Vivica A. Fox, a Hollywood heavyweight imbued with strength, resilience and undeniable talent, continues to dominate the entertainment industry at the vibrant age of 60. With a career spanning decades, including groundbreaking roles in blockbuster films to becoming a powerhouse filmmaker, Fox is the epitome of what it means to be “booked and blessed.” In this rolling out exclusive with Tanika Ray, Fox opens up about the secret to her longevity in Hollywood and what it feels like to finally get her flowers.
Vivica? You look like Nurse Vivica or Doctor Vivica. Who are you playing today?
I am playing Nurse Rita. I’m on set in Toronto on my new film, Plan C, talking to you, my beautiful queen, during my lunch break.
Being a woman and keeping your résumé popping in this industry is hard, but you are on fire. What do you attribute that to?
I believe this wonderful blossoming of a beautiful, blessed chapter that I’m having is because, finally, everyone is giving me my flowers. I’ve done the work; they can trust the brand of Vivica A. Fox to deliver. I’m so blessed that Lifetime turned me into a filmmaker. I’m so blessed. [Through] my CarShield [commercials], I’ve turned into a spokeswoman. So, people are seeing me in this chapter and going, “OK, so [she’s] acting, a spokeswoman, [she’s] doing lots of different genres.” But more importantly, I have turned into a filmmaker that delivers.
When you were this young girl from Indiana, who did you see on TV that made you think, “Oh, she can do it. I can do it”?
It was Pam Grier. I will never forget going to the movie theater and seeing Pam Grier on a movie screen. I’d never seen such a beautiful, bold, bodacious sister that was just kicking butt and taking names. And then, believe it or not, Diana Ross. I went to see Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in concert when I was like, I think, a junior or something in high school, and I had never seen such amazing Black people in my life. And I was like, “Where they live at? … Wherever they live, that’s where I’m going.” And senior year, when everybody was deciding what they were going to go do, I was like, “I’m going to California, and I’m going to become a star.”
When you look back from this ripe age of 60, what are your favorite film projects?
I can give you my pretty much top five or six. Why Do Fools Fall in Love: I got to work with Larenz Tate, Halle Berry and Lela Rochon. I played a character that was very flawed, Elizabeth. Independence Day: I got to work with the most amazing Will Smith. I will forever be attached to Fourth of July/Independence Day. Set It Off: [It was] directed by F. Gary Gray, [and I starred alongside Queen] Latifah, Jada [Pinkett Smith] and Kimberly Elise. Two Can Play That Game: [I played] Shante. … A lot of people really love that film. It has literally become a classic, along with Independence Day. My fifth one would be Soul Food: [I starred] with Vanessa Williams [and] Nia Long. And then [sixth would be] Kill Bill.
You’ve been blessed with almost everything you want, except maybe in the love department. Is that something you’re still waiting for?
I do want a good partner. Do not get me wrong. I want to be in love. I want to get those butterflies in my stomach. I absolutely want that for myself. I want someone to show up that I can walk the red carpet with, that we can travel and have wonderful adventures. I want that, but I’m not settling for junk because I’m afraid to be alone.
Well, who can be on your schedule? That’s a tricky thing, too, because you’re busy.
If I like you, I’ll find the time.
If you could work with anyone on future projects, who would it be?
I’ve always dreamed of working with Samuel L. Jackson. I love Samuel L. Jackson. I think he’s just amazing … I keep putting it out there, so maybe it will manifest itself. I’d love to do a buddy cop film with him. And, believe it or not, I wish I could work with Ice-T in a movie because people have been so surprised to see our chemistry that we had on [the] CarShield [commercials]. Everybody’s like, “Are you going to do a movie, or what’s going on?” I’d like to work with Ice-T. If I don’t get Samuel, me and Ice-T can have a lot of fun. Yeah, that would be fun. [For] females, I’d love an opportunity to work with Viola Davis, or my ultimate dream would be Angela Bassett.
Send a message to kids on how to hold it down and have hope.
Your Auntie Vivica loves you and wants absolutely nothing but the best for you. However, my little nugget that I’m gonna drop today is: do the work. No one owes you anything. Do the work so that when the flowers all blossom for you, you can say, “I did that.”
Photography by Kate Kelton
