Jamie Foxx has spoken to fans for the first time about going “to hell and back” during his hospital treatment for an unspecified health issue.
The Oscar-winning actor was admitted to an Atlanta hospital in April after experiencing a “medical complication”.
On Saturday, Foxx discussed in an Instagram video how he was feeling, saying he had gone to “hell and back”, but did not address the reason for his hospital admission.
The 55-year-old said: “First of all, I want to say thank you to everybody that’s prayed, man, and sent me messages.
“I cannot even begin to tell you how far it took me and how it brought me back. I went through something that I thought I would never, ever go through. I know a lot of people were waiting and wanting to hear updates but, to be honest with you, I just didn’t want you to see me like that, man.”
“I didn’t want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was going to make it through.”
The actor also said: “I cannot tell you how great it feels to have your family kick in in such a way, and y’all know they kept it airtight, they didn’t let nothing out.
“They protected me, and that’s what I hope that everyone could have in moments like these.”
He added: “I went to hell and back, and my road to recovery had some potholes as well, but I’m coming back and I’m able to work, so I want to thank people who let me work and I just want to say that I love everybody and I love all the love that I got.”
Will Smith, Cameron Diaz, and Reese Witherspoon are among the stars who have praised Foxx after he spoke for the first time.
Smith, who starred alongside Foxx in the 2001 film Ali, wrote: “Awww Man!! Who’s cuttin’ onions?? Love U Foxx!! Your Light Is Needed ‘n Appreciated Right Now!”
Diaz, who is co-starring with Foxx in upcoming feature film Back In Action, commented: “The world needs your power. . your light .. your strength… So happy to see you’re back my friend.”
Witherspoon was also one of the myriad celebrities who showed her support, commenting: “Oh Jamie ! So happy to see your light shining so BRIGHT!! You are SO loved and appreciated!”
What happened leading up to Jamie Foxx’s hospitalisation?
The Hollywood star was taken to hospital following a medical complication while working on his upcoming Netflix feature film with Cameron Diaz and Glenn Close, Back In Action.
Foxx had convinced Diaz to come out of retirement for the project after she had paused her acting career in 2014. His medical issue arose two weeks before the project ended. As such, the production team had to use body doubles to complete the remaining scenes.
What has Jamie Foxx’s family said about him being in hospital?
Corinne addressed the issue in April, saying on Instagram: “We wanted to share that my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday.
“Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time.”
Since his hospital stay, Foxx’s condition has reportedly improved. A source told People in early May that he had been advised to “keep his stress level down” while further tests were undertaken.
They said: “Jamie is stable and not in a life-threatening situation now. [Doctors] are doing more tests and want to be completely sure that he will be okay before allowing him to leave the hospital.”
Following speculation online, Corinne, 29, an actress, model, and activist, gave a further update in May that her father had been out of hospital for weeks and was recuperating at home.
She added, “In fact, he was playing pickleball yesterday! Thanks for everyone’s prayers and support!”
The Evening Standard has contacted Foxx’s representatives for comment about his medical condition.
