We remember the last time we saw Foxx on screen, as we offer the requisite thoughts and prayers for his full and complete recovery.
Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx has been hospitalized for almost two weeks, with a “medical condition” that arose while he was completing filming of a new movie.
His daughter, Corinne, quickly released a statement on behalf of the family, which added “Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery.”
Since then, details have been eerily vague to nonexistent, especially given Foxx’s level of fame and the media’s hunger for the next “get.”
During the first few hours and even days, I thought nothing more than that it was taking one of the tabloids outlets a minute to get the scoop, which they’d undoubtedly publicize if they had it — whether they family wanted them to or not.
But today, over a week later, my worry for Foxx has intensified. Yes, I’m still praying, but I’m trying hard to make sure my prayers don’t morph into the type of “thoughts and prayers during this difficult time” that are usually reserved for families who are mourning loved ones who have died, or at least are in very, very dire straits.
Is it too early to begin mourning Jamie Foxx?
Days after Foxx’s hospitalization, friend and fellow comedian Martin Lawrence said that Foxx is, “one of the best that we got in Hollywood, not only one of the best entertainers, but a good person. I hear he’s doing better… My prayers go out to him every night and just wishing the best for him.”
We’re all trying to stay positive for the man that’s made us laugh for decades, but Lawrence’s comments, if you look just beneath the surface, sound dire.
“He’s OK, thank God,” a source told PEOPLE. “He’s still in the hospital and doctors are running tests but he’s awake and alert. They’re keeping him under observation.”
That sounds a little better, but still sounds…dire. And who’s the unnamed “source?” Either someone who’s violating HIPAA, or a family member speaking out of turn?
I first came to know Foxx, along with most of the world, as one of the few stars of Fox’s “In Living Color” who wasn’t named Wayans. Even today, when I think of Foxx, I often think of Wanda. At one point, according to Lawrence, there was talk of doing a theatrical film featuring Wanda and Lawrence’s Sheneneh.
As I prayed for Foxx earlier today, I tried to remember the last time I saw him on screen. I believe it was in the highly underrated 2014 theatrical remake of “Annie,” produced by Jay-Z with the pre-Oscar-slap-that-made-a-fool-out-of-himself Will Smith and his pre-Red-Table-Talk-sleeping-with-her-son’s-friend wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
The film was originally optioned for the Smiths’ daughter Willow, but she opted out in favor of whipping her hair back and forth on music stages. In the updated “Annie,” Foxx played William Stacks, the “Daddy Warbucks” character against Cameron Diaz’ Miss Hannigan and a joy-inducing performance by Quvenzhané Wallis in the title role.
If you’ve not seen that “Annie” update, it’s not a bad way to remember Foxx’s comedic side. His dramatic skills will be forever remembered via several film roles, not the least of which is his Oscar-winning portrayal of the legendary Ray Charles in 2004’s “Ray.”
Looking back at this column, I’m not crazy about its tone. It almost sounds like I’m eulogizing Foxx prematurely. I need to snap out of this, and get back to the requisite “thoughts and prayers” for Foxx’s family, and for his speedy, complete recovery.
Let’s watch “Annie,” and as we’re thinking of and praying for Foxx, let’s recall the legendary words of his co-star in that film:
The sun will come out tomorrow.
Read freelance writer MPC’s 2014 review of “Annie”, first published by the Sac Cultural Hub.
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