A new Netflix docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, takes a deep-dive into the chaotic reality series that dominated the early 00s—which saw model Tyra Banks flanked by creative director, Jay Manuel, and runway coach icon, Miss J. Alexander.
Towards the end of the third episode, Miss J shares the heartbreaking news that he has faced serious health difficulties since ANTM wrapped and that his life has dramatically changed, as he undertakes a long recovery.
This is what we know about Miss J's health journey so far, based on what he has bravely chosen to disclose.
Who is Miss J. Alexander?
Alexander Jenkins, best known as Miss J, is a prominent runway coach who appeared on Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model. Miss J left the show in 2012, after 18 series, as the show's popularity was on the wane and the network producers decided a shake-up was needed. It was pulled off the air for good just two years later.
Miss J was known for fabulous, bold looks on the show and a quick wit, with a fun turn of phrase ("Walk like it's for sale and the rent is due tonight!").
What happened to Miss J. Alexander?
After his stint on ANTM came to an end, Miss J continued to be a strong presence in the fashion world and went on to host weekly Instagram Live talks with his former co-judge, Jay Manuel.
Sadly, on December 27, 2022, Miss J suffered from a stroke which went on to change the course of his whole life.
In the Netflix series, the fashion star said he spent one year and five months in hospital working hard to recover. "I woke up and didn't know where I was other than the hospital, I spent five weeks in a coma, couldn't walk or talk."
Did Miss J. Alexander have a stroke?
Miss J openly shared how much of an emotional toll the stroke has taken. "It was emotional, I cried. I'm not ashamed to say I cried."
Keen to show support, Jay Manuel and fellow ANTM judge, photographer Nigel Barker, visited Miss J in hospital, something Nigel described as "a terrible shock, really upsetting, horrifying and scary. He was happy to see me, the two of us cried together."
Poignantly, Miss J tells viewers, "I taught models how to walk, but now I can't walk" but added with defiance, "It's not over yet!"
Here's wishing him a strong recovery.
Watch Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model on Netflix now.
