Jamie Foxx made an emotional return to the stage in his Netflix comedy special, What Had Happened Was, sharing the harrowing details of his 2023 medical emergency that left fans and loved ones fearing the worst. With his trademark humor and candidness, Foxx delivered a deeply personal recount of his life-threatening ordeal, blending heartfelt gratitude with the humor that defines him.
Foxx began the special by declaring, “I’m back!” as he hyped up the crowd, revealing that Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, located just 400 yards from the venue, had saved his life. Fighting back tears, he detailed the events of April 11, 2023, when a severe headache quickly escalated into a crisis. In typical Foxx style, he turned the grim memory into comedy, quipping about his friends’ helplessness and the questionable cortisone shot administered by a doctor before his sister, Deidra Dixon, intervened.
Dixon’s instincts proved life-saving as she rushed Foxx to Piedmont Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a brain bleed that had caused a stroke. Their swift action and Dixon’s prayers outside the operating room ensured his survival. Foxx recounted the surreal moments of unconsciousness, joking about seeing a tunnel but no light, and even cracking, “Am I going to the wrong place? Because I thought I saw the Devil—or Puffy.”
The road to recovery was grueling. Foxx recalled waking up weeks later in a Chicago rehabilitation center, disoriented and unable to comprehend the severity of his condition. With unflinching honesty, he spoke about the vulnerability of losing basic abilities, sharing how humor became his lifeline: “If I could stay funny, I could stay alive.” His impressions of celebrities like Denzel Washington and Mike Tyson had the audience laughing, a testament to his resilience.
Foxx’s youngest daughter, Anelise Bishop, played a pivotal role in his recovery. Sneaking into his hospital room with her guitar, she performed for him, miraculously stabilizing his vitals. The touching moment came full circle during the special when Anelise joined him on stage for a tearful father-daughter duet.
The special also addressed the bizarre internet conspiracy theories about Foxx’s health, which he dismissed with characteristic humor: “Y’all really thought I was a clone?” More importantly, he shared his deepened spirituality, crediting God with giving him a second chance and expressing gratitude to his family, the medical team, and the city of Atlanta.
Closing the night with a mix of music and laughter, Foxx offered a heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported him, punctuating the show with a soulful performance. What Had Happened Was stands as a powerful testament to Foxx’s strength, humor, and gratitude, marking not just a comeback but a celebration of life itself.
