Vivica A. Fox
{{Short description|American actress and producer (born 1964)}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Vivica A. Fox
| image = 10.5.17VivicaAFoxByLuigiNovi1.jpg
| caption = Fox at the 2017 New York Comic Con
| birth_name = Vivica Anjanetta Fox
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|7|30}}
| birth_place = South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
| education = Golden West College (AA)
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|producer}}
| years_active = 1982–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Christopher Harvest|1998|2002|reason=div.}}
| website = {{URL|vivicafox.com}}
}}
Vivica Anjanetta Fox (born July 30, 1964) is an American actress and producer. She began her career on Soul Train (1982{{ndash}}1983) and played roles on the daytime television soap operas Days of Our Lives (1988) and Generations (1989{{ndash}}1992). In prime time, she starred opposite Patti LaBelle in the NBC sitcom Out All Night (1992{{ndash}}1993). Fox's breakthrough came in 1996, with roles in two box-office hit films, Roland Emmerich's Independence Day and F. Gary Gray's Set It Off.
Fox has starred in the films Booty Call (1997), Soul Food (1997), Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998), Kingdom Come (2001), Two Can Play That Game (2001), and Boat Trip (2002). She played Vernita Green in Kill Bill and landed supporting roles in films like Ella Enchanted (2004). She scored leading roles in the short-lived Fox sitcom Getting Personal (1998) and the CBS medical drama City of Angels (2000). From 2003 to 2006, she co-starred in and produced the Lifetime crime drama series Missing, for which she received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. Fox starred in more than 25 The Wrong... movies for Lifetime and played Candace Mason in the Fox musical drama series Empire.
Fox's involvement in the entertainment industry goes beyond acting, as she has produced films and TV shows, some of which she did not star in. She made her directorial debut with the 2023 biographical crime film First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story about the "First Lady" of the notorious Black Mafia Family in Detroit.
Early life
Fox was born in South Bend, Indiana, the daughter of Everlyena, a pharmaceutical technician, and William Fox, a school administrator. Her parents relocated to the Benton Harbor, Michigan, area soon after her birth. Fox is a 1982{{cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/people/vivica-a-fox-6434|title=Vivica A. Fox|website=Biography|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323141143/https://www.biography.com/people/vivica-a-fox-6434|archive-date=March 23, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H-oCAAAAMBAJ&q=vivica+fox+1982+arlington+high+school&pg=PA142|title=Indianapolis Monthly|first=Emmis|last=Communications|date=1 September 2002|publisher=Emmis Communications|access-date=15 March 2018|via=Google Books}} graduate of Arlington High School in Indianapolis and subsequently graduated from Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California, with an Associate of Arts in Social Sciences.{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Kam|year=2008|title=Vivica A. Fox: The Cover/Three Can Play That Game|url=http://www.kamwilliams.com/2008/05/vivica-fox-coverthree-can-play-that.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713105347/http://www.kamwilliams.com/2008/05/vivica-fox-coverthree-can-play-that.html|archive-date=July 13, 2015|access-date=2008-05-05|publisher=KamWilliams.com}}
Career
=1982{{ndash}}1995=
In 1982, Fox relocated to California to attend Golden West College in Huntington Beach. While there, she was a dancer on Soul Train from 1983 to 1984, and also appeared in the music video for R&B group Klymaxx's hit single, "Meeting in the Ladies Room". Afterwards, she started acting professionally, first on the NBC daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives in 1988, playing Carmen Silva. Following her film debut in Oliver Stone's 1989 war drama movie Born on the Fourth of July, playing the role of a sex worker,{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/artist/vivica-a-fox-p137994|title=Vivica A. Fox – Biography, Movie Highlights and Photos – AllMovie|author=Rebecca Flint Marx|work=AllMovie|access-date=17 January 2016}} Fox was cast as Emily Franklin in the pilot episode of ABC comedy series, Living Dolls, a spin-off of the sitcom Who's the Boss? but was replaced with Halle Berry for the remaining episodes.{{Why|date=December 2024}} Later that year, Fox was cast as Maya Reubens, the leading character in the NBC daytime soap opera Generations. The series broke new ground as the first soap to feature an African-American family from its inception.{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2015/03/19/before_empire_s_cookie_vs_anika_there_was_generations_doreen_vs_maya.html|title=Before 'Empires Cookie vs. Anika, there was 'Generations Doreen vs. Maya|author=Derreck Johnson|date=19 March 2015|work=Slate Magazine|access-date=17 January 2016}}
In the early 1990s, Fox began appearing in prime time television, playing guest-starring roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, 90210, Family Matters, Matlock, and Martin. In 1992, she was cast as Patti LaBelle's fashion-designer daughter, Charisse Chamberlain, on the NBC sitcom Out All Night. In addition to this role, she returned to soap operas, playing the role of Dr. Stephanie Simmons on CBS' The Young and the Restless from 1994 to 1995. In 1995, she also had a cameo in the comedy film Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dont_be_a_menace/|title=Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in The Hood|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=1 January 1996|access-date=17 January 2016}}
