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Jamie Foxx almost walked away from his new movie about a schizophrenic musician, because the role was so intense it left him needing therapy.

Foxx plays homeless cello prodigy Nathanial Ayers in “The Soloist” and admits the role pushed him to the limit. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the actor said: “It was something that I enjoyed, but it shredded me. I went to places that I never thought I would ever go. I just remember being in my bathroom broke down, talking to my manager like, ‘I don’t know if I’ll be able to finish this.’

“You had to lose your mind every day you’re on set, and sometimes you didn’t have enough time to get your mind back before the weekend.”

Foxx’s manager was so concerned, he even sent the star to a psychiatrist.

Jamie Foxx disses Miley Cyrus.

Foxx who won an Oscar for his portrayal of blind soul musician Ray Charles in the movie  ‘Ray’ – also had to learn new instruments for the role and admits it is one of his most challenging films to date.

He added: “It was easy and hard to learn to play the violin and cello. I love music, so that part was fascinating to me, although the hard part was looking like I was really gifted with these particular instruments.”

Foxx told the Los Angeles Times, he suffered a mental breakdown at an early age:

“When I was 18, somebody slipped something in my drink. And it ripped me apart. I had to go to the hospital. I mean, I was gone, it was the kind of trip that . . . you know you’re losing your mind. I kept thinking, ‘I can’t live like this.’ It didn’t go away, either — for 11 months, I had flashbacks. . . . ”

Whew, Jamie sure takes his movie roles pretty seriously.

Check out Jamie’s “Blame It” video here.

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.