Building a Legacy with Vivica A. Fox

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

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Transcript

[Vivica A. Fox]

Lemonade. So anyway, get all the way to Turks and Caicos. Got on my swimsuit, about to be at the pool chilling. You got the part. And then I remember telling them, y' all get there early. Cause it's probably gonna be packed. Psych. No psych. There's someone passes something on to you, take it in. Try to grow from it. Don't be so stuck. And in your own way, I wish people would quit saying make a secret. We dead. Only one alive is Jadie Got. We dead.

[Interviewer]

Legacy. Oh, Legacy.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Hey. Hey, girl. Hey.

[Interviewer]

Thank you for doing this.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You're welcome. Thank you for having me.

[Interviewer]

I'm so honored to talk to you today.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

And there's so much to talk about, man. This career. Sheesh. Legacy.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Mommy's been working.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. I always like to start with a project that is like the beginning for someone. Right. But I know that you had been on television a little bit before this show that I'm gonna talk about. But the reason why I wanted to start here is because it's where I was introduced to. It was the first time I saw you.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Now. You got my mind spinning.

[Interviewer]

I know. And this is a TV show that was short lived. But there's a thing amongst us in the community that if you say it, you know it. And that is out all night.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes. With Patti LaBelle.

[Interviewer]

Patti LaBelle. A young Morris Chestnut. And I went back and I watched the pilot again.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Did you like? Oh, my God, I was so green.

[Interviewer]

I mean. But Also, like, all 13 episodes are available to watch on YouTube. And I think that's because it kind of sort of developed this audience. And I think people my age remember it coming on and seeing that star power. But I think what was special about the show is that you were the fresh face.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes, I was.

[Interviewer]

Because we knew Duane Martin. I think it was after Morris had done Boyz n the Hood. Correct.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes. Yes.

[Interviewer]

And obviously the legendary Patti LaBelle.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So one I. I wanted to know what that was like for you, being on that set and being a central character in that show. And you're literally between Patti LaBelle and probably one of our favorite heartthrobs to ever live. But what was that like for you at that time, walking onto that set and having to do this multicam comedy?

[Vivica A. Fox]

I just remember being super excited, to be very honest with you. They let us go meet Patti at one of her concerts before we taped. And of course, who's not excited to meet the Patti LaBelle? You know, and she was sweet. We went in her dressing room, she Said, come on in, baby.

[Interviewer]

Yes. Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And then with us doing the show, like you said, I got to work with Morris, who just came off of Boyz na Hood, Dwayne Martin. And it was a blast. Cause it was like a party every week. Cause we always had a musical guest. So a lot of folks came through there.

[Interviewer]

TLC's in the first episode.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. TLC. We've had Mary J. Blige, Marky Mark in the Funky Bunch.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

When he had three nipples. Which he was totally different then than what he is now. Now he's businessman. Yeah. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And I just remember it was just always fun. It was always fun. It was always like a party tape night. Because, you know, you rehearsed during the week.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And then you have tape night. And that was in the days of a live audience.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know, now they don't have live audience. And I miss that.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I really do. Because, you know, whether or not something is funny or not, immediately.

[Interviewer]

Exactly. And I think what I've talked about, you know, sat here with Cheryl D. Ralph, Jada Pinkett, obviously Debbie Allen, we've talked about the skillset one needs to have to work on a multi cam comedy because it is a sort of a unique way of acting.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

So can you speak to that experience and what that was like for you to come on and learn to hit your mark? Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes, please do.

[Interviewer]

Did you learn it pretty quickly? Did it come fast for you?

[Vivica A. Fox]

I did. Thank God. I had. Did soap operas. So that was, for me was like training, going to acting school, learning to hit your mark, know your light, this, that and the third. And so, you know, you get other actors that are new, that are of course nervous, that miss their marks and stuff like that, that you're just like, ugh. But it was fun. I have nothing but the fondest of memories of taping the show. It was when we got unfortunately, prematurely canceled.

[Interviewer]

Okay. Exactly.