=1996{{ndash}}2003=
In 1996, Fox played Will Smith's character's girlfriend, Jasmine Dubrow, in the epic sci-fi disaster blockbuster Independence Day, directed by Roland Emmerich. The film grossed over $800 million worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=independenceday.htm|title=Independence Day (1996) – Box Office Mojo|access-date=17 January 2016}} Fox received an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss with Smith, and was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress.{{Cite web|title=MTV Movie & TV Awards: Best Kiss Winners Over the Years|url=https://www.eonline.com/photos/24761/mtv-movie-tv-awards-best-kiss-nominees-over-the-years/|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=E! Online}} Later that year, she played Francesca "Frankie" Sutton in the crime action film Set It Off opposite Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah and Kimberly Elise. Directed by F. Gary Gray, Set It Off became a critical and box office success, grossing over $41 million against a budget of $9 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=setitoff.htm|title=Set It Off (1996) – Box Office Mojo|access-date=17 January 2016}} In 1997, Fox starred in three films: Booty Call, a Columbia Pictures comedy opposite Jamie Foxx; the superhero film Batman & Robin;{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1077027-batman_and_robin/|title=Batman & Robin|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=20 June 1997|access-date=17 January 2016}} and 20th Century Fox's critically acclaimed comedy-drama Soul Food.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/soul_food/|title=Soul Food|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=26 September 1997|access-date=17 January 2016}} The latter was also a major box office success.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=soulfood.htm|title=Soul Food (1997) – Box Office Mojo|access-date=17 January 2016}} For her role, Fox received her first NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture nomination, and MTV Movie Award for Best Performance.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1998/film/news/naacp-image-nods-to-soul-food-touched-1117468335/|title=NAACP Image nods to 'Soul Food,' 'Touched'|author=Tim Gray|date= March 3, 1998|work=Variety|access-date=June 17, 2016}}
Fox had additional leading roles on television. She played Queen of Sheba in the British television film Solomon in 1997. That same year, she starred opposite Arsenio Hall in the short-lived ABC sitcom Arsenio.[https://books.google.com/books?id=mjkDAAAAMBAJ&dq=arsenio+hall+sitcoms&pg=PA54 Arsenio Hall Returns to TV in New ABC Series] Jet Mar 3, 1997. In 1998, she was lead actress in the short-lived Fox sitcom Getting Personal. Also in 1998, Fox starred alongside Halle Berry, Lela Rochon and Larenz Tate in the romantic drama film Why Do Fools Fall in Love, playing one of the three wives of singer Frankie Lymon.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/why_do_fools_fall_in_love/|title=Why Do Fools Fall In Love|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=28 August 1998|access-date=17 January 2016}} The following year, she appeared in stoner comedy horror Idle Hands, and Teaching Mrs. Tingle with Helen Mirren. In 2000, she starred alongside Blair Underwood in the short-lived CBS medical drama, City of Angels.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-nov-19-ca-35103-story.html|title=CBS Starts Prepping for 'City of Angels'|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 19, 1999 |access-date=17 January 2016}}
In 2001, Fox played Lucille Slocumb in Kingdom Come, a comedy-drama starring LL Cool J, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Whoopi Goldberg. That same year, she was the lead in the romantic comedy Two Can Play That Game,{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/two_can_play_that_game/|title=Two Can Play That Game|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=7 September 2001|access-date=17 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=twocanplaythatgame.htm|title=Two Can Play That Game (2001) – Box Office Mojo|access-date=17 January 2016}} and had a supporting role in the independent comedy-drama Little Secrets. In 2002, she starred alongside Miguel A. Núñez Jr. in Juwanna Mann and Cuba Gooding Jr. in Boat Trip. In 2003, Quentin Tarantino cast her as Vernita Green in his two-part martial arts film Kill Bill.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/06/an-interview-with-vivica-a-fox|title=An Interview with Vivica A. Fox|author=Jeff Otto|date=6 October 2003|work=IGN|access-date=17 January 2016}}
=2004{{ndash}}2019=
From 2004 to 2006, Fox co-produced and starred as FBI special agent Nicole Scott in the Lifetime television crime drama series Missing. She received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in 2006. During this time, Fox produced and played the leading roles in several films, including Motives, The Salon, Getting Played, and Three Can Play That Game. From 2007 to 2009, she had a recurring role in the HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm, as the mother of a family displaced by a hurricane and taken in by Larry and Cheryl.
