A tremendous talent, Vivica A. Fox is a woman whose reputation and beauty precede her. Her ability to maintain relevance for three decades in an industry that seemingly loses its taste for people, places, and things is nothing short of remarkable. Vivica pivots with ease through every facet and film, from her directorial debut in “First Lady of BMF” to her latest role in Peacock’s “Bosco.” However, the role that she takes most seriously of all is that of social reformer and culture creator. Having the capacity to help change the narratives of Black men and women by bringing truth to movie screens is only part of what this extraordinary woman contributes, for she carries with her the grace and sensibility of a queen. Vivica’s iconic status has been rightfully earned, and her recognition is well deserved.
I am honored to have you on the cover of the Women’s Issue for March. Truthfully, I am absolutely thrilled! I have been a witness to the highlight reel of your career and am inspired by your story. You are this multi-faceted, beautiful being, and your energy has served our culture in countless ways, including your latest contribution to the film “Bosco,” which is what has brought us here to chat today.
We can talk about some other things too.
Great, I was hoping you’d say that! I’d like to start from the beginning. Tell me where you’re from and who you are in your own words.
Absolutely. I’m Vivica A. Fox from Indianapolis, Indiana. Midwest does it best. I came to California at 17 years old in search of a dream that I’ve been able to live out beyond my wildest expectations. I’ve traveled all over the world. I’ve met and worked with some of the most amazing actors, directors, producers, and crews. And I am a fashionista.
Yes, that you are. Now, what led you to acting? Being from Indianapolis, what was the theater/film industry like during that time in that region? And what inspired you?
Well, to be honest with you, I thought I was going to be a model because I’m tall. You know, I’m almost 5’8”. You know, at the time, that was a perfect height. Now these models are 6’8”. So, I thought I was going to model more than anything else. I moved to New York. I tried to model, but every agency I went to at the time, they were like, we already got a pretty, black girl who looks just like you. That’s when it was, one at a time. I moved back to California after my girlfriend, who I was living with at the time, was like, “Girl, we’re moving.” I was like, I’m going back to California because New York… It was very expensive. And I wasn’t going back to Hell’s Kitchen, which is where I lived at, at first…You know Hell’s Kitchen.
Yes, I do. I’m from New York.
So, I was then discovered when I moved back to California by a gentleman by the name of Trevor Walton. Trevor and I both ended up at Lifetime making movies and stuff like that, but he got me my first agent. He walked up to me. He says, wow, you’ve got a great look. Are you an actress? And I was like, no, I’m a model. And he got me my first audition. I was awful… I didn’t know what I was doing. That was all right. I showed up, and I looked cute.
That’s right. That’s half the battle right there.
Yeah, so that’s half the battle. Then he got me an agent, and I have been working nonstop for the last three decades.
Now, through your whole experience, there’s been a lot of evolution, a lot of growth… What parts of you do you still hold on to?
Being down-to-earth. When I go home for Thanksgiving with my family, I’m still Angie Fox from 38th and Emerson. I help set the table. I help clean up. I love taking my family to the Pacer games because my daddy, growing up, used to take us when they were in the ABA. And I’m so honored that when I go home, I can afford a suite for us to have a good time. So those humble Midwest roots will never leave.
Would you say that would be advice that you give aspiring actresses and people who are looking to get into the entertainment industry?
Yes. Don’t get caught up… Never lose yourself. Know that this is a wonderful field to be in if you can be successful. It can also chew you up, spit you out, and leave you empty.
Speaking of which, how has the industry evolved since you started? You mentioned that it would only be one Black girl, right? So how has it evolved as far as diversity and representation?
Because women are in control. That’s how it’s evolved. It’s all about girl power and it’s about being Black. When I first came into the business three decades ago, we did not have women in powerful positions as directors, producers, and writers. They were absolutely not available to us. So that’s how it’s evolved more than anything else. And I’m glad to also see us as Black women sticking together, lifting one another up, and employing one another—and women in general. Not just Black women. You can find us in every facet in film and media, as you’ve said, as writers, producers, and directors, which is why we have more control over the narrative than ever before. Our stories are being told and the masses are finally privy to who Black women are in all our excellence.
