Podcast Summary

Podcast: Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe
Episode: Building a Legacy with Vivica A. Fox
Host: Lena Waithe
Date: September 2, 2025
Guest: Vivica A. Fox

Overview

In this riveting episode of "Legacy Talk," Lena Waithe sits down with powerhouse actress Vivica A. Fox for an expansive conversation about building a legacy as a Black woman in Hollywood. Together, they revisit major moments from Fox's illustrious career—from early TV roles to blockbuster films, iconic comedies, and groundbreaking collaborations with some of the industry’s titans. The discussion is rooted in themes of persistence, versatility, representation, sisterhood, and the ongoing journey toward a multifaceted legacy. The episode is peppered with laughter, honest reflection, memorable stories, and heartfelt gratitude for the path Vivica has paved.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Career and “Out All Night” (00:57–06:31)

• First Big Break: Lena introduces Vivica through the short-lived sitcom "Out All Night," co-starring Patti LaBelle and a young Morris Chestnut. Fox recalls the thrill and nervousness of starring alongside legends and how the live-audience atmosphere made every taping feel like a party.
  • “It was always like a party tape night … and that was in the days of a live audience. I really do miss that.” — Vivica A. Fox (03:34)
• The Premature Cancellation: The show’s cancellation was a devastating blow. Patti LaBelle comforted Vivica, assuring her she’d be fine.
  • “Girl, you done cried so much, you turning white!” — Patti LaBelle to Vivica, recounted by Fox (05:11)
• Lessons Learned: The cancellation taught her resilience and led to a pivotal career mindset: keep pressing forward.

2. Transition to Film: “Independence Day” (06:39–15:11)

• Breaking into Blockbusters: Vivica reveals she had to audition six times for "Independence Day," fighting against the industry bias against soap opera actors.
  • “I had no movie credits … I hit my agent, and I was like, 'Chris, how come I’m not?' ... Thank God the producer’s wife ... was pregnant at the time, sitting at home watching Young and The Restless, which I was on.” — Vivica A. Fox (08:17)
• Working With Will Smith: Their prior chemistry on "The Fresh Prince" landed her an audition. Will’s work ethic inspired her, even if she preferred to balance work and life instead of total method-acting immersion.
  • “Some actors… need to stay in character 24/7. I’m not like that. I have to have a normal life when it’s work time.” — Fox (13:14)
• Impact of Success: The massive success of "Independence Day" was dizzying. Fox recalls being grateful she was out of the country (working on "Booty Call") during the release so the fame “didn’t go to her head.”
• Fast-Paced Career: The relentless pace—shooting five films back-to-back—meant she often missed the chance to “smell the roses.”

3. Groundbreaking Representation: “Set It Off” (16:17–28:14)

• Getting the Role: Director F. Gary Gray approached her for "Set It Off" while visiting the "Independence Day" set; Will Smith coached her through her audition.
  • “Will Smith was my coach for Set It Off. … He made me get more aggressive.” — Vivica A. Fox (19:25)
• Creating ‘Frankie’: The role gave Vivica her “street cred,” allowing her to break out of the “pretty girlfriend” box.
  • “Frankie gave me my street cred ... not knowing I grew up two blocks from the projects. I can walk the line of professional and then have a little hood in me.” — Fox (20:33)
• Key Scene Insights: Fox credits soap opera training for nailing the famous interrogation scene. F. Gary Gray allowed her to ad lib, adding authenticity, such as the “water” line during the police station scene.
• Sisterhood On Set: She describes a unique bond with co-stars Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, and Kimberly Elise.
  • “A sisterhood I’ll never forget. And we made a classic.” — Fox (24:49)
• Sequel Requests: Fox humorously shuts down calls for a sequel:
  • “Only one alive is Jada … we dead.” (26:52)

4. Comedy & Range: “Booty Call” (28:38–36:11)

• Working with Comedians: Fox was initially intimidated by Jamie Foxx and Tommy Davidson but quickly found her stride, becoming a mentor to Tamala Jones.
• Improv Culture: The production was loose; many iconic lines were improvised, especially during the card game scenes.
  • “They let Jamie and Tommy play, and myself, they started trusting me.” — Fox (31:44)
• Career Strategy: By this point, Fox was fielding offers without auditioning, selecting projects for their fun, versatility, and cast.

5. Elevating the Black Family: “Soul Food” (36:11–45:25)

• Personal Connection: Fox based her character Maxine on her nurturing sister, showing a new side of Black family life onscreen.
  • “Maxine was my sister Shuggie ... the glue that holds our family together. ... That’s what I base Maxine on.” — Fox (39:16)
• Chemistry and Authenticity: She, Nia Long, and Vanessa Williams had genuine chemistry, reinforced by shared meals and off-set bonding.
• Longevity & Legacy: Discusses the TV series spin-off and how it extended the original film’s impact.
  • “I’m not a hater, I’m a congratulator. ... Y’all did it.” — Fox (45:25)

6. Underrated Gems: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” (45:56–51:25)

• Studio Decisions Impact: The film’s box office disappointment was due to poor release timing, not lack of audience interest or quality.
  • “We were getting scores through the roof … and we were supposed to come out at Christmas time … but Rush Hour came out and slaughtered everyone.” — Fox (47:24)
• Pushing Through Disappointment: Despite setbacks, Fox received high praise for her performances, especially for emotive scenes with Halle Berry and Lela Rochon.