Fox was a judge on The WB's talent show The Starlet. She participated in the third season of ABC's hit television show, Dancing with the Stars,{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198521,00.html|title=Report: Vivica A. Fox, Mario Lopez to Appear on 'Dancing With the Stars'|work=Fox News|access-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018221016/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198521,00.html|archive-date=2006-10-18|url-status=dead}} but was voted off after the fourth week. In 2009, Fox served as celebrity spokesperson for the then newly revamped Psychic Friends Network. After receiving backlash for her involvement with the network, Fox denied any involvement with the company, despite having filmed a commercial and promo video which had already gone to air.{{cite web|last=Kelly |first=Liz |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/celebritology/2009/02/a_new_psychic_friend_vivica_a.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915024039/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/celebritology/2009/02/a_new_psychic_friend_vivica_a.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 15, 2012 |title=Celebritology 2.0 – A New Psychic Friend: Vivica A. Fox |publisher=Voices.washingtonpost.com |date=2009-02-03 |access-date=2010-05-24}} She hosted her own VH1 reality series Glam God with Vivica A. Fox (2008), TV Land's The Cougar (2009), and Lifetime's Prank My Mom (2012). She was also a contestant on The Apprentice in 2015.
File:Vivica A. Fox at The Heart Truth 2009.jpg in 2009]]
In the late 2000s and 2010s, Fox had supporting roles in films poorly received by critics, such as The Hard Corps (2006) alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kickin' It Old Skool (2007) starring Jamie Kennedy, and Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous (2008) with Jessica Simpson. On television, she had guest starring roles on Law & Order, Drop Dead Diva, Melissa & Joey, Femme Fatales, and Raising Hope. As a regular, Fox starred in the syndicated sitcom Mr. Box Office alongside Bill Bellamy and Jon Lovitz.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bill-bellamy-jon-lovitz-vivica-fox-sitcom-keshia-knight-pulliam-gary-busey-byron-allen-321177|title=Bill Bellamy, Jon Lovitz, Vivica A. Fox to Star in Syndicated Sitcom|author=Alex Ben Block|date=7 May 2012|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=17 January 2016}}
In 2012, she acted in the Nigerian action drama film Black November, starring Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Akon, and Wyclef Jean.{{cite web | url=http://www.enyinnanwigwe.com/international-music-acts-wyclef-jean-akon-starring-in-black-november/ | title=Wyclef Jean & Akon Starring in Black November | access-date=30 June 2014 | archive-date=December 5, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205085038/http://www.enyinnanwigwe.com/international-music-acts-wyclef-jean-akon-starring-in-black-november/ | url-status=usurped}}{{cite web | url=http://allafricancinema.com/wyclef-jean-and-akon-will-star-in-jeta-amatas-nollywood-production-black-november/ | title=Wyclef Jean and Akon will star in Jeta Amata's Nollywood production, Black November | publisher=All African Cinema | date=4 September 2012 | access-date=30 June 2014 | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074647/http://allafricancinema.com/wyclef-jean-and-akon-will-star-in-jeta-amatas-nollywood-production-black-november/ | url-status=dead }} In 2013, Fox landed a part in the Christian sports drama, Home Run.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2013-apr-18-la-et-mn-home-run-20130419-story.html|title=Movie review: 'Home Run' overplays its morality pitch|last=Sharkey|first=Betsey|date=2013-04-18|work=Los Angeles Times|location=US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412125823/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2013-apr-18-la-et-mn-home-run-20130419-story.html|archive-date=2020-04-12}} The film had a limited release on April 19, in the United States and has grossed over $2.8 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxoffice.com/statistics/bo_numbers/actual_estimate/2013-04-29|title=Home Run (PG-13)|work=boxoffice.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705124237/http://www.boxoffice.com/statistics/movies/home-run-2013|archive-date=July 5, 2013|access-date=23 February 2020}} On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film received 45% positive reviews from 11 critics.{{rotten-tomatoes|home_run_2013}} Fox also gave her voice to the direct-to-DVD animated film Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMIQ318/|title=Scooby-Doo: Stage Fright: Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Matthew Lillard, Wayne Brady, Peter Macnicol, Ariel Winter, Victor Cook, Alan Burnett, Jason Wyatt, Sam Register, Doug Langdale: Movies & TV |website=Amazon |date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=2013-08-20}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/scooby-doo!