If you grew up in the late 90s, the "King's Tower" wasn't just a fictional hotel. It was basically a second home. We all watched Jamie King hustle, Fancy play hard to get, and Braxton... well, we all loved to hate Braxton. The Jamie Foxx Show was the cornerstone of the WB’s Wednesday night lineup, but honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago since the final episode aired in 2001.
A lot has changed. We aren't just talking about fading fame; we're talking about Oscar wins, health scares that made national headlines, and a few "Real Housewives" exits that nobody saw coming.
The Unstoppable Rise of Jamie Foxx
Let’s start with the man himself. Back then, Jamie Foxx was the guy who could play the piano, crack a joke, and rock a vibrant vest better than anyone else on television. Today? He’s a Hollywood titan. But 2023 and 2024 were rough for him. It’s no secret now that Jamie suffered a major medical emergency—a brain bleed that led to a stroke—while filming Back in Action in Atlanta.
He actually spoke about this recently in his Netflix special, What Had Happened Was..., which dropped late last year. Jamie mentioned he was a "5-percenter," meaning the odds of him even walking out of that hospital were slim to none. He credits his sister, Deidra, and his daughters for keeping the vultures away while he relearned how to speak. By the time the 2025 Golden Globes rolled around, seeing him back on the red carpet felt like a miracle.
He's not slowing down, though. Besides his health recovery, he’s been busy producing and recently walked his daughter Corinne down the aisle. It's wild to think that the same guy who used to sing "Fancy" at a hotel front desk is now one of the most respected EGOT-adjacent actors in the business.
✨ Don't miss: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents
Garcelle Beauvais: From Fancy to Reality Royalty
Garcelle Beauvais was the "it girl" of the 90s, but she’s had a fascinating second (and third) act. After playing Francesca "Fancy" Monroe, she moved on to NYPD Blue, which was a huge shift from sitcom life. But if you’ve been on social media at all in the last five years, you know her as the fan-favorite on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Here’s the thing: Garcelle just officially walked away from RHOBH. In late 2025, she confirmed she wouldn't be returning for Season 15. Why? Basically, she wanted her "power back." She mentioned that the show was getting heavy on her spirit. Plus, her twins, Jaid and Jax, are finishing high school, and she didn't want the cameras around for that transition. She’s still acting and producing films for Lifetime, but she’s clearly choosing peace over the Bravo drama these days.
Whatever Happened to Braxton P. Hartnabrig?
Christopher B. Duncan played the "stuffed-shirt" Braxton so well that people forget he’s actually a incredibly versatile actor. If you look at his resume, the guy has been everywhere. He even played Barack Obama on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in several films because he looks so much like the former president.
More recently, you’ve probably spotted him in The Equalizer playing Captain Curtis Martin or in the series Tell Me Lies. Unlike some actors who get stuck in their sitcom persona, Duncan has worked steadily in high-stakes dramas. He still talks fondly about the show, though. In a few recent interviews, he’s mentioned how much the cast leaned on each other, especially during the lean years of the WB network.
🔗 Read more: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby
The Legends: Garrett Morris and Ellia English
We have to talk about Uncle Junior and Aunt Helen. Garrett Morris is a living legend—period. He was one of the original Saturday Night Live players, and The Jamie Foxx Show was actually a massive comeback for him after he was shot during a mugging in 1994.
Now 87, Garrett is still around and recently received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He’s been very open about his past struggles, including a 40-year battle with cocaine addiction that he finally conquered about a decade ago. He uses a walker now due to arthritis, but his mind is sharp as a tack. He even showed up in 2 Broke Girls for a long stretch, proving he hasn't lost his comedic timing.
Then there’s Ellia English. Aunt Helen was the backbone of that hotel. Ellia hasn't stopped working either; she had a great run on Good Luck Charlie and recently appeared in the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. She’s also a powerhouse singer and pianist in real life, often performing in theater productions when she’s not on camera.
The Supporting Players and Guest Stars
The show was also a revolving door for talent that would later blow up. Remember these?
💡 You might also like: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway
- Sherri Shepherd: Before The View and her own talk show, she played Sheila, the eccentric hotel guest.
- Suli McCullough: He played Jamie's friend "Mouse" and is still active in the stand-up and writing world.
- Orlando Brown: He was the kid Nelson in the early seasons. His journey has been more public and tragic, with various legal issues and mental health struggles that have made headlines over the years.
Why the Show Still Holds Up
Honestly, The Jamie Foxx Show succeeded because it didn't try too hard to be "preachy." It was just funny. It leaned into physical comedy and Jamie's musical talent. Even today, you can find reruns on networks like MTV2 or BET, and the chemistry between the the jamie foxx show cast still feels authentic.
It’s rare for a sitcom cast to stay this relevant for thirty years. Whether it's Jamie winning an Oscar or Garcelle dominating reality TV, the "King's Tower" crew proved they were more than just 90s caricatures. They were a powerhouse of talent.
If you’re looking to revisit the series, it's currently streaming on platforms like Max and Hulu. Watching it now, especially knowing what Jamie Foxx has overcome in the last two years, makes those early episodes feel even more special. You can clearly see a superstar in the making, supported by a cast that was just as hungry and talented as he was.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Credits: Watch the later seasons of the show to see early writing credits from people who are now major showrunners in Hollywood.
- Support the OGs: Keep an eye out for Garrett Morris’s upcoming appearances; he remains one of the few living links to the first era of SNL.
- Follow the Transitions: If you enjoyed Garcelle on RHOBH, look for her executive-produced films on Lifetime, which often feature diverse casts and stories she’s passionate about.