Jamie Foxx is back and genuinely better than ever…

In April 2023, Jamie Foxx experienced a medical emergency while filming in Atlanta. Neither he nor his family spoke to the media (traditional or social) about what happened or commented on his recovery until December 10, 2024, when Netflix released What Had Happened Was…, a one-hour special in which Foxx tells the story and reclaims the stage as the performer he is. Foxx began his long Oscar-winning career as a stand-up comedian, so the show was his perfect storytelling vehicle.

There is a lot to love about the special. First, he discusses that he was experiencing a headache and then blacking out. He woke up in the hospital several weeks later, not knowing what happened to him. The first thing I loved about this special is that he went right into what the medical emergency was. Next, I loved how Foxx is not only telling the story but also bringing the viewer along on his recovery journey in his own way. It’s hard to call this a ‘comedy special’ when he uses a joke as a lead-in to discuss a more serious topic. For example, Foxx discusses how he dismissed the assistance of the first physical therapist sent to work with him. He was being stubborn. The hospital then assigns another physical therapist, Holly, who would not let Foxx intimidate her into not helping him. Foxx tells a joke and then recounts how he grew to respect her, while also using the joke to pull himself out of an emotionally challenging part of the story.

Foxx touches on how he grew to accept the help of the medical staff, how he spoke to God about ‘why this happened to him,” and how his family brought him through. His mantra throughout his journey was that if he could be funny, he could heal. Foxx also touches on how he leaned on mental health professionals. Finally, he joked about how social media speculated on everything from his death to being cloned.

The special is touching and funny and helps one appreciate Jamie’s long career and many talents. Those closest to him kept his condition out of the news and allowed him to tell the story when he was ready. Foxx discusses how he had to break through all the stereotypes of black men’s physical and mental health and work through healing. Whether you love or hate him, What Had Happened Was… is a beautifully crafted special and so necessary. It’s the perfect length, full of laughs, heart, and tears.

5 high notes out of 5