The Evolution of Jamie Foxx

From In Living Color to the Oscars, here is how Jamie Foxx rose to stardom.

We’re all hoping for the best as actor, singer and comedian Jamie Foxx is suffering from a “medical complication” in an Atlanta hospital. Thankfully, he’s already on the road to recovery.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

As we let the accomplished entertainer get better, we look back at the incredible career that Foxx has had up to this point. Here is the evolution of Jamie Foxx.

Born in Texas

Photo: City of Terrell

Born Eric Marlon Bishop, Foxx was born in Terrell, Texas on Dec. 13, 1967. He was raised by his mom’s adoptive parents Estelle Marie and Mark Talley.

College

Photo: Alliant International University

Some may not know this but after graduation from Terrell High School (currently Alliant International University), Foxx attended United States International University where he studied at the performing arts school.

Early Career

Photo: Getty Images ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Conten

Growing up Foxx was always a talented entertainer and performer, so naturally, after he finished school, he decided that he wanted to pursue a comedy career. He explained on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that he chose the name Jamie Foxx because he found that female comedians were first called up to perform when he was doing stand-up in California.

In Living Color

Foxx’s big break was on the sketch comedy show In Loving Color. He joined the show in 1991 and stayed on it until its end in 1994.

The Jamie Foxx Show

Photo: Warner Bros. Studios

Due to his popularity and success on In Loving Color, Foxx booked other acting opportunities. He first earned a recurring role on the short-lived sitcom Roc during the show’s second and third seasons. Shortly after, Jamie Foxx starred in his sitcom called The Jamie Foxx Show from 1996 to 2001.

Film Debuts

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Although Foxx’s film debut was in the 1992 film Toys, the film that first gained the comedian national popularity was the 1999 movie Any Given Sunday, where he starred alongside Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz and Dennis Quaid.

Collateral

Photo: Dreamworks Pictures

One of Foxx’s best film roles came in 2004 when he starred opposite Tom Cruise in the movie thriller Collateral. His performance was critically-acclaimed which resulted in the young actor being nominated for an Academy Award.

Ray

Photo: Getty Images SGranitz/WireImage

His most celebrated movie role came in 2004, where he played the role of Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic Ray. At the 76th Academy Awards, Fox received an Oscar for Best Actor for his incredible acting in the film.

Collaborations with Kanye West

Foxx also enjoyed success as a singer. He was featured on two of Kanye West’s earlier hits, including “Slow Jamz” in 2003 and “Gold Digger” in 2005.

Music Career

Photo: Getty Images Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archive

Foxx dropped his debut album, Peep This, in 1994 while still a regular on the sketch comedy show In Living Color.

Unpredictable

The accomplished comedian didn’t drop his sophomore album, Unpredictable until 2005. Unlike his debut album, his sophomore album was well-received by fans and critics alike. It featured multiple hit singles including, “Extravaganza,” “Unpredictable,” and “DJ Play a Love Song.”

Intuition

There was a short wait between Foxx’s second and third albums. Intuition was released in 2008 and featured many popular artists of the time including Fabolous, Ne-Yp, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and T.I. The project featured hit singles, “Just Like Me,” and “Blame It.”

Django: Unchained

Photo: Columbia Pictures

While Foxx appeared in dozens of movies in his career, another one of his critically-acclaimed performances came in 2012 in the movie Django: Unchained directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Family

Photo: Getty Images Gregg DeGuire

Jamie Foxx has two daughters. His oldest, Corinne Foxx, who was born in 1994, and his youngest, Annalise Bishop, was born in 2009.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Best Black Super Bowl Halftime Performances of the Modern Era, Ranked

The Best Black Super Bowl Halftime Performances of the Modern Era, Ranked

Prince, Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar set the bar very high for Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl 58 halftime show. Let’s take a look at who did it the best! …
Say It Loud: The Ultimate Black History Month 2026 Playlist

Say It Loud: The Ultimate Black History Month 2026 Playlist

This February, we’re listening to these soul, R&B and hip-hop hits by some of our favorite Black artists …
Rapper Lil Jon Speaks Out After Missing Son Is Found Dead

Rapper Lil Jon Speaks Out After Missing Son Is Found Dead

Lil Jon is facing an unfathomable loss in his family and now he’s sharing his devastation with his fans …
You'll Never Guess What J. Cole's Net Worth Really Is?

You’ll Never Guess What J. Cole’s Net Worth Really Is?

