Miss J Alexander, a staple in the "America's Next Top Model" reality series, has shed light on his health battles post-show.
In the new docuseries"Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model,"the fashion giant from the Bronx, New York, shared that he suffered a stroke in December 2022.
"I spent five weeks in a coma. I couldn't walk. I couldn't talk," heshared in the third episode."It was emotional. I cried. I'm not ashamed to say that."
Often introduced on the show by Tyra Banks as "runway diva coach extradonaire," Miss J was known for sharp quips and whipping the contestants into shape, as well as judging their performances throughout the high-stakes competition.
One of the most well-known challenges was in cycle 14, Episode 3, when the women had toavoid being hit by a swinging pendulumas they walked down the runway. He was on the showuntil 2012.
"I miss being queen of the runway. The catwalks, of course," Miss J continued on "Reality Check." "I taught models how to walk, and now I can't walk. Not yet. I'm determined to walk. I'm sure you're going to see me again. I'm sure. It's not over for me yet."
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Miss J reveals whether Tyra Banks visited him in the hospital
In the three-part docuseries, Miss J said that his fellow judges, creative directorJay Manueland photographer Nigel Barker, visited him while he was in the hospital.
"I thought back to how we used to do that show together. I cried because I just missed them so much," he said.
When asked by producers if he had been in touch with Banks and if she came to see him, he responded: "No, not yet. She just sent me a text that she wants to come and visit me."
"Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" is currently streaming on Netflix. It debuted on Feb. 16.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Miss J suffered a stroke following 'America's Next Top Model'