-stage-fright-original/id649298195 |title=iTunes – Movies – Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright – Original Movie |publisher=iTunes |access-date=2013-08-20}}{{cite web|last=Gencarelli|first=Mike|title=Blu-ray Review "Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright"|url=http://www.mediamikes.com/2013/08/blu-ray-review-scooby-doo-stage-fright/|work=August 7, 2013|date=August 7, 2013|publisher=mediamikes.com|access-date=September 1, 2013}} In October 2013, she had a supporting role in the Christmas film So This Is Christmas, alongside Eric Roberts.{{Citation|last=Foster|first=Richard|title=So This Is Christmas|date=October 2013 |url=https://www.amazon.com/So-This-Christmas-Eric-Roberts/dp/B00DRQETLA|language=English|access-date=2022-01-21}} In 2014, she participated in the acclaimed parodic TV film Sharknado 2: The Second One.{{Cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/meet-cast-sharknado/story?id=22616016|title=Meet the Cast of 'Sharknado 2: The Second One'|last=Rothman|first=Michael|date=2014-02-22|work=ABC News|location=US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009191648/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/meet-cast-sharknado/story?id=22616016|archive-date=2016-10-09}} Later that year, Fox starred in Mercenaries, alongside Kristanna Loken, Brigitte Nielsen, Cynthia Rothrock, Zoë Bell, and Nicole Bilderback.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityonfire.com/first-look-at-the-all-female-action-flick-prison-raid/ |title=The female Expendables are here! Cynthia Rothrock, Brigitte Nielsen, Kristanna Loken, Zoë Bell and Vivica A. Fox are Mercenaries |author=Mighty Peking Man |publisher=City on Fire |date=2014-06-04 |access-date=2014-06-06}}
In 2015, she was cast as Cookie Lyon's sister for the second season of Empire.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/empire-vivica-fox-cookie-sister-842058|title='Empire' Vivica Fox Cookie Sister Interview 'Independence Day 2'|author=Kate Stanhope|date=18 November 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=17 January 2016}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/10/empire-season-2-vivica-a-fox-cast|title=Empire season 2: Vivica A. Fox cast as Cookie's sister – EW.com|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=17 January 2016}} She was a recurring cast member as of the second season and was promoted to series regular for its sixth and final season.{{cite web | url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/empire-vivica-a-fox-series-regular-final-season-1202664200/ | title='Empire': Vivica A. Fox Upped to Series Regular for Final Season | date=August 8, 2019}} She acted in the comedy-drama, Chocolate City, alongside Robert Ri'chard, Michael Jai White, Carmen Electra.{{cite web | url= http://www.abandomoviez.net/indie/pelicula.php?film=45378 | title=Chocolate City |publisher=abandomoviez |access-date=2014-10-28}} In the United States, the film was released in a limited release and through video on demand on May 22, 2015. Freestyle Releasing handled the theatrical release, with Paramount Home Entertainment handling the video on demand and home media release of the film. The film debuted on BET on June 10, 2015.[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/chocolatecity/ Chocolate City – Movie Trailers – iTunes]{{Cite web|url=https://eurweb.com/2015/chocolate-city-in-theaters-and-on-demand-may-22/|title='Chocolate City' in Theaters and On Demand May 22|first=Billie Jordan|last=Sushine|date=May 3, 2015|website=EURweb}} Fox was in the crime action thriller The Good, the Bad, and the Dead, starring Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, and Michael Paré.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUhNnzB1I6Q|title=The Good, the Bad, and the Dead (2015) - Official Trailer | VMI Worldwide|date=September 5, 2023 |via=www.youtube.com}} She also appeared in the film True to the Game, based on Teri Woods' novel of the same name.{{cite web|url=https://www.variety.com/2015/film/news/columbus-short-true-to-the-game-1201616079/|title=Columbus Short to Star in Romance-Drama 'True to the Game'|work=Variety|first=Dave|last=McNary|date=October 13, 2015}}
File:Vivica A. Fox (33845756800) (cropped).jpg
