Jamie Foxx was emotional at the Latino & AAPI Achievements Awards on Monday night, Dec. 4, 2023. The 55-year-old actor broke down in tears as he accepted the Vanguard Award from his host and “The Burial” co-star Jurnee Smollett. It was the actor’s first public appearance since the mysterious “medical complication” he suffered last April.

After receiving a standing ovation from the audience, Jamie Foxx opened up about his health adventure. “You know, it’s crazy, I couldn’t do this six months ago – I couldn’t really walk“, he revealed in his 12-minute speech, before pausing due to his emotion. “I’m not a clone. I know a lot of people who said I’m a clone out there“, he said jokingly. “I want to thank everyone. I’ve been through some things.

Now I appreciate every minute – it’s different. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy, because it’s hard when it’s almost over … when you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel – I didn’t see the light.

I have a new respect for life. I have a new respect for my art. I watched so many movies and listened to so many songs, trying to pass the time“, he added.

The actor had opened up about his health problems last July, saying only that he had been “to hell and back”, while praising his sister, Deidra Dixon, and daughter, for saving his life.

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“I went through something I thought I would never, ever go through.” the actor said, informing his 16 million followers that he is not “blind or paralyzed.”

“I know a lot of people were waiting or wanting to hear an update, but to be honest with you, I didn’t want you to see me like this“, he admitted with tears in his eyes.

He added: “I want you to see me laughing, having fun, having fun, telling jokes, doing a movie or a TV show. I didn’t want you to see me with tubes and trying to figure out if I was going to make it».