Summary
- Jamie Foxx's emotional interview on The Graham Norton Show resonated deeply with fans, who praised his raw and heartfelt speech.
- Foxx opened up about his personal connection to the film Just Mercy, discussing his father's unjust incarceration and the impact it had on his family.
- Fans were moved by Foxx's vulnerability during the interview, particularly when he paused and became visibly emotional while sharing his story.
In an episode that left viewers deeply moved, Jamie Foxx, the multi-talented actor, comedian, and singer, delivered what many fans consider the most emotional moment ever witnessed on The Graham Norton Show. The British comedy chat show is a staple in modern television entertainment, and has become a hub for some of the most viral celebrity moments.
Foxx, on his part, is a name synonymous with box office success, and a larger-than-life on-screen and off-screen persona. His dynamic presence has led to many memorable incidents, such as the time he boldly walked out of a SportsCenter interview when faced with a personal question.
Another instance when Foxx’s assertive nature was on display was when he demanded a higher pay than his co-star Colin Farrell for Miami Vice. On this occasion, the superstar even made the dramatic decision to leave the set before the production concluded.

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This eccentricity has seemingly always made Foxx a perfect fit for The Graham Norton Show, where he has been a guest multiple times. Yet despite these displays of spirited character, he once showcased a different side on Graham Norton’s couch, which viewers appreciated as the show’s most emotional moment.
Jamie Foxx Was Promoting The Movie Just Mercy On The Graham Norton Show
Jamie Foxx appeared on The Graham Norton Show in January 2020, sharing the stage with Michael B. Jordan as they embarked on a media tour for their biographical legal drama Just Mercy. The film delved into the life and work of Bryan Stevenson, a young defense attorney dedicated to representing impoverished individuals on death row in the Southern United States.
A pivotal part of the narrative focused on Stevenson’s efforts in the case of Walter McMillian, a man wrongfully convicted of a young woman’s murder. Just Mercy was adapted from Stevenson’s 2014 memoir of the same name, which chronicled his journey towards defending African-American prisoners. In the big screen production, Jordan portrayed Stevenson, while Foxx took on the role of McMillian.

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The film’s impact extended beyond the screen, particularly in its resonance within black culture. This significance was highlighted, for instance, when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West hosted a free screening of the movie for 280 people in Mississippi. When Foxx appeared on Graham Norton, he took the opportunity to draw a poignant parallel between the film and his real life.
Jamie Foxx Got Emotional Talking About His Father
In a profoundly moving moment on The Graham Norton Show, Jamie Foxx opened up about a personal connection to the film Just Mercy. When Norton asked if the picture resonated with Foxx because his father had been incarcerated, the actor’s response was deeply personal and emotional.
He shared, “It’s personal. When Michael [B. Jordan] called me up, I was so humbled and honored to be a part of the project. But doing this is personal. Being a black man, and the perception of us in America is that we’re already guilty of a crime. And I can personally tell you because they put my father in jail for $25 worth of illegal substance… They put him in jail for seven years.”

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The conversation took an even more emotional turn when Foxx described his father's imprisonment. “So, when they put him in jail, what do we do as a family? And I don’t like visiting jail, [because] I don’t like that type of perception. So I said, I told my pops, ‘I can’t come see you. Because I see you as a king.’” At this point, Foxx paused, visibly moved by the memory.
What Fans Said About Jamie Foxx’s Interview On Graham Norton
Jamie Foxx’s emotional interview on The Graham Norton Show resonated deeply with fans, as evidenced by their reactions on social media. One viewer remarked, “It’s probably the first time [I’ve seen] Jamie so serious, and definitely [the] first time [I’ve seen him] so emotional... Beautiful speech.”
Another fan appreciated the rawness of the moment, stating, “This is so raw of a moment, I’m glad they let him say what he needed to say, no interruptions, added comments, [or] attempts to fill the silence. Every second Jamie took to tell his story was necessary. Everyone needs to hear this and go watch the movie too.”
Others focused on the emotional weight of Foxx’s pause during his narrative, with one comment reading, “My man spoke his heart out. That pause though is very emotional.” Foxx's interview continued with him sharing more about his relationship with his father.
“I wrote him a letter [in jail]. I said, ‘Hey, you know things have gotten good for me. When you get out, I’ll save your life.’ And he’s been living with me for 20 years now!” Foxx added. “[And] when he got a chance to see this movie, he said, ‘You tell that young brother Michael B. Jordan, [to] keep doing what he’s doing because this is so important for us.’”