Co-star says Jamie Foxx ‘seemed fine’ on set before 2023 brain bleed that halted production
Luyanda Unati Lewis‑Nyawo recalled interacting with Foxx on the Netflix set of Back in Action days before the actor was hospitalized with a brain bleed that led to a stroke
Jamie Foxx appeared to be well during a one‑day shoot on the Netflix production Back in Action in April 2023, a co‑star recalled, before the actor suffered a medical emergency that paused filming.
Luyanda Unati Lewis‑Nyawo, who described themself as a day player on the film, told The Post in an exclusive interview that Foxx, 57, “seemed totally fine” during the time they spent on set. Lewis‑Nyawo said they later learned that Foxx had become ill and required hospitalization.
Production on Back in Action was paused on April 11, 2023, after Foxx suffered what he later described as a “brain bleed that led to a stroke.” Foxx, who underwent immediate surgery, said in his 2024 Netflix special What Had Happened Was… that he does not remember about 20 days around the episode and that he woke up on May 4, 2023 having lost the ability to walk without assistance. He later made a full recovery and returned to complete the film, which co‑stars Cameron Diaz.
Lewis‑Nyawo said the response from the production was “a testament to the production and to how it was handled” and expressed relief that Foxx recovered and was able to finish the project. “It would have been such a shame if people didn’t see that, because he’s such an incredible guy,” Lewis‑Nyawo told The Post.
Lewis‑Nyawo described Foxx as charismatic and upbeat on set, saying he kept company around him and lifted the mood by playing music and encouraging cast members to sing. The co‑star also praised Diaz, calling her “the sweetest human being” and noting her warmth and intelligence.
Foxx has spoken publicly about the severity of the 2023 event, describing in his special that he had “seen the tunnel” and undergone significant rehabilitation after surgery. Medical statements released at the time characterized the incident as a serious neurologic emergency that required immediate medical intervention and an extended recovery period.
Back in Action drew attention both for Diaz’s return to feature films and for Foxx’s high‑profile health scare. Production delays prompted by the actor’s hospitalization were followed by his recovery and eventual completion of the film. Cast members and crew publicly acknowledged the support provided during the pause in shooting and the efforts to accommodate Foxx’s medical needs.
Lewis‑Nyawo said they were “so glad” Foxx recovered and that the episode was a reminder that unexpected medical events can occur even when someone appears well. Their account underscores how quickly a serious health crisis can follow a seemingly normal day of work and highlights the role of on‑set support when emergencies arise.