Jamie Foxx made a tearful return to the spotlight at the 2025 BET Awards, revealing for the first time how close he came to dying after a massive stroke two years ago.
Accepting the Ultimate Icon Award in Los Angeles on June 9, the 57-year-old actor broke down as he recalled seeing the “In Memoriam” segment during the ceremony. Foxx admitted he was shaken, knowing he could have been one of the faces honored.
He told the crowd he still does not understand why he survived, but said he now sees life as a second chance he refuses to waste. Foxx said he wants to give more love and never take anything for granted again.
Daughter steps in during terrifying ICU moment
While thanking his family, Foxx gave a powerful tribute to his daughters, especially 16-year-old Anelise. He shared that during his worst moments in the hospital, doctors feared they were losing him. His vital signs were crashing, and the medical staff prepared for the worst.
Unbeknownst to the nurses, Anelise had overheard the conversation. She quietly snuck into his hospital room, brought her guitar, and began to play beside him.
Foxx said the nurses rushed in after his vitals suddenly spiked. They asked what medication was administered, but Anelise simply said, “I got him.” That moment, according to Foxx, marked the turning point in his recovery.
He also thanked his older daughter, Corinne, for her strength and presence during the ordeal. Foxx said she had always let others take the spotlight, but during his health crisis, she stepped up and took control when it mattered most.
Foxx’s health scare kept under wraps for months
Until now, few details had been made public about the severity of Foxx’s medical crisis. The incident happened in 2023, but family members stayed silent about his condition while he remained in intensive care.
Rumors swirled online about his health, with many speculating the worst. Foxx chose not to address it at the time, but his public appearance this June cleared up months of speculation.
Fans and fellow celebrities responded with overwhelming support after the emotional speech. On social media, many praised Foxx for his bravery and his daughters for stepping into heroic roles.
Foxx’s speech made clear that his brush with death had changed him deeply. He said he still does not understand why he survived, but he believes it was for a reason far bigger than himself.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.