Jamie Foxx reveals being drugged in college as a 'joke' caused him anxiety while filming 'The Soloist'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jamie Foxx joined forces with his longtime friend, Robert Downey Jr, to collaborate on the impactful drama film 'The Soloist.' Foxx immersed himself deeply in his character, delving into the depths of his emotions during the production that the movie evoked memories of a traumatic incident from his past.
'The Soloist' released in 2009, featured Foxx in the role of a homeless musician grappling with schizophrenia. Given the complex nature of his character, the actor undertook arduous physical and mental preparations to play the role realistically. However, due to the character's mental state, he couldn't help but be reminded of a dark period in his own life when he was unknowingly drugged. Foxx is currently in the process of recovering from what was reportedly a medical emergency.
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Jamie Foxx's haunting recollection
Foxx reportedly said, "Someone played a practical joke on me and slipped something to me, and I had a severe reaction. I ended up in the hospital during my college years," as per Collider. The drug responsible for this distressing experience was PCP, known for inducing terrifying hallucinations and paranoia. Reflecting on the impact of the incident, he said, "It makes you feel like your worst nightmares, like you're afraid of the dark, all the things you've seen on television." Years later, the memory of that incident influenced his performance in 'The Soloist.'
Foxx explained, "So basically, the movie paralleled what I went through 20 years ago. When I take on a role like that, I start to experience anxiety." His character was so intense that it was challenging for him to detach himself from it once filming concluded. Concerned friends and acquaintances, including his friend Chris Burren, expressed concern about the toll the role was taking on Foxx.
'I spent hours getting the nuances of the person'
Recalling a conversation with Steven Spielberg, Foxx said, "We ran into Steven Spielberg at that Easter thing last year, not this year, and he said, ‘How are you doing, are you okay?’ And I was like, ‘Why?’ And he said that character you are playing, you know, that can be a little touch and go." Despite these concerns, the actor reassured him that the effects were temporary. He said, "After I finally left the character behind, there were days and days where I realized I hadn't thought like Nate in a while. So after a couple of months, it was gone." It was reported that Foxx lost 20 pounds and took musical lessons to further embody the character.
The movie not only had a profound emotional impact on Foxx but also influenced his physical appearance for the role. Wanting to ensure authenticity, Foxx made alterations to his teeth, as he believed it would enhance his resemblance to the character. He said, "I spent hours getting the nuances of the person, making him real. I pushed things a bit... put a gap in my teeth. Some might think I messed up my smile for nothing, but I just wanted to come up with something to make the part unique. I had one chipped out with a chisel."
'Update from the family'
Speaking of his medical emergency, Foxx's daughter Corinne provided an update on his health in an Instagram post on April 12. She revealed that during the filming of the Netflix movie, 'Back in Action', in Atlanta, he encountered an undisclosed medical issue. Corinne expressed gratitude for the swift response and excellent medical attention her father received, noting that he was already recovering at the time of her statement.
"Update from the family: Sad to see how the media runs wild. My Dad has been out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating. In fact, he was playing pickleball yesterday! Thanks for everyone's prayers and support! We have an exciting work announcement coming next week too!" Corinne captioned the post.