Jamie Foxx says 'I can stay funny if I can stay alive' as he announces release date of his comedy special

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jamie Foxx returned to the comedy stage after nearly two decades of staying away from stand-up comedy and a year after his health scare.

On November 1, Netflix announced the premiere of Foxx's new special, titled 'Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was', marking a major return for the multi-talented entertainer.

When is Jamie Foxx's comedy special releasing on Netflix?

Directed by Hamish Hamilton, Jamie Foxx's comedy special set to release on December 10, 2024, promises a mix of humor, resilience, and the actor’s unique storytelling.

In a teaser for the show, the 56-year-old actor, shared a powerful line that captures his spirit, saying, “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive.”

“I’m back,” he ended the clip, hinting at his journey back to the stage after facing health challenges.

A logline released by Netflix described the special as “the story we’ve been waiting for.” 

Jamie Foxx overcomes health crisis

Jamie Foxx’s return to the spotlight comes after a life-altering health scare in April 2023.

While filming the Netflix movie 'Back in Action' in Atlanta, the actor suffered a medical emergency that required extensive treatment and recovery, according to People.

Reflecting on the experience, Foxx expressed gratitude in an Instagram post in October, writing, “My heart and my soul is filled with nothing but pure joy” after finally getting to share his story on stage in Atlanta.

Jamie Foxx's return to the stage in Atlanta

In October, Jamie Foxx took to social media to share his emotions about his return to the stage in Atlanta for his highly anticipated one-man show ''One More Chance: An Evening with Jamie Foxx'.

“I have to thank you Atlanta—you showed up and you showed out,” he wrote, acknowledging the audience’s overwhelming support.

“I haven’t been on stage in 18 years, but I needed the stage and I needed an audience that was made up of nothing but pure love," he said.

He also gave special thanks to the staff at Piedmont Hospital, who supported him through his recovery.

Jamie Foxx calls his comedy special an 'artistic explanation'

Jamie Foxx described 'What Had Happened Was'… as more than a typical comedy special.

"When people ask me if this is a stand-up comedy show, I say no, it’s an artistic explanation," he explained.

The special, he said, is his way of unpacking the “something that went terribly wrong” while showing gratitude for the people who enabled his recovery.