[Vivica A. Fox]

We only went one season. And I remember that coming in that next night after we. That next day thinking for table reading. And I could see the look on the head writer's executive producer's face.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And here I'm expecting them to be like, yo, we killed it last night. You know what I'm saying? And they was like, were canceled.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And I will Never forget Patti LaBelle. I cried my face off, child. Because, you know, when you get your first big show, you just think, oh, my God, is it ever going to get better than this? And I remember Patti LaBelle, she said, Girl, you didn't cry so much. You turning white. And that's how much I cried. I was just devastated because I thought we were. I just knew it would be around for a while because people enjoyed it so much.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And shock, surprise, surprise, surprise. You canceled.

[Interviewer]

Okay, well, what was that like for you, being a young actress?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

You know, obviously surrounded by a lot of star power. So I think that was that kind of jarring for you, that you're like, I'm on this show, these big stars next to me, and obviously there was love for it and it still endures. But what was that moment like for you? Obviously, you were crying, but how did you. Heartbreaking. How you figured it out. Yes, of course.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Heartbreaking and devastated because, like, oh, no, now I gotta go back out there and audition and try to get another job.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Are you kidding me? Oh, my God. Am I ever gonna get to work with Patti LaBelle, who taught me all about shoes and fashion and life, but she came and she was just, you're gonna be fine. You're gonna be fine. You're talented. You'll get another job, baby. You're gonna be all right.

[Interviewer]

She was correct.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Thank you for sharing that with us.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

We're going to make a big leap now.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay.

[Interviewer]

To movies.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Small screen. To the big screen.

[Interviewer]

Right, Exactly. And this movie was really impactful for, I think, not just me, but for the world. And you being a part of it, I think, is something that makes the movie extra special. And that movie is Independence Day.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay. Another story.

[Interviewer]

Box office success can. Is very hard. It's like winning the lottery.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And there's no guarantees.

[Interviewer]

There's no guarantees, but you guys hit the lottery with that movie. And I remember seeing it multiple times in a movie theater. Like, that was then. Like, let's go. What are we doing? We go see Independence Day again? Sure. It was that kind of time. And I remember seeing you in it in my ticket. Yeah. Playing a sex worker before it was popular. But I just have to ask, when you were doing it.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Is there any inkling, Is there any idea of what that movie was going to be?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Oh, you could feel it.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes. So, quick question, quick story. I had to audition six times to get the part because I was on a soap opera, Young and the Restless, at the time. Wow. And I had no movie credits, and I had just did an episode of Fresh Prince of Bel Air with Will, and I played the date from hell. And I got the part because, first of all, Will's tall. So I'm tall. And I went into my audition and killed It. And they were like, wow, she's funny. So when I heard about Independence Day. Cause everybody and they mama wanted to be in this movie because we heard it was gonna be big.

[Interviewer]

Okay.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. And so I hit my agent, and I'll never forget, I was like, chris, how come I'm not? I just worked with Will and killed it. And they were like, honey, you're on a soap opera. You ain't got. This is going to be a $60 million movie. So sorry. So thank God the producer's wife, Bill Fay, his wife was pregnant at the time, sitting at home watching Young and the Restless, which I was on. And I remember I was just pouting like, they ain't going to even let me audition. And my agent called me and said, you got the call. I said, what call? Independence Day called, looking for you today.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

But I didn't think that they were gonna let me out to go and audition for it. And I was like, you know, I'm quitting. I don't care. I'll quit. No, I'm going up for Independence Day.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

So first audition, they were like, Ms. Fox, you can go ahead. We carved it out. And I went in the audition with a tight white patent leather jumpsuit on. She was a stripper. Okay, come on, stay with me now. Stay with me. Stay with me. Right? So I went in, and the first thing that they act. The. The. Who's your audition?

[Interviewer]

The casting director.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Casting director said, interesting choice, but I was so focused right here. I was like, I know my lines.

[Interviewer]

I'm not bothered.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I'm not getting sidetracked. No, not at all. You ready? I know my lines. I'm ready. So we finished the audition, and she said, you know, it's a good thing you can act. And I said, wow, why do you say that? And she said, because that outfit is totally wrong. I said, oh, well, she's a stripper. She goes, she's a stripper, but that's not who she is. And I said. She goes, I want you. I'm going to give you some homework. Say, I'm going to give you a call back. So I was thrilled about that. I'll take it. And she said, I want you to watch the movie. What was the movie with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Mead and look at Sandra Bullock and how she's dressed and the character. This is when I first learned my thing about character, child. I was just making sure I knew my lines ain't getting hit it. And so I got it. And so when I came back in, I Had on this cute little dress with combat boots and some little anklet, little. Little stuff around it. And as soon as I walked in, she said, you did your homework. And from that point forward, she fought for me to get the role. So six auditions later and a screen test, I got it. However, at the premiere, the director Roland Emrick told me, it's a good thing you did good. Because my first choice, your first day of filming, My first choice said she was available. But I looked at your dailies and you lit up the screen.

