JAMIE FOXX

The actor, the musician, the author, the maverick

- Words by EMMA MBUTHUMA

From comedy clubs to the bright lights of Hollywood, Jamie Foxx has been dazzling audiences with his unique blend of humour, charisma and talent for over three decades.

The award-winning entertainer consistently pushes the boundaries of his craft with a career spanning film, TV, music and even good reads. He is a true jack-of-all-trades and a master of his craft. From films like Ray and Django Unchained to playing Electro in two Spider-Man films, he's proven himself to be one of the most versatile and multi-talented actors of our time, becoming one of the most respected and beloved figures in the entertainment industry.

Journey to stardom

Born Eric Marlon Bishop in Terrell, Texas, Jamie started out as a stand-up comedian in his early 20s. This is where he honed his comedic skills and started gaining notoriety among his peers, dominating local open-mic nights during the late 1980s.

His big break came in 1991 when he landed a role on the popular sketch-comedy TV show, In Living Color. His memorable appearances caught the attention of the industry and in 1992 he acted in the sitcom Roc and appeared in the film Toys.

"I got a chance to be like a high-end extra. I didn't really have words. I had no lines, but I got a chance to watch [Toys star] Robin Williams cook. The way he curated the set — it was loose, and he would do 12 different takes, all amazing," he told ABC News.

"So I said to myself, if I ever get my shot, this is how I want my set to run... When I did get those opportunities, it was great because now you get a chance to put your handprint or fingerprint on what's going on."

Jamie's big break came in 1999 when he starred in the film Any Given Sunday, directed by Oliver Stone — a performance that earned Jamie critical acclaim and recognition. After that, he gained momentum with supporting roles in