Jamie Foxx Teases Major Career Pivot After Near-Death Experience
Jamie Foxx recently hinted at a major career pivot in the wake of his terrifying health crisis last year. The Strays star announced in an Instagram post on Wednesday that he’s planning to make a return to stand-up comedy, in part to share the story of his harrowing medical journey.
Along with the news, Foxx posted a video of himself from his 2002 HBO special I Might Need Security in which he does an impression of Prince crooning the theme of a popular family sitcom.
“Prince singing the Brady Bunch theme song was a moment,” Foxx recalled, before revealing, “I’m planning on bringing more moments…Going to get on somebody’s stage somewhere near you. I got some jokes, and a story to tell…. #backonmyfunnyshit.”
Foxx, a multi-hyphenate who has swung effortlessly between celebrated acting work and chart-topping musical success throughout his career, began his professional tenure as a stand-up comic. He performed his first live shows in 1989, and based on his talent was cast in his breakout, scene-stealing turn on In Living Color in 1994.
But he hasn’t performed stand-up for a live audience in nearly 20 years. Since receiving dual Oscar nominations in 2005 for Collateral and Ray, Foxx has mainly focused his attention on acting and music.
Foxx’s return to comedy will give the star ample opportunity to discuss his medical incident from last year, which he’s remained fairly quiet about. The star was hospitalized last April after suffering a “medical episode” on the Atlanta set of his upcoming comedy Back In Action. In August, he finally issued an update on his condition.
“You’re lookin at a man who is thankful…finally startin to feel like myself,” Foxx wrote.
In December, Foxx made a surprise appearance at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television, where he walked to the stage without any assistance and gave a speech alluding to his health concerns without diving in.
“It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now, it’s different,” Foxx told the crowd. “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…I have a new respect for life, I have a new respect for my art.”
