Jamie Foxx is one of the entertainers who has earned top recognition across film, television, and music. This is not surprising as the multi-talented American wears many hats. He is an actor, singer, comedian, and producer. At the BET Awards 2025, Jamie Foxx took to the stage not just as a star but as a survivor with a story to tell the world.
As he received the Ultimate Icon Award, his eyes welled up with tears. The room was quiet, not because of the glamor attached to the moment but because every person there could feel the gravity behind his presence. Just over a year ago, Foxx’s future was uncertain, his life hanging by a thread due to a mysterious and serious health issue.
Jamie Foxx fought in private, but he survived
“I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not going to turn down.” – Jamie Foxx talking about his stroke at the #BETAwards
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 10, 2025
After months away from the spotlight due to his health issue, Jamie Foxx returned with gratitude. The experience had shaken him, but it also changed him. Standing on stage, he said that if it weren’t for God, he wouldn’t be standing here today. This wasn’t just about getting an award; it was about surviving. And he didn’t just thank his fans; he shared a truth—that life is fragile, healing takes time, and every day is a gift.
Jamie’s story began when he adopted the stage name “Jamie Foxx” early in his stand-up comedy career because he noticed that female comedians were often called up first at open mic nights. He chose “Jamie” (a gender-neutral name) and “Foxx” as a tribute to comedian Redd Foxx. For decades, he entertained his fans with comedy, hit songs by collaborating with big artists, and Oscar-worthy performances.
But behind his signature smile was a man who liked to keep things private. Jamie Foxx has never been one to show his pain publicly. When he vanished from the spotlight in April 2023 due to a sudden health scare, concern spread quickly. Family, fans, and friends feared the worst, as rumors of strokes, surgeries, and long-term damage filled social media, but Foxx kept quiet and chose to heal away from the noise instead of coming out publicly.
And when he finally returned, looking lean and carrying a stillness he never had before, it was clear he had not just recovered; he’d been changed. He later described his recovery as a spiritual journey. “I saw the other side,” he shared during his speech. “But God said, ‘Not yet.’” Foxx was no longer just an entertainer but a human being who had looked death in the eye and lived to tell the story. The BET Awards 2025 marked not just his return to the stage but to life itself.
Jamie Foxx’s daughter stood by him while he was receiving the award
Apart from his fans and colleagues, who are happy to see him back on stage, his family was the most excited and grateful. While he is known globally for his talent, Jamie Foxx’s most cherished role is that of a father. Jamie has two daughters — Corinne Foxx, a model and actress, and a younger daughter whose name is kept private. Standing beside him that night was his daughter, Corinne Foxx, who had been one of his fiercest protectors during his time away. Through his speech, he nodded toward her with emotion. “You held me up when I couldn’t stand. I’m proud of a lot of things, but being your dad is at the top,” he said.
His return wasn’t about the lights or red carpets; it was personal to him. Jamie Foxx came back not for the stage but for the people who matter most: his children, his family, and anyone out there fighting their own battles. His story isn’t just about reclaiming the spotlight; it’s also about rediscovering purpose and appreciating the gift of life.