Here's to Jamie Foxx!

[TexasStooge]

Terrell embraces native son Foxx

By BRAD HAWKINS / WFAA ABC 8

TERRELL, Texas - From Eric Bishop to Jamie Foxx to his award-winning role as the late Ray Charles, one East Texas town knows well the many faces of its hometown hero.

As Foxx basks in his earned success, a golden light also shines across Terrell, which nurtured a wise-cracking kid into a Hollywood heavyweight.

I've got to thank Terrell, Texas," Foxx said Sunday after he won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance in Ray. "It's my first time on the front page of the Terrell Tribune!"

Hometown fans know him also as Eric Bishop, an outgoing teen who learned to juggle talents: balancing football practice against piano practice in his South Terrell neighborhood.

"He's proved that he can do it," said Terrell resident Don Osborne. "Anyone can do it if they set their mind to it."

"I have friends that have kids who graduated with him, and they talk about how funny he was, and he was just constantly a clown," said Gayla Baker, Terrell Tribune managing editor. "The teachers had to sometimes say, 'shut up!'"

His fourth-grade teacher Frances Anderson, now Terrell mayor, speaks to the pride of an entire population.

"He pleased our hearts," Anderson said. "As a city we are so happy that one of our own has done so well."

Foxx came home in November to bury the grandmother who raised him, and he was sure to mention her in his acceptance speech on Sunday.

"Last but not least, I've got to thank someone by the name of Estelle Talley who was my grandmother," Foxx said. "I used to think it was corny when people would say they were looking down on you. But I've got a feeling ... I believe it. Thank you!"

"I wish Ms. Talley could be here," Anderson said. "The best part of it was when Eric ... I kept saying 'don't forget Grandmother,' and he said it immediately."

Many in Terrell have a feeling Jamie Foxx will be "page one" material for years to come.