Cameron Diaz is making waves in the entertainment world with her much-anticipated return to the big screen in Netflix’s latest film, Back in Action. After a decade-long hiatus from acting, Diaz’s comeback is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to her enduring friendship with co-star Jamie Foxx, who faced a life-threatening health crisis during the film’s production.
In a candid interview with Extra on January 16, Diaz, now 52, shared the emotional toll that Foxx’s health scare had on the cast and crew. Foxx, who has been a close friend of Diaz for 25 years, suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke in April 2023. Diaz described the situation as "terrifying" for everyone who knows and loves Foxx, emphasizing the widespread concern for his well-being. "I can’t even imagine how he feels," she remarked, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.
The film, which centers around two former CIA spies whose identities are exposed, became a poignant backdrop for Foxx as he navigated his recovery. In discussing the film, Foxx revealed that watching the completed project brought back unsettling memories of his health crisis. "A couple little things that I eyed when the movie was on, I said, ‘Oh, that was, you know, it was around that day when things kind of got weird,’" he explained, highlighting the profound impact of his experience on his return to acting.
Foxx’s stroke resulted in significant memory loss, with the actor recalling nearly three weeks of his life as a blur. However, he described his return to the screen as a "cleansing" process, a way to express gratitude and share his journey with audiences. "It’s a way for me to get it out, it’s a way for me to let people know, it’s a way for me to say thank you, and now it’s a way for me to say go check out Back in Action," he stated, encouraging fans to witness his comeback.
Diaz, who stepped away from acting after promoting her film Sex Tape in London in September 2014, felt compelled to return to the industry after Foxx approached her about the project. She expressed pride in her co-star’s resilience and dedication, stating, "I’m so proud of him." The actress emphasized that despite the challenges they faced during filming, she felt honored to work alongside someone as talented as Foxx.
The production team approached the project with humility and respect, ensuring that Diaz felt comfortable and supported throughout the filming process. Foxx reassured her, saying, "I don’t want your feet to touch the ground. I want this to be a fun thing for you to do." This commitment to creating a positive environment allowed Diaz to focus on her craft without the stress of her long absence from the industry.
Reflecting on her experience, Diaz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to acting after a decade. "To be privileged enough to still be able to come back and do a movie after 10 years, you know, to get to make movies still and do it at this level and to make something this entertaining and fun for everyone, that was, you know, to me, I felt really honored to be able to do and do it with Jamie," she shared.
As Back in Action premieres, audiences can look forward to not only a thrilling cinematic experience but also a heartfelt story of friendship, resilience, and the power of returning to one’s passion. Diaz and Foxx’s journey serves as a reminder of the strength found in collaboration and the importance of supporting one another through life’s challenges.