7. Hollywood Realities and Representation (50:47–53:56)

• Racial Barriers: Fox shares frustration about Black films being denied international distribution and actors needing to “wait their turn.”
  • "You would see others getting opportunities you didn't have—super talented people—and having to wait your turn." — Fox (50:47)
• Solidarity & Recognition: Halle Berry’s historic Oscar win moved Fox deeply, especially as Berry mentioned her by name in her acceptance.
  • “For Halle to share that moment with us is a moment and a feeling I’ll never forget.” — Fox (53:13)

8. Leading Lady: “Two Can Play That Game” (54:14–59:42)

• Creative Control: Fox turned down the film three times because the lead (Shantae) was written as unlikable. She insisted on script changes before agreeing, marking her first time taking a major stand as a lead.
  • “This was the first time as the lead in a film that I said, ‘This is not working for me.’ ... When a person feels you coming with honesty and transparency, I think they can be a little bit more open.” — Fox (55:00)
• Fashion Statement: Fox personally curated her wardrobe and ensured film aesthetics matched her vision of dynamic Black femininity on screen.
• Behind-the-Scenes Power: Brought in Tamala Jones, fought for Black hair & makeup artists, and helped define film’s iconic color palette and styling.
  • “Invest in yourself ... I fought for everything. The way we talk, the way we walk, the way we look.” — Fox (57:21)

9. Action Star: “Kill Bill” Vol. 1 & 2 (61:27–68:27)

• Working with Quentin Tarantino: Fox describes the director’s intensity, devotion to authenticity, and how he pushed her physically and emotionally.
  • “Quentin Tarantino is one of the most precise ... He will not waste your time. He will let you know whether you’re hitting it or whether you’re not.” — Fox (61:31)
• Grueling Training: Months-long training pushed Fox to her limits.
  • “All we did was work out ... I thought we were training for the Olympics.” — Fox (62:45)
• On Criticism & Growth: Learned from Uma Thurman to “know her place” on set, embrace criticism, and use feedback to grow as an artist.
  • “Try to grow from it. Don’t be so stuck and in your own way that you can’t grow. Because growing is always going to lead you to another chapter.” — Fox (65:06)
• Legacy: The “Kill Bill” experience was a career milestone—full of bruises, but also pride and empowerment as a Black female action icon.

10. Comedy Royalty: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (68:44–73:52)

• Unexpected Opportunity: Fox landed the role while on vacation, thanks to her manager’s tip to call Larry David “LD.”
  • “If you call him LD, you gonna get this part ... as soon as he walked in, I was like, ‘Yo, what up, LD?’” — Fox (70:16)
• Queen of Reactions: Learned to “play her position” and master comedic timing as a straight-woman in Larry David’s improvisational universe.
• Breaking the ‘Movie Star’ Mold: The show required her to embrace a stripped-down, makeup-free version of herself.
  • “Imagine that … you wanted me to wear no makeup, which drove me bananas … Thank God I look okay without makeup on.” — Fox (72:51)

11. Defining a ‘Great Actress’ and Reflections on Legacy (74:38–80:11)

• Fox’s Definition: A great actress is someone who takes you on an authentic journey—whom you totally believe. She singles out Angela Bassett and Pam Grier as her inspirations.
  • “My definition of a really good actress is when I totally believe you. … I go on the complete journey with you with that character.” — Fox (74:42)
• Generational Impact: Fox reflects on her journey from being “Auntie Vivica” to “Legend,” recognizing her contribution to opening doors, especially for Black women.
  • “I went into that chapter gracefully. Now they call me legend.” — Fox (77:22)
• Personal Gratitude & Fulfillment: Fox expresses gratitude for her non-stop drive and the fulfillment she finds in her 60s:
  • “I have lived out my wildest expectations. … I’m loving it. This has been like the happiest time I’m having right now.” — Fox (79:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On resilience after setbacks:
  “When you get your first big show, you just think … is it ever going to get better than this?” — Fox (05:11)

• On self-belief:
  “I believed in me and my vision and myself. … I know that I opened the door for them to see beautiful Black women on the screen.” — Fox (58:20)

• On learning and growing:
  “If someone passes something on to you, take it in. Try to grow from it. Don’t be so stuck and in your own way that you can’t grow.” — Fox (65:06)

• On legacy:
  “Someone will always be able to look back and see your work and never be able to say that we weren’t here because you represent us in such a beautiful way.” — Lena Waithe (78:43)

• On her life and ongoing legacy:
  “Being that girl from 38th and Emerson in Indiana that came out here ... I have lived out my wildest expectations ... and I’m loving it.” — Fox (79:43)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:57] – Early “Out All Night” memories and working with Patti LaBelle
• [06:39] – “Independence Day” audition saga, lessons from Will Smith
• [16:17] – “Set It Off” casting, sisterhood, and F. Gary Gray’s direction
• [28:38] – “Booty Call”: Comedy, improv, and learning from Jamie Foxx
• [36:11] – “Soul Food” and depicting Black family dynamics
• [45:56] – “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”: The realities of box office and timing
• [53:11] – Halle Berry’s Oscar win and the power of representation
• [54:14] – Leading “Two Can Play That Game”: Creative control story
• [61:27] – “Kill Bill”: Intense training, working with Tarantino
• [68:44] – “Curb Your Enthusiasm”: Improvisation and comedy adaptation
• [74:38] – What makes a great actress, legacy reflection

Tone and Language

Vivica A. Fox’s style throughout is open, witty, heartfelt, sometimes raw but always deeply authentic. Lena Waithe matches her guest’s warmth and reverence, bringing in both fan devotion and industry insight, creating a space where laughter and vulnerable candor intertwine.