by Latesha Lipscomb
Bold, beautiful, sassy, and gravely honest, Vivica Fox is certainly more than meets the eye. I had the privilege of sitting down with Ms. Fox to talk about what inspires her to keep evolving in a world of constant change and what I learned in my interview was nothing short of extraordinary.
As the guest VIP speaker for the 2012 Legacy luncheon, Ms. Fox is no stranger to Grand Rapids. Her father was an educator who worked in West Michigan often teaching in classrooms right here in Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor. And more often than not, young Vivica would travel with him. Making her upcoming visit to our town, a much anticipated “homecoming” for the A-list celebrity.
Born of both Native American and African American roots, and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Vivica A. Fox left home and entered the exciting but often times intimidating world of Hollywood at the age of 17. When I asked her about her existing ties to Indiana, the selfdeclared Hoosier and Midwestern girl at heart told me that she still manages to return home for the holidays to indulge in her mothers home cooking. Does this celebrity cook? She laughs out loud and says, “No food, only cleaning duties in mama’s kitchen.”
After joking about the joys of the holidays with the Fox family, we switched gears and began to discuss her rise to fame. Though now comfortably settled under the bright lights of the big city, does she have any regrets? “I have no regrets,” says Fox. “Life is a journey of ups and downs, hills and valleys; one has no time to dwell on the negative.”
Vivica’s career choices have sky-rocketed her into a phenomenal adventure we call fame. Actress, producer, entrepreneur and overall wonder woman, she has captivated audiences on the big screen in notable films including cult classics Set it Off and Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill as well as on the small screen with appearances on hit television shows Law & Order, Scooby Doo! And Mystery Incorporated, just to name a few.
She also had a short stint on Dancing with Stars. “I was very disappointed about being voted off the show and thought that would be the perfect excuse for a little rest and relaxation,” explains the actress. But as fate would have it, life was about to get more interesting. While vacationing on the islands of Turks & Caicos, she received a phone call from her manager that would change her filmography listing over night and ultimately enlarge her territory. Enter Loretta Black, a colorful and audacious 
character being added to the cast of the HBO television series, Curb Your Enthusiasm. Often described as very significant and groundbreaking, her role as LB on the show enabled her to break down cultural barriers thereby becoming a household name in many living rooms across the country. “Working on the show with the very talented and comedic Larry David was hugely gratifying,” boasts Fox.
As we carried on, we stumbled upon one of my favorite subjects, America’s obsession with reality TV. Vivica Fox is no stranger to the role of director and producer having produced Three Can Play that Game and Glam God with Vivica A. Fox. But, will she have a reality TV show of her own? Though she loves the idea of giving her fans a glimpse inside the glamorous life, she assured me that the typical “bad girls behavior” we watch weekly on various shows would not be reflected in a day in the life of Ms. Vivica. She has conquered just about every part imaginable as an actress, yet she still has a role she would like to accomplish. “My dream role in a film would best be described as one that is dark, raw and gritty in a drama.
Or, action-packed and kick-ass in a science-fiction action thriller.” Whether she stars in a cool new reality show or captures a role in an upcoming blockbuster, fans should definitely stay tuned.
As if a smoking hot career in Hollywood wasn’t enough, to round out this triplethreats resume, she launched the Vivica A. Fox Hair Collection, which offers a wide variety of celebrity inspired wigs and hair extensions. Following in the footsteps of trailblazing women like Raquel Welch and Beverly Johnson, lending herself to the Hair Collection came easy. “This was the best decision of my life because I’m able to work smart, not hard, three days out of the year in an industry that is incredibly profitable.” She also greatly enjoys the branding aspect of owning her own Hair Collection. “It provides yet another opportunity for people to trust in you and the work you’ve done for the last 20 years,” explains Fox.
