Jamie Fox

Biography

Got His Start By:
Jamie Foxx started out as a stand-up comedian and appeared in the series "In Living Color," with Keenan Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans and Jim Carrey

His Real Name Is:
Eric Bishop. Took the stage name Jamie Fox and added an extra 'x' as a tribute to Redd Foxx

Music Background:
Jamie Foxx went to U.S.I.U. in San Diego on a classical piano scholarship

Jamie Foxx Biography (Courtesy of Universal Pictures and "Ray"):
October 26, 2004 - Jamie Foxx is enjoying success in a multifaceted career that already encompasses dramatic roles in films and television, as well as stand-up comedy and music. Though previously best known for his comedy work, his emergence as a leading dramatic actor is evidenced in his most recent and upcoming roles. He most recently starred opposite Tom Cruise in Michael Mann’s thriller "Collateral". Foxx portrays Max, a taxi driver who becomes “collateral”—an expendable person—when he and his cab are hijacked for a night by a contract killer (Cruise) in town to carry out five hits before dawn. In addition to his title role in Ray, Foxx is set to star in the action thriller "Stealth" for director Rob Cohen, which is slated for release in 2005.

In 1996, he launched his own series, "The Jamie Foxx Show," which became one of the top-rated shows on the WB network. Foxx not only co-created and starred on the show, but also served as an executive producer and directed several episodes. During the show’s five-year run, Foxx won an NAACP Image Award and earned three more nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.

On the big screen, Foxx received praise from both critics and audiences for his performance as a breakout star quarterback in Oliver Stone’s 1999 drama "Any Given Sunday," in which he joined an ensemble cast that also included Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz and LL Cool J. In addition to his on-screen role in the movie, Foxx wrote, produced and performed two songs featured on the film’s soundtrack, including the title track and the chant “My Name is Willie.”

He went on to co-star with Will Smith in the 2001 biopic "Ali," which marked Foxx’s first collaboration with director Michael Mann. His portrayal of Muhammad Ali’s corner man and constant inspiration, Drew Bundini Brown, brought Foxx another Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.