Cameron Diaz is opening up about the terrifying medical emergency her costar Jamie Foxx endured while filming their Netflix action-comedy "Back in Action." Speaking with Extra during the movie's Berlin premiere on Wednesday, Diaz, 52, described the emotional toll of Foxx's health crisis. "For every person who knows Jamie, it was terrifying," she shared. "For everybody who loves Jamie, the world, everybody was concerned. I can't even imagine how he feels."
Foxx, 57, suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke in April 2023 while working on "Back in Action," which also stars Glenn Close. He later detailed his experience in his Netflix comedy special, "What Had Happened Was...," which premiered last month.
Diaz expressed her admiration for Foxx's strength and resilience. "I'm so proud of how brave he was to do his show, to let us all know," she said. Despite the challenges, Foxx kept his signature humor intact, a trait Diaz highlighted. "But you know, it's hard. You walk up to him and he's like, 'Everybody cries!'"
Foxx himself spoke about his recovery and the support he received. "For a while, everybody was crying. Snoop [Dogg] was crying! I was like, 'Crips don't cry, brother — c'mon!'" he joked. He added that his current focus is on gratitude and celebrating life. "Now, it's the joyous time, and to be over here in Berlin, watching the movie play and seeing people enjoying it... that's what it's about."
The Academy Award winner revealed more about the surreal nature of his ordeal during an episode of "The Graham Norton Show," set to air in full on Friday, Jan. 17. Foxx said he initially thought he was "being pranked" when doctors told him he had lost 20 days of memory. "It felt beyond crazy," he admitted.
To cope, Foxx turned to humor. "I knew I had to get back, and realized the way to do it was by being funny," he explained. "I told so many jokes people thought I was mad, and then I would act as someone else — for three whole days, I was Denzel Washington."
In a more reflective moment, Foxx acknowledged how the experience deepened his appreciation for his loved ones. "I was very unwell, but now I am back feeling good," he said. "It makes you realize that you need people that care and love you around to get you through it."
"Back in Action" marks Foxx's triumphant return, showcasing his talent and determination to overcome adversity. The film, now streaming on Netflix, features his and Diaz's electric chemistry.