tears. “This… this feels amazing,” I manage to utter, savoring the moment, shouting back, “Atlanta, I’m home!” Between the laughter and sobs, I dance, expressing my gratitude. “I was on the brink,” I confess, “but here I am, standing before you.” When I declare, “Atlanta, it’s you who saved me,” the crowd echoes back with a heartfelt “God is good” and “all the time.” This exchange resonates deeply, acknowledging my Black Southern heritage, reminding me that this is where I truly belong.
He continued, ‘The internet almost took my life,’ he said, leading up to news headlines about him and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. ‘They claimed I couldn’t move, that I was paralyzed,’ he stated, showing off his dance moves to Unk’s ‘Walk it Out.’ He also addressed the internet gossip suggesting Diddy played a role in his hospitalization. ‘The internet spread rumors that Puffy tried to end my life,’ he said, adding a hint of skepticism with, ‘I bet you’re wondering… did-he?’ He also mentioned an early exit from Diddy’s infamous parties, saying, ‘I left those parties before nine.’
Foxx adopts a more solemn demeanor around the six-minute mark, stating, “I’m still uncertain about what transpired with me.” He proceeds to recount the events of April 11, 2023, his voice becoming heavier as he says, “Let me share with you what I remember happening,” before growing emotional and pausing to collect himself as he sits down, saying, “What occurred was…” and detailing how everything started with a severe headache.
I can’t recall the past 20 days,” I found myself saying. My narrative echoes a familiar tale, as my initial doctor seemed to overlook my symptoms. However, my sister, Deidra Dixon, sensed that something was amiss. She persisted in our search for help, driving me from one hospital to another until we finally pulled into Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital.
At that location, a doctor in an L.A. Lakers jersey informed her that her older brother was experiencing a condition called a “brain hemorrhage,” which triggered a stroke and required urgent surgery. Needless to say, the humor dissipated quickly under such serious circumstances. However, it’s Jamie Foxx, so as he spoke about his sister’s role in saving his life, he said “sometimes you have to laugh to prevent tears” and indeed did so, even making light of the situation by referring to dying and coming back. (He also made a joke about Diddy, suggesting that either the devil or perhaps Puffy was waiting for him at the end of the tunnel.)
What he describes is harrowing. The doctor told his sister that he may make a full recovery from the stroke, but it’s going to be the “worst year of his life.” He says that’s why he disappeared from public view, and credits his family for protecting him during his recovery. On May 4, he woke up and found himself in a wheelchair and had no idea why.
Despite the difficulty of accepting his situation, he acknowledges that at first, his ego hindered his recovery process significantly while he was in Chicago. He describes this realization as old-fashioned, referring to it as understanding the gravity of his condition. He paints a picture of the challenging journey ahead, initially joking about preserving his modesty from his female nurse before discovering she had been caring for him for over a month and a half. Later, he expresses gratitude towards Holly, whom he likens to a superhero, for motivating him in a manner reminiscent of Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid, helping him find the strength to persevere.
Over time, he sought help from a psychiatrist, leading him into profound discussions about God. During this interaction, he openly acknowledges that it took some effort to change his perspective and respond positively. To tackle this challenge, he resorted to the method he was familiar with for recovery – laughter.
“If I can stay funny, I can stay alive” became his mantra.
With a knack for mimicry, he adopts the personas of Denzel Washington, Dave Chappelle, Mike Tyson, Jay-Z, and even the President-elect Donald Trump. This eclectic mix of contemporary and classic figures serves as a backdrop for his heartfelt account of illness and recovery.
In retrospect, he admits that his health was precarious at the start; they thought he might not survive the first fortnight. However, a remarkable event sparked his recovery – his teenage daughter Anelise secretly entered his hospital room and strummed her guitar. This act inspired him, and now, on stage, she charms the audience with her melodies, eliciting joyous applause from her father. Foxx expresses this emotional journey in a spoken song, emphasizing the divine power and elegance of God that guided him through his ordeal.
In the comical segment of his performance, he reminisces about his interactions with rapper T.I. and actress Halle Berry following their respective recoveries, and discusses some of his most iconic roles in films like “Any Given Sunday”, “Ali”, “Ray”, “Django”, and “Rio”. He then transitions into singing some of his popular hits. For the grand finale, he steps back to the piano to deliver a heartfelt account of his “second chance” experience, addressing rumors that he was not the original Foxx but rather a clone when he was seen during recovery. He concludes by expressing his deep sense of gratitude.
The Netflix special is primarily characterized by an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Labeling it as a “comedy special” might not accurately reflect its content, as it bears more resemblance to LeBron James’ famous “The Decision,” where he announced his departure from Cleveland to Miami, but with a more engaging and entertaining twist. Despite some rough edges and inconsistencies, there is significant potential for a solo stage show, possibly on Broadway, if Foxx chooses to revisit this challenging period that may have played a pivotal role in his career. For the time being, this special provides an understanding that no daytime television or late-night talk shows could ever offer.
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Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… is now streaming on Netflix.
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2024-12-10 11:25