The actor, the musician, the author, the maverick.

From comedy clubs to the bright lights of Hollywood, Jamie Foxx has been dazzling audiences with his unique blend of humour, charisma and talent for over three decades.  

The award-winning entertainer consistently pushes the boundaries of his craft with a career spanning film, TV, music and even good reads. He is a true jack-of-all-trades and a master of his craft. From films like Ray and Django Unchained to playing Electro in two Spider-Man films, he’s proven himself to be one of the most versatile and multi-talented actors of our time, becoming one of the most respected and beloved figures in the entertainment industry.  

Journey to stardom  

Born Eric Marlon Bishop in Terrell, Texas, Jamie started out as a stand-up comedian in his early 20s. This is where he honed his comedic skills and started gaining notoriety among his peers, dominating local open-mic nights during the late 1980s.  

His big break came in 1991 when he landed a role on the popular sketch-comedy TV show, In Living Color. His memorable appearances caught the attention of the industry and in 1992 he acted in the sitcom Roc and appeared in the film Toys. 

“I got a chance to be like a high-end extra. I didn’t really have words. I had no lines, but I got a chance to watch [Toys star] Robin Williams cook. The way he curated the set — it was loose, and he would do 12 different takes, all amazing,” he told ABC News. 

“So, I said to myself, if I ever get my shot, this is how I want my set to run… When I did get those opportunities, it was great because now you get a chance to put your handprint or fingerprint on what’s going on.”  

Jamie’s big break came in 1999 when he starred in the film Any Given Sunday, directed by Oliver Stone — a performance that earned Jamie critical acclaim and recognition. After that, he gained momentum with supporting roles in Ali (2001) opposite Will Smith and Collateral (2004) opposite Tom Cruise. 

My grandmother said that I would be able to go all over the world with my music… music is a universal language

Then came his star turn as soul musician Ray Charles in Ray (2005), cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood and marking a turning point in his career.  

In the years that followed, Jamie diversified his entertainment portfolio — he had been classically trained as a pianist and singer, and he released music with artists like T-Pain, Neyo and Kanye West, and quickly became an R&B icon with his soulful delivery and silky, smooth voice. 

“I started playing piano [from the age of five] because my grandmother said that I would be able to go all over the world with my music… Music is a universal language,” Jamie said on his YouTube channel.  

Jamie also dabbled in film producing, with projects like Dreamgirls (2006) and The Soloist (2009), which were made by his own production company, Aerosol Films. He even penned a heartfelt yet hilarious memoir, Act Like You Got Some Sense: And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me (2021). “Dad Rule No.1,” he wrote, “You gotta show up!”  

I have a new respect for life; I have a new respect for my art

Surviving the storm  

In April 2023, the star faced a health issue that raised alarms globally. With many rumours, allegations and reports circulating, it was his older daughter Corinne Foxx who shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram about her father’s health struggles, stating that he was “already on his way to recovery” with prompt medical attention.  

Although the exact nature of what had happened wasn’t disclosed at the time, Jamie later revealed that he had suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke after experiencing headaches. He underwent surgery and after he regained consciousness, “I couldn’t walk… I was in the hospital for 20 days and I didn’t remember anything,” he said.  

With support from family and friends, and access to the best medical team, Jamie made a full recovery in record time. “I have a new respect for life, I have a new respect for my art,” he said in December that year at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television.  

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‘What had happened was’  

Jamie’s 2024 Netfiix comedy special, What Had Happened Was, is a raw, candid yet characteristically humorous take on his health scare. It also marked his return to stand-up comedy.  

“Everybody wants to know what happened, and I’m going to tell you what happened. But I’ve got to do it my way,” he announced on social media before the premiere in December last year.  

Jamie opened up about his illness and shared his rehabilitation process, including having to re-learn basic motor skills, and how his daughter Corrine played guitar for him every day — which he said had an important role in his recovery. The special also included a heartfelt duet with his youngest daughter, Anelise.  

He highlighted the role of faith in his recovery and expressed deep gratitude to his medical team, family and fans, using his platform to celebrate resilience and the healing power of laughter. Jamie told NBC News, “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive.”  

Giving back to the community  

Jamie is a strong advocate for giving back and supporting local initiatives, especially on his home turf of Texas. He supports charities like Stand Up to Cancer, The Cancer Research Institute, City of Hope, Make Poverty History, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. 

In addition, the Jamie Foxx Foundation works to improve the health, education and welfare of children around the world, and addresses housing and HIV/Aids concerns in Africa and Haiti. In 2020, the DeOndra Dixon Fund was established in memory of his late sister, in collaboration with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. 

“Anyone who knew my sis knew that she was a bright light. I can’t tell you how many times we have had parties at the house where she has got on the dance floor and stolen the show,” he said on Instagram.  

So, what’s next?  

He’s Back In Action! Yep, that’s the title of his latest movie, co-starring Cameron Diaz (who is also making a return to the big screen after a decade), in which they play former CIA spies who return to action. The two have been friends for decades — they first worked together on the film Any Given Sunday, and later in Annie — so their pairing for this movie represents a joyous reunion for fans. He’ll also be in the upcoming action film Tin Soldier, with Robert De Niro.  

Since his recovery, Jamie has played God in the satirical Not Another Church Movie and appeared in the Luther Vandross documentary, Luther: Never Too Much.  

But wait, there’s more! Jamie is currently working on his sixth album (produced by songwriter Breyon Prescott, the musical whizz behind many of Angie Stone’s greatest hits). The album is inspired by the late, great Luther Vandross, and also marks Jamie’s musical comeback after 10 years.  

Taking to social media, Breyon said the new project will feature “songs with meaning and feeling, like Luther,” paying homage to the depth and nostalgia associated with the R&B and soul legend. 

Collecting awards  

Academy Award 

• Winner of Best Actor in a Leading Role for Ray (2005). 

Golden Globe Award  

• Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) for Ray. 

+ He won 17 other awards for Ray.  

NAACP Image Award  

• Won Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for The Jamie Foxx Show in 1998. 

BET Award  

• Best Collaboration (‘Blame It’ ft T-Pain) in 2006. 

MTV Award  

• In 2013, won ‘Best Jaw Dropping Moment’ (with Samuel L. Jackson) for Django Unchained. 

Grammy Awards  

• Won Best R&B Performance by a Duo/Group with Vocals in 2007 for ‘Blame It’ with T-Pain. 
• Also nominated in the same year in the same category for ‘Love Changes’ with Mary J. Blige and `Georgia’ with Ludacris. 
• Nominated for Best Male R&B Album for Unpredictable (2007).
• Nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for the 2005 song ‘Slow Jamz’ with Kanye West. 
• Nominated for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for in 2023. 

Fun facts  

– In Grade 2, his teacher would ask Jamie to tell the class jokes as a reward, if they behaved well.  

– As a teenager, he was a part-time pianist and choir leader in his hometown’s New Hope Baptist Church.  

– He was a football quarterback in high school – skills that came in handy for his first big film, Any Given Sunday.  

– He first performed stand-up at the age of 22 as a dare by a girlfriend.  

– For his professional name, he chose ‘Jamie’ because women were often called first to the stage on the stand-up circuit, and `Foxx’ as a homage to the 1970s actor and comedian Redd Foxx.  

– He is a master poker player.  

– He is the first African American to be nominated for two Oscars in the same year (for Ray and Collateral in 2005).  

– Jamie got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.  

– He’s a real-life superhero. He rescued a man from a burning car that had crashed outside his home in January 2016. 

By: Emma Mbuthuma
Photography by: Gallo/Getty Images

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