Fox reprised her Independence Day role in Roland Emmerich's Independence Day: Resurgence, released on June 24, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/vivica-a-fox-joins-independence-day-2-1201458902/|title=Vivica A. Fox Joins 'Independence Day 2'|author=Dave McNary|work=Variety|date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=17 January 2016}} That same year, it was announced that she would portray the president of the United States in the science fiction film "Crossbreed", making her the first African-American woman to portray the role in a feature film.{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2016/09/27/vivica-a-fox-first-black-actress-to-play-us-president-in-movie/#CpDxcHiVKsql|title=Hollywood has never had a black woman play the President in a movie – until now|website=Mashable|date=September 27, 2016 |access-date=27 September 2016}} She was also cast in the television film The Wrong Roommate.{{cite news|last=Reyes|first=Traciy|title='THE WRONG ROOMMATE': LIFETIME TV MOVIE STARRING VIVICA A. FOX, ERIC ROBERTS, AND JESSICA MORRIS AIRS SUNDAY|date=6 February 2016|work=Inquisitr|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/2773860/the-wrong-roommate-lifetime-tv-movie-starring-vivica-a-fox-eric-roberts-and-jessica-morris-airs-sunday/|access-date=4 July 2017}}{{cite news|last=Saunders|first=Jeraldine|title=Omarr's daily astrological forecast, For release 08/12/17 for 08/12/17|date=12 August 2017|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/sns-201707061918--tms--hscopeotq--v-a20170812-20170812-story.html|access-date=21 September 2017}}{{cite news|last=Cooper|first=Matt|title=TV This Week Feb. 7 – 13: 'Super Bowl 50' on CBS|date=5 February 2016|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-tv-this-week-feb-7-13-super-bowl-50-on-cbs-20160203-story.html|access-date=21 September 2017}}
On January 4, 2017, Lifetime launched the premiere of her new venture "Vivica's Black Magic" which was an exotic male review. During this time, she had a supporting role in the film Chocolate City: Vegas Strip starring Robert Ri'chard, Michael Jai White, Mekhi Phifer, Ginuwine, and Melanie Brown.{{cite web|url=http://chocolatecity2vegasbattle.com/|title=Chocolate City 2: Vegas Battle|website=chocolatecity2vegasbattle.com|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814182834/http://chocolatecity2vegasbattle.com/|archive-date=2016-08-14|url-status=dead}} The film was made available on Netflix on August 12, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://whatsnewonnetflix.com/new-zealand/m/chocolate-city-vegas-strip-2017|title=Is Chocolate City: Vegas Strip (2017) on Netflix New Zealand? - WhatsNewOnNetflix.com|website=whatsnewonnetflix.com|access-date=15 March 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://usa.newonnetflix.info/info/80188580/s|title=Chocolate City: Vegas Strip (2017) on Netflix USA :: New On Netflix USA|last=MaFt.co.uk|website=New On Netflix USA|access-date=15 March 2018}} Fox appeared as Cheer Goddess in the film Bring It On: Worldwide Cheersmack.{{Cite web|title=Bring It On Is 17! Vivica A. Fox Gives Us the Scoop on Sequel #Cheersmack|url=https://www.flare.com/film-2/bring-it-on-anniversary/|access-date=August 22, 2017|website=Flare|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824185711/http://www.flare.com/film-2/bring-it-on-anniversary/|url-status=dead}} She also starred in the TV biopic Bobbi Kristina, based on the life of Whitney Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina.{{cite magazine|title='Bobbi Kristina' Biopic Unveils First Trailer: Watch|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/bobbi-kristina-biopic-unveils-first-trailer-watch-w500300|last=Chen|first=Joyce|magazine=Rolling Stone|agency=Rolling Stone|date=2017-08-30|access-date=2017-10-20}}{{cite web|title=Cast of 'Bobbi Kristina' says film comes from 'place of love and respect'|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/cast-bobbi-kristina-film-place-love-respect/story?id=50323447|last=Williams|first=Candice|website = ABC News|agency=Abcnews.go.com|date=2017-10-06|access-date=2017-10-20}} Fox acted in the independent drama, Jason's Letter.{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Jerry|title=Timely movie brings Vivica A. Fox, crew to Dover|date=11 January 2017|newspaper=The News Journal|url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2017/01/11/dover-city-hall-transformed-into-movie-set/96430218/|access-date=7 March 2018}}{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Jeff|title=Vivica A. Fox 'borrows' Dover's City Hall and public library|date=11 January 2017|newspaper=Dover Post|url=http://www.doverpost.com/news/20170111/vivica-a-fox-borrows-dovers-city-hall-and-public-library|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110233455/https://www.doverpost.com/news/20170111/vivica-a-fox-borrows-dovers-city-hall-and-public-library|url-status=dead}} The film made its premiere on June 11, 2017, at the Schwartz Center for the Arts in Dover.{{cite web|last=Lehman|first=Tom|title="Jason's Letter," a Film Shot in Dover Brings Red Carpet to Delaware's Capital City|date=12 June 2017|publisher=WBOC-TV|url=http://www.wboc.com/story/35648318/jasons-letter-a-film-shot-in-dover-brings-red-carpet-to-delawares-capital-city|access-date=7 March 2018}}
