Jamie Foxx has proven that height doesn’t determine talent or success. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Foxx has established himself as an acclaimed actor, comedian, singer and producer over his decades-long career.
Early Life
Born Eric Marlon Bishop in 1967, Foxx was raised by his mother’s adoptive parents in Terrell, Texas after having little contact with his biological parents. He started pursuing his entertainment career in the late 1980s, drawing from his experiences growing up in the Baptist church and performing comedy routines for his peers.
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Breakthrough Success on In Living Color
Foxx got his first big break in 1991 when he joined the cast of the hit sketch comedy show In Living Color. He became a core cast member and gained fame for his hilarious impersonations of celebrities like Mike Tyson. The show ended in 1994, but Foxx’s career was just taking off.
The Jamie Foxx Show and Ray
Capitalizing on his fame, Foxx created and starred in his own sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show, which aired for 5 seasons on The WB Network from 1996-2001. His portrayal of the aspiring musician Jamie King brought him wider recognition.
In 2004, Foxx delivered an Oscar-winning performance as Ray Charles in the acclaimed biopic Ray. He became only the second actor to win all five major lead acting awards for the same role. Foxx proved his dramatic chops and silenced any doubters.
Continued Multi-Hyphenate Success
Foxx has continued his multi-hyphenate success in the decades since Ray. He’s mixed comedic and dramatic roles in films like Jarhead, Miami Vice, Dreamgirls, Django Unchained and Baby Driver. He even portrayed super-villain Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
On the music side, Foxx has released several chart-topping albums and won a Grammy Award. He’s collaborated with Kanye West, Justin Timberlake and many other artists.
He’s also hosted his own game show Beat Shazam since 2017. Foxx has proven he can do it all.
Overcoming His Height in Hollywood
Throughout his varied career, Foxx has faced being shorter than many leading men at only 5′ 9″. The average height of actors in Hollywood is 5′ 10″.
However, Foxx never let his stature stop him from landing coveted roles. He earned respect through his undeniable talent. Directors utilize camera angles and boxes for Foxx to stand on to downplay any height difference on screen.
Foxx has held his own alongside taller actors like Samuel L. Jackson, Gerard Butler and Bruce Willis. He continues to thrive as an A-list star.
Comparisons With Other Stars
Foxx is about 7 inches taller than renowned comedian Kevin Hart, who stands at just 5′ 2″. Despite the height difference, Foxx and Hart are titans in the entertainment world.
Meanwhile, Foxx looks small next to 6′ 5″ Dwayne Johnson. But while Johnson has action films, Foxx has more dramatic accolades.
Foxx is also 4 inches shorter than acting legend Denzel Washington. Though Washington has achieved more career-wise so far, Foxx is still going strong.
The actor is an inch taller than frequent collaborator Kanye West. The two musicians are legends in their own right.
Staying Fit
Foxx works out regularly to stay fit, sticking to a routine of pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups. He also watches his diet, starting mornings with healthy egg whites and ending with protein-filled dinners.
This dedication helps the actor maintain a sculpted physique at age 55. His fitness allows him to keep up with action-heavy film roles.
Rumors of Hair Transplant
Some fans speculated whether Foxx had a hair transplant in the 2000s when his receding hairline mysteriously returned. Foxx never addressed it.
The actor later debuted head tattoos that cover the areas where transplant scars would be, fueling more rumors. But Foxx has maintained a full head of hair regardless of whether he’s had work done.
Personal Life
Foxx had daughter Corinne in 1994 with his then-girlfriend Connie Kline. Corinne has followed in her dad’s path, establishing herself as a model, actress and producer. At 5′ 7″, she stands taller than most women.
Foxx dated actress Katie Holmes from 2013 to 2019 after her divorce from Tom Cruise. Holmes is one of the few female companions who matched Foxx’s height at 5′ 9″.
Legacy of Breaking Barriers
For over 30 years, Jamie Foxx has enthralled audiences with his talents. He’s proven repeatedly that being shorter than average won’t stop someone from achieving greatness.
Through his boundary-breaking career, Foxx has become a Hollywood icon. His stature has not defined his legacy. Jamie Foxx’s height sits far beneath his character.