MARTINEZ, GEORGIA - APRIL 08: Kevin Hart and Shaquille O'Neal attend DraftKings x Sports Illustrated – Augusta After Dark on April 08, 2026 in Martinez, Georgia. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for DraftKings)
Jamie Foxx is one of comedy’s biggest stars, and he recently reminded sports fans why he’s considered one of the greatest impressionists. Foxx delivered spot-on impressions of Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal during a recent ESPN appearance.
The multiple-time Academy Award-winning actor appeared as a guest during NBA Finals coverage and quickly became one of the most talked-about celebrities on the broadcast. Foxx is known for his comedic background and ability to impersonate celebrities, but his skill at mimicking NBA legends from the Inside the NBA crew is remarkable.
Foxx began with an impression of Barkley, drawing immediate laughter from both the studio audience and panelists. He mimicked Barkley’s Southern accent, outspoken personality, and tendency to make bold predictions and say outrageous things on air. Foxx delivered lines that sounded almost identical to Barkley.
He then impersonated longtime broadcaster Johnson, perfectly capturing his calm demeanor and distinctive voice. Throughout the performance, Foxx recreated many of Johnson’s signature broadcast habits.
Perhaps the biggest reaction came when Foxx shifted into an impression of O’Neal. Shaq is known for his deep voice and larger-than-life personality, and Foxx had previously gone viral on social media for imitating him. Everyone on set was laughing as Foxx captured Shaq’s mannerisms and sense of humor perfectly.
The appearance quickly went viral, generating millions of views across multiple platforms. Fans and celebrities praised Foxx’s performance, noting that few entertainers possess the versatility needed to pull off such impressions—one reason Foxx has remained a star for so long.
Foxx is building a reputation for his impressions, but for one night, the spotlight was firmly on him. His performance provided one of the most entertaining moments in NBA Finals history and reminded viewers why he’s regarded as one of the best impersonators in the business.
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