Cameron Diaz feels “so proud” of Jamie Foxx. The actress’s heartfelt comments come as Foxx continues to make a remarkable recovery following his health scare last year.
The 57-year-old actor suffered a stroke while working on their new movie, Back in Action, in April 2023, and Cameron feels proud of how her co-star has dealt with his health scare. Foxx’s medical emergency caused widespread concern throughout Hollywood and led to a temporary pause in production.
“For every person who knows Jamie, like, it was terrifying,” speaking to “Extra,” the actress explained. “For everybody who loves Jamie, the world, like, everybody was concerned … I can’t even imagine how he feels. I’m so proud of him, how brave he was to do his [stand-up special], to let us all know. But you know, it’s hard. You walk up to him and he’s like, ‘Everybody cries’!” The stand-up special she referenced garnered more than 2 million views in its first week of release.
Diaz ended her self-imposed acting hiatus to star in the new action-comedy film, and Jamie has now revealed how he convinced his showbiz pal to board the project. Their collaboration marks their third film together, following successful partnerships in Any Given Sunday (1999) and Annie (2014).
“Listen, we were very humble in our ask. We were very respectful in our ask,” he shared. “There was a couple of promises. I was like, ‘I don’t want your feet to touch the ground. I want this to be fun thing for for you to do.'” The pair’s chemistry on screen has been praised by early test audiences.
Diaz, 52, praised her co-star for upholding his end of their agreement. Their friendship spans over two decades in the entertainment industry, making their on-screen reunion particularly meaningful for fans.
The actress also hailed Foxx as the “most talented man in showbiz.” The Oscar-winning actor has demonstrated his versatility across multiple entertainment platforms, from music to comedy to drama.
“Even with that promise, which he upheld, he did take such good care of me,” she said. “It was really about the fact that I knew that if I was going to leave 10 hours a day, leave my family, that I was gonna get to do the work with the most talented man in showbiz. Professional, a fantastic partner. I knew that it was gonna be worth my while to go no matter what and that we’re going to have fun.” The film represents Diaz’s first major role since her return to acting.
The production of Back in Action faced several challenges during filming, including Foxx’s health emergency, which led to a six-week production delay. Despite these setbacks, the film maintained its scheduled completion date thanks to creative scheduling and the dedication of the cast and crew.
Industry insiders have noted that the film represents a significant moment in both actors’ careers — marking Diaz’s return to the big screen and Foxx‘s triumph over health challenges. The movie’s action-comedy genre allows both stars to showcase their versatility and comedic timing.
The duo’s previous collaborations have collectively grossed more than $300 million worldwide, setting high expectations for their latest project. Early industry screenings have generated positive buzz, particularly regarding the chemistry between the two leads.
Back in Action also represents a milestone in modern filmmaking, as it was one of the first major productions to implement new health and safety protocols following recent industry changes. These measures became even more crucial following Foxx’s health incident.
The film’s promotional campaign has highlighted the genuine friendship between Diaz and Foxx, with both actors sharing behind-the-scenes moments on social media. Their natural rapport has become a central feature of the marketing strategy, resonating strongly with audiences anticipating their on-screen reunion.
