Jamie Foxx took to Instagram on Thursday (Oct. 5) to post a touching tribute in honor of his friend Keith Jefferson, who passed away at just 53 years old after a short battle with cancer. The two have a long and deep history together, having known each other since their college days at US International University.
“Everything hurts right now having a hard time looking through these pictures reliving the memories of us having a great time going to miss you man gonna miss you,” Foxx wrote in one caption – calling Keith an ‘incredible soul. “NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO SEE THE WORDS ABOUT MY FRIEND RIP.”
Jamie Foxx ended up sharing two separate photos of him and Keith Jefferson. The first one showed the two coming together for a brotherly handshake in front of what appeared to be a private plane, while the second photo showed the two alongside Rodney Mason, who appeared to be visiting him in the hospital.
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“This one hurts. Keith, you’ve been nothing but absolute grace, your whole life your heart is pure your love is immeasurable you were an amazing soul. We will all miss you dearly. It’s gonna take a long time for this to heal. Goodbye, my friend. I love you,” Foxx wrote of his longtime friend in the second caption.
Jefferson announced his cancer diagnosis in an Instagram post on August 9, where he described not wanting to tell anyone when he first found out. He said he was ‘finally at a place to share because my faith is getting stronger’ and gave a brief shoutout to his friends and family for all their love and support.
I have a loving family and the best friends in the entire world. You know who you are. From my Mom to J Foxx and everybody in between. I love you whole heartedly. We are cut from the same cloth and that cloth is the human condition. Remember…’faith is the last thing you can lose,’” he wrote in the caption.
Jamie Foxx wrote, “I love you my brother we will beat this,” in the comments section, while his daughter, Corinne Foxx, wrote, “Love you Keith.” Jefferson went on to shout Jamie Foxx out in a second Instagram post a few weeks later, where he shared a photo of Jamie and Rodney Mason sitting right by his side.
“J Foxx…you already know. For you to take the time to spend with me everyday every hour tells me everything I already know. You are my family and I wouldn’t have it no other way. Luv you bro. I will pull thru because my faith is strong and with God on my side I won’t worry,” Jefferson wrote in the caption.
Jamie Foxx and Keith Jefferson Were Friends and Castmates
Jamie Foxx and Keith Jefferson met in college, but they’ve maintained a close relationship in the decades since and have even worked together on a number of occasions. In fact, Keith appeared in two episodes of The Jamie Foxx Show in 1998 and 1999 – the show wasn’t a major success, but it lasted five seasons.
Jefferson had small roles in Django Unchained (2012), Day Shift (2022), and The Burial (2023) – all of which featured Jamie Foxx. He was also cast in The Hateful Eight (2015) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – both were directed by Quentin Tarantino (who also directed Django Unchained).
Jefferson’s death comes just one day before the release of The Burial – one of the movies he did with Foxx. He was also set to appear in All-Star Weekend, a future project being directed by Foxx. According to his website, he was also a personal acting coach ‘for those serious about advancing their careers.’
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“I met Keith in college we have a deep friendship and kinship. I’m asking everybody for prayers up. Asking god to heal his body and mind… devil you a lie. @keith.jefferson continue to fight because you are blessed. I love u. #godisgreat,” Jamie Foxx wrote of his friend in an Instagram caption on August 30.
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