Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx brought levity during an emotional speech at his first public appearance since his sudden hospitalization earlier this year.
Foxx collapsed on set during filming for the upcoming film Back in Action and was rushed to the hospital for an unspecified medical emergency in April 2023.
He made his first surprise public appearance on Monday at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television event honoring Black, Latino, and AAPI achievements where he accepted the Vanguard award for his performance in the Amazon Prime TV show The Burial presented to him by his co-star, Jurnee Smollett.
“You know, it’s crazy, I couldn’t do that six months ago—I couldn’t actually walk,” he shared, getting visibly emotional in his acceptance speech.
He then humorously referred to various rumors of him being replaced by a lookalike while he had been largely absent from the public eye during his recovery period.
“I’m not a clone, I’m not a clone," he said, adding:
"I know a lot of people who was saying I was cloned out there.”
You can watch his speech here.
"It feels good to be here," he continued.
"I cherish every single minute now. It's different."
Foxx didn't disclose the details about his medical condition, which remains private, but he explained that he had gained a new perspective.
Said the Ray actor:
“I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy, because it’s tough when it's almost over."
"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."
He finished his speech with words of wisdom for fellow artists.
"Don’t give up on your art, man, don’t give up."
On April 12, 2023, his 25-year-old daughter Corinne revealed that her father was recovering after he had been hospitalized for an undisclosed medical condition.
The following month, amid conflicting reports on his health status and rumors that he was gravely ill, Corinne provided an update, saying Foxx had been "out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating."
Since then, Foxx has posted social media updates assuring fans he was on a path to recovery but refrained from making public appearances until now.
His upcoming American action comedy film Back in Action, directed by Seth Gordon, will drop sometime next year.
The Netflix film penned by Gordon and co-written with Brendan O'Brien, will also feature Cameron Diaz, Kyle Chandler, and Glenn Close.
