Jamie Foxx, a Hollywood luminary renowned for his exceptional acting prowess, has etched his name into cinematic history through a series of iconic roles. With a repertoire that includes cinematic gems like “Django Unchained,” “Day Shift,” “Collateral,” “Baby Driver,” and “White House Down,” Foxx’s filmography is a testament to his remarkable talent. However, it was his portrayal of the legendary blind musician Ray Charles in the biographical drama “Ray” that secured his first Academy Award, marking a milestone in his illustrious career.
According to Fandomwire, Foxx’s embodiment of Ray Charles demanded extensive preparation, involving a range of challenges from mastering the piano to the intricate process of applying prosthetics to his eyes for an authentic portrayal. This endeavor, while instrumental in earning him accolades, posed an unforeseen difficulty – the actor found himself grappling with the arduous task of keeping his eyes shut for extended periods of time.
For the acclaimed star, the experience of emulating Ray Charles on-screen came with unexpected hurdles. Foxx candidly revealed that he had to endure the sensation of having his eyes sealed shut for up to 14 hours each day, a circumstance he likened to a confinement. The actor, known for his multifaceted roles, acknowledged that this aspect of the process was perhaps the most challenging.
Reflecting on the experience, Foxx remarked,
“Not being able to see was tough because I put the prosthetics on my eyes so that I really couldn’t see a thing for 12 or 14 hours a day.”
This demanding undertaking, while a significant test of his dedication, ultimately contributed to the authenticity of his performance.
“Ray,” the film that showcased Foxx’s dedication and commitment, not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved commercial success, amassing a staggering $124.7 million in box office earnings against a $40 million budget.
Beyond his acting accomplishments, Foxx’s immersive portrayal of Ray Charles also afforded him a profound perspective on the value of sensory abilities. The prolonged periods of wearing prosthetics, which restricted his vision, prompted him to contemplate the significance of sight and hearing. Pondering whether the loss of sight or hearing would be more distressing, Foxx shared that while many might opt to give up their hearing, the experience allowed him to appreciate the vibrant colors and beauty the world has to offer through the gift of sight.
“It makes you think: What would you rather give up your sight or your ability to hear? Most people say hearing because they want to see the colors or the mountains and they want to see the beauty of what the world has to offer.”
“For Ray to have had that snatched from him, and for me to have had that snatched from me every single day while I was making this, was tough. So I understand a person who is sentenced to that must be a tough thing for a person.”