In 2018, the actress released a book. Vivica's Every Day I'm Hustling (St. Martin's Press, 2018) is a "part memoir, part inspirational" book that focuses on her career and relationships.{{cite web|url=https://www.ebony.com/health/vivica-a-fox-book-audible/|title=First Listen: Vivica A. Fox Pens 'Everyday I'm Hustling'|website=ebony.com|date= February 16, 2018}} The same year, she appeared in the television film The Last Sharknado: It's About Time.{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/2018/08/sharknado-6-cameos-cast-spoilers-celebrities/|title='Sharknado 6' Celebrity Cameos & Cast Spoilers|first=Lauren|last=Weigle|date=19 August 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/sharknado-part-6-finale-syfy-ian-ziering-tara-reid-1202355221/|title='Sharknado' Franchise To End With Time-Traveling Sixth Installment|first=Dino-Ray|last=Ramos|date=March 29, 2018|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 20, 2018}} She was hired to host the TV talk show Face the Truth on CBS, which lasted only one season.{{Cite web |last=Napoli |first=Jessica |title=Vivica A. Fox to Host CBS Talk Show 'Face the Truth' |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/677306/cbs-vivica-a-fox-talk-show-face-the-truth/ |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=TV Insider |date=March 28, 2018}}{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2019-04-12 |title='Face The Truth' Canceled After One Season; 'The Doctors' & 'DailymailTV' Renewed |url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/face-the-truth-canceled-first-season-the-doctors-dailymailtv-syndicated-series-renewed-1202594794/ |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Deadline}} She also had a role in the erotic romantic thriller Kinky.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blackfilm.com/read/trailer-poster-to-kinky-starring-vivica-a-fox-robert-richard-dawn-richard/|title=Trailer & Poster To Kinky Starring Vivica A. Fox, Robert Ri'chard, & Dawn Richard|website=Blackfilm.com|date=October 2018 |access-date=September 10, 2019}} The film was released in the United States on October 12, 2018,{{cite web |last1=Heard |first1=Amyr |date=October 11, 2018 |title=Chicago fashion designer showcases new line in 'Kinky' |url=https://reelchicago.com/article/anre-brownlee-kinky/ |access-date=May 5, 2019 |website=Reelchicago.com |publisher=Reel Chicago}} by Patriot Pictures.{{cite web |last1=N'Duka |first1=Amanda |date=July 5, 2018 |title=Vivica A. Fox Drama 'Kinky' Sets Date With Patriot Releasing |url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/vivica-a-fox-kinky-patriot-releasing-release-date-1202421972/ |access-date=July 5, 2018 |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Deadline}} In December 2018, she appeared in two Christmas films: Christmas with a View, starring Patrick Duffy and A Wedding for Christmas.{{Cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=oXooWPq8HmA|title =Christmas With A View (2018) Trailer|website =YouTube|date =October 31, 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R9zVf5YxOOA|title =A Wedding for Christmas Trailer (2018) Cristine Prosperi, Colton Little, Vivica A. Fox|website =YouTube|date =November 19, 2018}}
In 2019, Fox starred in several David DeCoteau television films, including The Wrong Stepmother, The Wrong Boy Next Door, The Wrong Mommy, The Wrong Tutor and The Wrong Cheerleader. She appeared as Dr. Angela Foster in the TV series The Bay, and starred in the drama film Fire And Rain. She also acted in two Christmas themed television films: 2nd Chance for Christmas and Christmas Matchmakers, starring Dorian Gregory.{{Cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=tFkBemzzVUk|title =2nd Chance For Christmas Official Trailer (Brittany Underwood, Vivica A. Fox and Tara Reid)|website =YouTube|date =November 6, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Sf4dkVO7Wzo|title =Christmas Matchmakers Trailer (2019) Vivica A. Fox, Anna Marie Dobbins, Andrew Rogers|website =YouTube|date =November 12, 2019}}
=2020{{ndash}}present=
In 2020, she starred in the film Arkansas, alongside Liam Hemsworth, John Malkovich, and Vince Vaughn.{{cite web|title=Vince Vaughn, Liam Hemsworth & Clark Duke To Star In 'Arkansas'|url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/vince-vaughn-liam-hemsworth-clark-duke-arkansas-movie-1202485007/|last=N'Duka|first=Amanda|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=18 October 2018|access-date=26 February 2020}} That same year, she starred in the film Hooking Up, and had a role in the film True to the Game 2 starring Tamar Braxton, which was released on April 10. She also starred in the film Rev, released in May 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2020/05/watch-an-exclusive-clip-from-rev-featuring-vivica-a-fox/|title =Watch an exclusive clip from Rev featuring Vivica A. Fox|website=flickeringmyth.com|date =May 8, 2020}}
Fox later competed in season six of The Masked Singer as "Mother Nature". She was the second to be eliminated during the two-night premiere, alongside Dwight Howard as "Octopus" and Toni Braxton as "Pufferfish". However, her unmasking occurred at the beginning of the second part as the first part ended in a cliffhanger.
