America's Next Top Model Star Miss J Alexander Reveals Debilitating Stroke
One of the most cherished personalities from America's Next Top Model, Miss J Alexander, has disclosed that he experienced a severe stroke in December 2022, resulting in a loss of mobility. The 67-year-old television icon, born Alexander Jenkins, shared these deeply personal details during his appearance on the Netflix documentary series Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model.
Emotional Confession About Health Crisis
During the documentary, Alexander became visibly emotional as he discussed the impact of the stroke. "I miss being the queen of the runway, the queen of the catwalk, of course," he stated. "I'm the person who taught models how to walk. 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."
He described waking up in a hospital disoriented, having spent five weeks in a coma. "I couldn't walk, I couldn't talk. It was emotional. I cried. I'm not ashamed to say I cried," Alexander revealed, highlighting the profound physical and emotional toll of the medical emergency.
Tyra Banks' Absence Noted
A poignant moment in the documentary occurred when Alexander was asked if host Tyra Banks had visited him following his stroke. "No, not yet," he responded, before shooting a pointed look toward the camera. "She sent me a text that she wants to come and visit me, but no. Not yet." This revelation underscores the absence of the show's central figure during his recovery period.
Support from Fellow Judges
In contrast, former judges Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker did visit Alexander while he was hospitalized. Barker expressed his concern, saying, "I don't know if he wanted me to see him in that way, but I was going to see him. That was such a terrible shock and really upsetting and horrifying and scary." Manuel added, "I could feel how upset he was, for sure. I can't even imagine where he was in his mind."
Alexander was clearly moved by their support, reflecting, "I thought back to when we used to do shows together. I just missed them so much." The documentary captured a heartwarming moment as the trio took a selfie together, their first since 2019.
Legacy on America's Next Top Model
Alexander has been an integral part of America's Next Top Model, appearing on every cycle from 2003 to 2018 as the runway coach. He later served as a judge from Cycle 5 through Cycle 13, before being replaced by Andre Leon Talley in Cycle 14. His contributions also extended to international versions of the show, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in the reality television landscape.
Documentary Addresses Show Controversies
Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model delves into numerous controversies that have surrounded the series over the years. These include dangerous runway challenges, problematic photoshoots such as a 'blackface' incident, and disastrous makeovers. Former contestants like Giselle Samson and Ebony Haith share accounts of shocking insults and racist comments from judges behind the scenes.
Shandi Sullivan, a contestant from series two, addresses the controversy of being filmed sleeping with an Italian man while in a relationship, describing blacking out during the incident with producers filming instead of intervening. Other stars recount experiences of fat-shaming and harassment, including being "grabbed and touched" without consent on set.
Tyra Banks' Response to Criticism
As old clips resurfaced online in 2020, debates reignited about the show's treatment of contestants, with many criticizing judges for body-shaming and harsh comments. Banks has acknowledged this criticism, admitting at the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, "Hell no. I said some dumb s---," while also defending her efforts to promote diversity on television.
Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering an in-depth look at the show's legacy and the personal struggles of its stars like Miss J Alexander.
