Will Smith “can’t wait” to watch Jamie Foxx’s new stand-up special.
The 56-year-old actor has taken to social media to wish a happy “early birthday” to his showbiz pal, who turns 57 on Friday, Dec. 13, and has just released a new Netflix comedy special called ‘What Had Happened Was…’. The special marks Foxx’s first major comedy project since 2018.
“First Off: Happy Early Bday, Foxx! I feel blessed to take another adventure around the Sun [sun emoji] with you,” Will – who starred alongside Jamie in the 2001 biopic Ali – wrote on Instagram. Their collaboration in Ali earned both actors critical acclaim, with Foxx’s performance as Drew “Bundini” Brown receiving particular praise.
Will Smith’s good wishes
“Second: I’m glad to see you back doing what you LOVE. Welcome home. I can’t wait to check it out. Y’all go watch @iamjamiefoxx’s special on @netflix TODAY!!” Smith and Foxx’s friendship spans over two decades in Hollywood, including multiple collaborations and public appearances together.
In the Netflix special, Jamie reveals that he suffered a “brain bleed that led to a stroke” on the set of his upcoming movie, Back in Action, in 2023. The incident occurred during filming in Atlanta, where temperatures had reached record highs during the production schedule.
“Before I could get the aspirin [clicks his fingers], I went out. I don’t remember 20 days,” the comedian, who stars in the film alongside Cameron Diaz, explains. Medical experts note that quick response to stroke symptoms can significantly impact recovery outcomes.
Foxx, who disappeared from the spotlight for months following his health scare, admitted that he came perilously close to losing his life at one point in time. His absence from public view sparked widespread concern among fans and fellow celebrities, leading to an outpouring of support across social media platforms.
The actor also recalled waking up in a hospital and having to be told that he’d suffered a stroke. According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 Americans suffer strokes annually, making awareness and quick response crucial.
“They said at one point, the first 15 days, they thought they were going to lose me because my vitals were out of control,” he shares in the comedy special. “There was a 13- or 14-day period where they said, ‘We’ve gotta keep him calm and we’ve given him every medication’ that they could. It’s not working, we gotta keep him calm because his vitals are so high we’re going to lose him.”
Foxx’s return to comedy comes after a remarkable recovery period that has inspired many in the entertainment industry. The Oscar-winning actor’s ability to transform his challenging experience into comedy material showcases his resilience and artistic versatility.
The special, which combines stand-up comedy with personal storytelling, has already garnered positive reviews from critics and viewers alike. Industry analysts predict it could become one of Netflix’s most-watched comedy specials of the year.
Smith’s public support of Foxx’s comeback adds to the growing wave of celebrity endorsements for the special. Their enduring friendship, which began during the filming of Ali, has been marked by mutual support through various career milestones and personal challenges.
The timing of the special’s release, coinciding with Foxx’s birthday, adds an extra layer of significance to the project. It represents not just a return to form for the comedian but also a celebration of life following his near-fatal health crisis.
Medical professionals have praised Foxx’s openness about his stroke experience, noting that public figures sharing such stories can help raise awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of immediate medical attention.