In 2021, Fox appeared in the independent drama film Secret Society,{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13050400/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_8|title=Secret Society|date=April 2, 2021|via=IMDb}} and was the lead actress in the horror film Aquarium of the Dead.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13835046/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_7|title=Aquarium of the Dead|date=May 21, 2021|via=IMDb}} During this time, she was also cast in the 12 to Midnight television series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7353232/|title=12 to Midnight (TV Series 2021– ) | Sci-Fi|via=m.imdb.com}}
In 2022, Fox had a role in the thriller movie Secret Society 2.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21116728/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_9_act|title=Secret Society 2: Never Enough|date=July 29, 2022|via=IMDb}} She co-starred with Tom Arnold and Elisabeth Röhm in the drama A Marriage Made In Heaven,{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22442176/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_12_act|title=A Marriage Made in Heaven|date=October 8, 2022|via=IMDb}} and had a part in Bobcat Moretti with rapper Coolio.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10846008/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_7_act|title=Bobcat Moretti|date=August 4, 2023|via=IMDb}} Later that year, Fox appeared in several Christmas TV movies: A Cozy Christmas Inn (co-starring Jodie Sweetin),{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19394150/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_3_act|title=A Cozy Christmas Inn|date=October 28, 2022|via=IMDb}} Holiday Hideaway,{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15128214/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_5_act|title=Holiday Hideaway|date=November 24, 2022|via=IMDb}} Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays,{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23029064/|title=Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays|date=November 27, 2022|via=IMDb}} and A New Diva's Christmas Carol (co-starring Ashanti and Mel B).{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23101288/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_2_act|title=A New Diva's Christmas Carol|date=December 14, 2022|via=IMDb}} She also had a role in the critically acclaimed crime story Twisted Vines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19401474/awards/|title=Twisted Vines (2022) - Awards - IMDb|via=www.imdb.com}}
On October 5, 2023, Fox directed the BET+ original movie First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/bet-plus-greenlights-biopic-the-first-lady-of-bmf-the-tonesa-welch-story-1235284934/|title=BET+ Greenlights Biopic 'The First Lady Of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story'|first=Rosy|last=Cordero|date=March 10, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26770557/?ref_=ttrel_ov|title=First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story|date=October 5, 2023|via=IMDb}}
In January 2024, it was announced that a biographical drama thriller film based on a true story of the life of convict Quawntay Adams and titled Bosco would be released for the streaming service Peacock, with Nicholas Manuel Pino writing and directing, and Aubrey Joseph, Nikki Blonsky, Tyrese Gibson, Theo Rossi, Thomas Jane and Vivica A. Fox, joining the cast.{{cite web|title=Prison Escape Movie 'Bosco' Trailer Starring Aubrey Joseph as Bosco|url=https://www.firstshowing.net/2024/prison-escape-movie-bosco-trailer-starring-aubrey-joseph-as-bosco/|last=Billington|first=Alex|website=First Showing|date=January 11, 2024|access-date=January 11, 2024}} The film was released by Peacock on February 2, 2024.