Hardly able to catch my breath in this lively and inspiring interview, I wondered just how does she do it. Vivica maintains balance in her busy world. “I make a consistent effort to stay in touch and keep up with what’s trending in the world around me. One can get sidetracked by fame. My balance is based on being a well-rounded, funny, down-to-earth kind of girl who dares to dream.” Amused and in awe of her tenacity I inquired, what color makes you feel most powerful? “Red, because it is a power color that reflects your passion.” More intrigued by her candor I asked, if she had the ability to shatter one common misconception about who she is, what would it be? “The flippant idea that I’m a diva would be a thing of the past. I’m a firm believer that women with class and grace do it better.” Her message to women is to never give-up, be aware of the world around you and what it takes to thrive in it and to always “keepitrolling.com.”
“My balance is based on being a well-rounded, funny,
down-to-earth kind of girl who dares to dream.”
– Vivica A. Fox
Such life lessons like these began with her mother. “She keeps me grounded mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” Vivica identified her mother as the woman in her family tree who has been the most influential in her life’s journey because she led by example. “My mother worked two jobs to eventually buy her own home and live a life of independence,” explains Fox. In imparting some of her mothers wisdom, Vivica shared that early on in her childhood she was taught that getting a solid education was paramount irrespective of beauty or popularity. “One day I would have to own up to the old adage of having to work twice as hard, to get half as far.” Women who have inspired her include Dianna Ross for her overall beauty and diva stature and Pam Grier for her acting ability and industry longevity. She also added Oprah Winfrey to her list of remarkable women who motivate her to strive for excellence in her endeavors.
I discovered that what inspires Ms. Fox to keep evolving is good old-fashioned success. She is driven daily by the provisionary rewards for self and family that is brought forth by her hard work, creativity and dedication to the pursuit of excellence.
And still there’s more…
Vivica Fox is a delicious complexity of both beauty and brains. Though graciously accepting the huge compliment of being selected by People Magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful people in the world, Vivica believes that real beauty lives in the eye of the beholder. “Maintenance of a women’s physical appearance, the measure of her intelligence and her uncanny ability to be approachable is what makes her truly and uniquely beautiful in her own right,” says Fox. Even with such coveted honors as this under her belt, she doesn’t let her awe-striking and seemingly ageless beauty go to her head. When I asked about the three beauty items that must be present in her handbag at all times she offered an answer almost immediately. “If you take a peak inside my purse you will be sure to find a tube of Great Lash clear mascara so I can manage my brow obsession, a tube of my favorite Chanel lip gloss and a tin of peppermint Altoids for close encounters.”
Down-to-earth, witty and casually comical, I cannot wait for Vivica Fox to visit West Michigan and grace us with her presence.
In the spirit of the Legacy Trilogy event, 100 years from now what would be known as her greatest contribution to Hollywood? The smile in her voice was radient. “I want to be remembered as a small town girl who came to Hollywood and did her thang!” By providing essential and enlightening entertainment to her fans for more than two decades, she is certainly building a legacy of her own. Vivica Fox reminds us, in her infinite wisdom, “Believe in yourself and with the perfect blend of faith, confidence and commitment, you will shine!”
Vivica A. Fox, Hollywood star and business owner, is the special celebrity guest speaker at Events by Jessica Ann’s Legacy Luncheon on February 25, 2012 at the Bonefish Grill. Tickets are $25. Women’s LifeStyle is thrilled to be a sponsor. To learn about the Legacy Trilogy, which includes the Legacy Luncheon, the Legacy Premiere (meet and greet with Vivica at Celebration Cinema for the movie premiere of Tyler Perry’s GOOD DEEDS) and the Legacy Ball visit http://legacytrilogy-efbevent.eventbrite.co.uk/?ebtv=C
“A great figure or physique is nice,
but it’s self-confidence that
makes someone really sexy.’’
– Vivica A. Fox
About the author:
Latesha Lipscomb is the quintessential authority on all things hip, hot and happening NOW in West Michigan. From stay-at-home moms to diva fashionistas, Latesha influences all types of women with her vision of the latest trends. She has devoted herself to helping women unveil their inner and outer beauty and uniqueness while inspiring them to live out loud. Contact her at Latesha@womenslifestyle.com
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