Jamie Foxx On His Health Struggles: 'Wouldn’t Wish What I Went Through On My Worst Enemy'

Popular American actor, comedian and singer Eric Marlon Bishop aka Jamie Foxx recently made a surprise appearance at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino, and AAPI Achievements event on Monday night. This event reportedly marked his first public outing since facing a medical complication in April that led to hospitalisation. Foxx, who was not previously announced for an honour, was presented with the Vanguard Award for his role in the legal thriller drama, The Burial. Unassisted, he took the stage and shared his trademark wit and humour, discussing the health challenges he encountered this year.

Speaking to the audience at the Fairmont Plaza Hotel in Century City, Foxx humorously addressed rumours about being cloned and expressed gratitude for being there, writes The Hollywood Reporter. He reflected on the difficulty of his health journey, mentioning, “It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now. 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. It was hot in that tunnel too, I don’t know where I was going. ‘Shit, am I going to the right place?’”

Watch a glimpse of the award show here:

A post shared by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx)

Foxx then emphasised his newfound appreciation for life and his career, urging others not to give up on their art. He shared, “I have a new respect for life, I have a new respect for my art. I watched so many movies and listened to so many songs trying to have the time go by. Don’t give up on your art, man, don’t give up on your art. When you realise that it could be over like that… I got to tell you don’t give up on your art and don’t let them take the art from you either.”

In April, Foxx’s daughter Corinne initially shared the news of his hospitalisation while filming Netflix’s Back in Action in Atlanta. In August, Foxx shared on Instagram that he was finally recovering. He addressed his fans saying, “Thank you a billion to everybody…been a long road but all the prayers, great people and God got me through..”

A post shared by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx)

The specific details of Foxx’s medical issue have not been publicly disclosed.

Apart from Foxx, the Critics Choice Association’s celebration also acknowledged other honorees including Charles Melton, Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Greta Lee, Colman Domingo, Damson Idris, Jeffrey Wright, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

The emotional evening featured 23 awards, with several recipients becoming teary-eyed as they spoke about their journeys. Edward James Olmos, Ken Jeong, Charles D. King, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kemp Powers, Makoto Shinkai, Allen Hughes, Jessica Williams, Oscar Montoya, Lee Sung Jin, Teyana Taylor, Camila Morrone, and Keivonn Woodard were also honoured at the event.