You mentioned directing, and you’ve had your directorial debut, “First Lady of BMF,” which has taken off! What inspired you to pick this story?
Well, the story that fell into my life—now I’m an NAACP double nominated image award nominee—The Lady’s Lamp by Tressa Smallwood. I love Tressa from the bottom of my heart. We did a short together for BET+ Her. I did a short documentary for 14 minutes called Through Her Eyes. She loved me. I made all my days. I reached into my own pocket to pay for my lead actress. She just loved my work ethic. And she said, I’m going to get you a bigger movie to do. Three months later, she was like; I want you to look into this lady’s story, Tonesa Welch. Then, of course, I heard about the story about how she was inaccurately portrayed on BMF, the television series, and how she had been fighting for years to tell her story. I didn’t realize or know how much she had been basically demonized. People were sliding into her DMs, calling her a pedophile just because of the portrayal in BMF. And she wasn’t paid. And so, we gave Tonesa her truth, and I am being rewarded for working hard. We shot that film in 14 days in Washington, D.C.
I didn’t work with a stellar cast. They only had a couple of lead actors and the rest I had to hire local actors. But I got there, and I worked with them… You need to give me some more. And they had to get over the fact that it was Vivica Fox who was directing them, and especially the young men. I was like, stop because I could see it when they were starstruck, girl. I could see it… And they all thanked me afterward for it. The young male actors had one job at the time, just one, and they needed to stay focused (laughing)! It’s important to remain focused and professional in the entertainment industry because one job can turn into another, which can grow into yet another. The possibilities are endless, someone is always watching, and referrals can take you everywhere.
You never know where your career path will take you next, but you need to give 110% and be consistent, which is what I’ve watched you do throughout your career. Your portfolio is diverse, and you’ve found success each time you’ve pivoted. You are in nearly every genre of film, from comedy to drama to action, which is impressive. Speaking of which, Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” recently reached its 20th anniversary. It’s a cult favorite and the scene in the kitchen with Uma Thurman is something I still remember as if it were yesterday. The choreography within the fight scene alone had to be challenging. How did you prepare for that role, and your roles in general?
Well, Kill Bill was six months of training that I thanked Tarantino for. And I went from a size 18 down to a two, because that’s all the hell we did was work out. I was training for the Olympics, but I love him because, girl, that booty was like… (laughing while gesturing with her hands). But how do I prepare? I prepare to give a hundred percent, a hundred and ten—by not making excuses, applying myself, and just making sure that they can depend on Vivica when it’s time to do it. I’m not going to be a prima donna. I’m going to do the work. That’s another thing that I pass on to my actors. Do the work. Y’all think y’all can just jump on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter and become stars? A career is built… It doesn’t happen overnight.
Exactly, and therein lies the issue. There’s a lot of entitlement that happens with aspiring actors and entertainers.
There is a common misconception that there is a stopping point as if there is some mystical pinnacle being met where everyone gives you flowers and you can live off your accolades. The work is hard, and you must show up daily to win. There’s no stopping.
Yes, the constant, getting back on that bike and riding to a new stop. And then, what are you going to do when you get there? Your most recent film, “Bosco,” is a biographical drama film which was released last month. The film is based on the true story of Qwantay “Bosco” Adams, who was sentenced to 35 years in 2004 for possession of marijuana but managed to make an escape from prison in 2006 with the help of a woman. How did you prepare for this role? And what motivated you to help tell this true story?
Well, I will tell you, it’s about relationships. This role was offered to me. I didn’t have to fight for it. A good girlfriend of mine by the name of Kenya Ware came to me and said, Vivica, we’re doing this independent film. It’s a true story. And you’re the first and only choice to play the mother. And I was like, wow, okay, really? They didn’t have a lot of money, but it wasn’t about that. I’m an independent filmmaker myself. Sometimes, when you pay it forward, you never know the reward that you may get for doing it. Like you said, you never know who’s watching you. You know, people may want to see if you would take on a smaller role that would lead to a bigger opportunity. And it was a true story of redemption about a Black man being allowed a second opportunity in life. The story just touched me.