After J. Cole dropped what’s expected to be his last studio album, we’re looking at the insane net worth he’s gained over the years …
A$AP Rocky's Interaction With Kids in a Harlem Classroom Might Just Surprise You

A$AP Rocky’s Interaction With Kids in a Harlem Classroom Might Just Surprise You

Rapper A$AP Rocky is flexing his rap skills and just how good he is with kids in a new, viral video. And it’s way too heartwarming! …
Viral Video Shows Brazen Chicago Daylight Shooting That Killed Woman as Baby Rode in Back Seat

Viral Video Shows Brazen Chicago Daylight Shooting That Killed Woman as Baby Rode in Back Seat

Steps away from Chicago’s St. Sabina Church, a brazen shooting caught on camera killed one woman and wounded another as a baby sat in the backseat …
GloRilla's Sister Blasts Her for Not Giving Back to Family, But the Internet Says Not So Fast!

GloRilla’s Sister Blasts Her for Not Giving Back to Family, But the Internet Says Not So Fast!

Rapper GloRilla’s family business is being put out on front street thanks to her sister. But folks online aren’t taking it the way she probably thought! …
Which Stars Could Join Bad Bunny at the 2026 Super Bowl LX? We Have An Idea

Which Stars Could Join Bad Bunny at the 2026 Super Bowl LX? We Have An Idea

Bad Bunny is gearing up to take the stage at the 2026 Super Bowl! And we have a good idea of who might join him …
Black Super Bowl Firsts You Never Knew About

Black Super Bowl Firsts You Never Knew About

Check out some of the Black NFL players and staff who made history at the Super Bowl championship game! …
British Airways Flight Turns Into Full-On Sunday Service Mid-Air

British Airways Flight Turns Into Full-On Sunday Service Mid-Air

Passengers on a flight from London to Jamaica took to the aisles to sing and pray, but not everyone was feeling it …
Trump Just Took His Most Viciously Racist Shot at the Obamas to Date

Trump Just Took His Most Viciously Racist Shot at the Obamas to Date

Trump’s latest attacks against Barack and Michelle Obama during Black History Month have the internet in a frenzy …
Professor: Why Black People Should Skip The Super Bowl  This Year

Professor: Why Black People Should Skip The Super Bowl This Year

On the NFL’s biggest stage, Black labor is everywhere and Black leadership is nowhere …
Christopher 'Kid 'n Play' Reid Shares Shocking Health News

Christopher ‘Kid ‘n Play’ Reid Shares Shocking Health News

Kid from the popular 90s rap dup Kid’n Play is opening up about a shocking health experience and urging fans to take action for their own lives! …
You <i>Have</i> to Read Whoopi Goldberg's Hilarious Life Update

You Have to Read Whoopi Goldberg’s Hilarious Life Update

Whoopi Goldberg is once again going viral for her comments about love and relationships and it’s clear to see why! …
The Historical Reasons Black Folks Are Rooting for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show

The Historical Reasons Black Folks Are Rooting for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

Wondering why Black folks are excited for Bad Bunny’s halftime show? Well, you may be shocked to find out the historic connection between Black Americans and Puerto Ricans …
The Mystery of a Philly Woman Found Frozen to Death Under a Bridge After Being Kicked Out of Nightclub

The Mystery of a Philly Woman Found Frozen to Death Under a Bridge After Being Kicked Out of Nightclub

A Philadelphia family is demanding answers after a woman was found frozen to death under a highway bridge after she was kicked out of a nightclub …
A Bullet Destroyed a Black Iowa Teen's Jaw, Here's How AI Made It Right

A Bullet Destroyed a Black Iowa Teen’s Jaw, Here’s How AI Made It Right

After undergoing multiple surgeries to replace a jaw that was shattered in a tragic shooting, Mya Buie is getting a well-deserved second chance …
Sparkle Denies ‘Grooming’ Allegations Following R. Kelly Victim's Explosive CBS Mornings Interview

Sparkle Denies ‘Grooming’ Allegations Following R. Kelly Victim’s Explosive CBS Mornings Interview

After Reshona Landfair’s viral CBS Mornings appearance, her aunt Sparkle is denying claims that she enabled R. Kelly’s abuse, calling the allegations of grooming an “absolute lie.” …
Grand Jury Calls Close Friend of D4vd to the Witness Stand in Tragic Celeste Rivas Investigation

Grand Jury Calls Close Friend of D4vd to the Witness Stand in Tragic Celeste Rivas Investigation

Reports that a grand jury could indict D4vd in connection to the death of Celeste Rivas are coming to light …
Internet Responds to Joe Budden Calling Out Rappers for Being Too Quiet About ICE Raids

Internet Responds to Joe Budden Calling Out Rappers for Being Too Quiet About ICE Raids

Joe Budden has had it with the hip-hop community and its alleged lack of concern for all the ICE raids and chaos. And he’s got something to say about it! …