She was acted in the Not Another Church Movie, alongside Kevin Daniels, Lamorne Morris, Tisha Campbell, Jasmine Guy, Lydia Styslinger, James Michael Cummings, Kyla Pratt, Mickey Rourke, and Jamie Foxx. It parodies the films of Tyler Perry.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/mickey-rourke-vivica-a-fox-more-to-star-in-comedy-not-another-church-movie-1235071617/|title=Kevin Daniels, Mickey Rourke, Vivica A. Fox, Lamorne Morris & More To Star In Comedy 'Not Another Church Movie' From Directors James Michael Cummings And Johnny Mack|first=Matt|last=Grobar|date=July 18, 2022}} The film was released in the United States on May 10, 2024.{{cite web|last=Grobar|first=Matt|title=Briarcliff Entertainment Acquires Comedy 'Not Another Church Movie' Starring Kevin Daniels, Jamie Foxx & Mickey Rourke|date=March 27, 2024|website=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/not-another-church-movie-release-date-set-briarcliff-entertainment-1235869687/|accessdate=March 27, 2024}}
Personal life
In December 1998, Fox married singer Christopher "Sixx-Nine" Harvest. The couple divorced in 2002.{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_4_102/ai_89815531/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105034139/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_4_102/ai_89815531|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-01-05|title=Vivica A. Fox files for divorce from husband, Sixx-Nine|date=2002-07-02|publisher=Jet|access-date=2009-11-18}} Fox briefly dated rapper 50 Cent in 2003.{{cite web|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/vivica-a-fox-explains-50-cent-broke-up-and-how-he-ended-it.html/|title=Vivica A. Fox Explains Why She and 50 Cent Broke Up and How He Ended It|last=Jackson|first=Kourtnee|date=May 26, 2021|publisher=Showbiz Cheatsheet|access-date=May 31, 2021}} In November 2011, Fox and club promoter Omar "Slimm" White broke off their 10-month engagement.{{cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/04/vivica-a-fox-omar-slim-white-split_n_1076277.html |title=Vivica A. Fox And 28-Year-Old Fiance, Omar "Slimm" White, Call It Quits |work=Huffington Post |date=November 4, 2011 |access-date=August 11, 2023}}
She was inducted as an honorary member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority in November 2020.{{cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zeta-phi-beta-sorority-incorporated-announces-award-winning-entertainers-religious-and-military-leaders-as-nominees-for-honorary-membership-301146937.html |title=Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Announces Award-Winning Entertainers, Religious and Military Leaders As Nominees for Honorary Membership |publisher=Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated |date=October 6, 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |via=prnewswire.com}}
Acting credits
{{Main|Vivica A. Fox filmography}}
During her career, Fox appeared in more than 250 feature films, made-for-television movies, and television series. She produced more than 40 feature and television films. She began her career appearing on a regular basis on soap operas Days of Our Lives (1988), Generations (1989–1991), and The Young and the Restless (1994–1995), and the sitcom Out All Night (1992–1993).{{Cite web|url=https://www.soapcentral.com/young-and-restless/news/2021/0706-vivica-a-fox-recalls-life-changing-moment-that-took-her-away-from-the-young-and-the-restless.php|title=Vivica A. Fox recalls life-changing moment that took her away from The Young and the Restless|website=soapcentral.com|date=July 6, 2021 }} Her big break came in 1996 with roles in box–office hits Independence Day and Set It Off. She received MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance and Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress nominations for Independence Day. She has also received nominations for nine NAACP Image Awards, include three times in a category Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Soul Food, Two Can Play That Game and Juwanna Mann. For directing the 2023 biographical crime drama film, First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story, Fox received NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/naacp-image-award-nominations-2024-1235887287/|title=Colman Domingo, Ayo Edebiri, Victoria Monét and Usher Lead NAACP Image Award Nominations|first=Angelique|last=Jackson|date=January 25, 2024}}
{{columns-list|
- Independence Day (1996) as Jasmine Dubrow
- Set It Off (1996) as Frankie
- Soul Food (1997) as Maxine
- Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998) as Elizabeth 'Mickey' Waters
- Two Can Play That Game (2001) as Shate Smith
- Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) as Vernita Green
- Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004) as Vernita Green
- Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous (2008) as Sergeant Louisa Morely
- Cool Cat Saves the Kids (2015)
- Chocolate City (2015) as Katherine McCoy
- Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) as Jasmine Hiller
- Arkansas (2020)
- Bobcat Moretti (2022) as Joanne Wallis
}}
Accolades
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{IMDb name|000407}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Vivica A. Fox
|list =
{{MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series}}
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