Now, what do you believe sets this film apart as far as other true stories, and how do you think it’s going to contribute to the broader conversation as far as incarceration in America?
It happened, as far as the story’s timeline goes, over time. But the fact that we helped get him out of jail, that he went from getting out of jail to a movie set with actors and everyone portraying his story, that he’s still involved in the community… You know, he’s giving back. So, for me, the fact that it’s current… This is still happening. He’s still evolving as a man… It’s still relevant.
There is so much to cover when it comes to societal reform and the impact it has on our culture and communities. What role do you believe celebrities and public figures play in advocating for social change?
Everything. People listen to us. People go see our projects and sometimes it’s life-changing for them. I’ve had people come up to me about different roles that I portrayed, they’re like, you have no idea how much you affected my life. And that always moves me. We have a right to speak up for social change when there are things that need to be brought to attention when they affect our community, women’s rights, voting rights, incarceration, and our communities. If we can bring awareness to others’ causes quicker, then it’s our duty to do that. You know, the community has been so supportive of our careers and the luxuries that we get. How dare we not give back?
I wholeheartedly agree! It’s everyone’s responsibility to facilitate change, especially those who have the platforms to push the information further and inform more people.
I think of myself, that’s why I’ve stayed so relevant for such a long time: I don’t run away from my audience. Y’all see me out and about. I’ll be on their screens. You know, I care. I do. And I’m grateful that I’m still here.
Your commitment to people is very apparent on your social media platforms. The love that you have for people and life is very clear and the fact that you’ve made it your priority is obvious. It may not be something that you are conscious of, but I think that’s just who you are, which is why I’m looking forward to sharing your story and honored to have you grace our cover for our women’s issue. You always walk the walk.
Well, we sent y’all a bunch of pictures. So, pick the best…
Girl, the images are stunning!
And just so you know, they’re from my hair collection, which I also want to thank the community… And we’ve been doing this now for 16 years, you know? And I got teased when I first started doing wigs. They’re like—I will never forget that—when the checks stopped coming in… Now she’s selling wigs, not realizing that we had done our homework. The hairline industry is a billion-dollar-a-year franchise.
Yet another pivot into a business, and that’s the name of the game in the industry. You also have a book highlighting your career and your experiences. What inspired you to do that?
Well, I’m going to tell you, I’m grateful to my team. I have a team that exposes me to opportunities I never dreamed of. This opportunity for me to write a book came about by B.J. Coleman. B.J. Coleman has been my publicist for years. He works with Ebony now, but we’re still very good friends. And he still suggests things for me. B.J. came to me and said, “Time to do a book.” And I said, “Well, I’m not doing a kiss-and-tell thing. I don’t really get down like that.” And he said, “No, Vivica, you are a beautiful woman in your fifties who’s having the most amazing resurgence in your career… Share those trials and tribulations. Drop those gems.” And I said, “Okay, I can do that.” But I wasn’t ready for the whole kiss-and-tell.
Well, I can’t blame you… You know, you have got to keep some cards close to your chest. You have experience as a producer, a director, an actress, a model, a writer, and an entrepreneur. Is there any other medium that you are looking to try out or experience creatively?
If I could say my dream job, it would be as a sportscaster. I am a sports junkie, girl. Honey, I love sports. If someone asked, what do you binge-watch, Vivica? I would say sports. I grew up watching basketball, football, tennis, and golf when Tiger Woods was playing. Let’s keep it real. But yeah, I love tennis. I went to the US Open this past year and watched Coco Gauff win her championship. I just love sports. I really do. I used to play too. I played basketball, volleyball, and ran track, and I was a cheerleader.
You can watch Vivica A. Fox’s latest acting role in Bosco, now playing on Peacock.
Dakari Eli
