It would be apt to call Jamie Foxx versatile. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 star has proved his mettle in different avenues. He has proved his worth as an astute musician. His impeccable comic timing has seen him bag many plaudits. His acting prowess is just the cherry on the top. His transition to acting was indeed seamless, laying the foundation for what would go on to become a great career. Looking back at his exploits, he couldn’t help but thank Tom Cruise.
Ray cemented Jamie Foxx’s reputation
Ray cemented Jamie Foxx’s reputation, making it known that he was there to stay. The 2004 flick was enough for him to announce himself on the big stage. The Ray Charles biography saw him bag an Academy Award for the best actor, a feat he didn’t see himself pulling off at the time.
As Foxx would later remark, his success in Ray was the turning point of his career, making him a reliable face in the Industry. And Ray would not have been the success it was if it had not been for a little help from Tom Cruise’s intervention.
Starring with Tom Cruise in Collateral was a blessing for Jamie Foxx
Right before Ray, Foxx paired up with the Eyes Wide Shut star for Collateral. The 2004 flick, though not comparable to Ray, was a success in its own right. The Django Unchained star would later recall that he was dying for a spot next to Cruise. And the latter was of great help in this endeavor.
He said,
“I don’t see him for years and then Collateral came up and everyone was searching for this person to be next to Tom Cruise. He remembered this personality test that I did and we ended up working together.”
Fate works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it?
How a small change in schedule helped Jamie Foxx
The Top Gun: Maverick star would do more than that though. The 60-year-old recognized the potential Foxx had. The White House Down star said,
“And in actuality, he changed the projection of my career because he allowed Collateral to come out first, and then let Ray Charles come out, so there would be heat (interest) for Ray Charles. Cause if Ray Charles had come out before Collateral, I wouldn’t have had that look (buzz), so I always take my hat off (to Cruise.)”
His career has been ‘Cruise’ing ever since (pun intended).
Source: Showbiz Cheat Sheet