[Interviewer]

Well, that is correct, because you do light the screen up and you know, to stand next to Will Smith, which you had done already on the first Prince of Bel Air. But obviously, you know, sitcom, you know, multi camera is very different in Independence Day, obviously he was. He become a movie star.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And you are right there with him and you have a young son. How was it different working with Will on Independence Day versus Fresh Prince of Bel Air?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, my gosh. By then, Will had turned into a movie star.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You see my bad boys running down the street with the show shirt open. Everybody was like, wow, you've grown up.

[Interviewer]

This is new.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. So he was really focused. I'll never forget, we had a couple of days off and we were in Windover, Utah, and it was windy, and there was a reason, because we. We shot on the salt flats. So they wanted that whole end of the world kind of look, which they achieved.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And it was my day off. So I was at the Jacuzzi having a margarita. I was off, and Will came by holding Trey and was like, what are you doing? And I was like, enjoying my day off. He goes, we get no days off.

[Interviewer]

Classic.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Made me go up to the room and we went and worked out.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. I still had a margarita after he did.

[Interviewer]

No. Wow. So what did that. Were you thinking, oh, this is just Will being focused.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Or was it you saying, okay, maybe I need to keep that in mind?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Well, I'm a person that has learned to balance out life. You know, some actors, like, I'll never forget when we did White and Fools Fall in Love. The Rens wanted you to call him Frankie constantly. And I'm not that type of actor. I know how to turn off. I have to. Because I just am not an actor that needs to stay in character 24 7. You know, you get your method actors that when they do a part, they live and breathe it. I'm not like that. I have to have a normal life when it's. When it's work time. Oh, I'm 100.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

But I just. I can't. I have to balance out life.

[Interviewer]

Okay.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

That's interesting. That makes sense. Just to wrap it up with the Independence Day event when it did blow up. Yes. And it was number one and stayed there for weeks and weeks. How did that make you feel? Did you feel as though, okay, I've arrived now and I'm gonna take off? Or were you just wondering? I'm still curious about where my next job is going to be.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Well, I was actually filming Booty Call, so that lets you know how life was going.

[Interviewer]

Okay, we gonna get to that.

[Vivica A. Fox]

We gonna get to Booty Call. Well, and honestly. And we were filming in Toronto and it was sold out. It was playing 24 hours, and it was selling out around the clock. That's weird. Independence Day was the first of the big blockbuster films, you know, 20 years ago. Over 20 years ago. And it was. It started the trend of summer blockbusters. And I'm so grateful for that. It's an experience. I'm glad, to be honest with you, that I wasn't in America, because my head would have got this big, which it got big anyway. Look, you know. You know, until I had to stick a pen in it and bring it back down to earth. But I'm glad that I wasn't in America, that I was in Canada. So I went back and focused on working and working with Jamie Foxx and Tommy Davison and doing a comedy. So it's so trippy to go from the premiere in Westwood with the lights, and it was all of Westwood. You know, you get your premieres and you get, like, a little block or maybe, you know, Hollywood Boulevard. But no, this was all of Westwood. That's how much press we got.

[Interviewer]

When you were sitting on that red carpet.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Were you thinking about that young lady whose show got canceled all those years ago and kind of wondering how you got there, or just being thankful for that moment that you fought for it?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Whoo. You know, that's a great question. Cause to be honest with you, I did five films back to back to back. So I tell people now, when I look back at my career, I miss so many moments because I was on the treadmill of success. Do you know what I mean? Where it's like, what's next? What's next? What's next? That I didn't take the time to smell the roses. I'm such a workaholic. To my benefit and to my detriment, now I balance diet. Even though I told you I know how to Cut it off. But when it came to being successful, I was extremely driven because I started late. I didn't start acting until I was 24. Wow. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Wow. Thank you for that. That's real. We're gonna talk about another movie of yours that, you know, I don't say this lightly. It changed who I was when I walk out of the theater.

[Vivica A. Fox]

No wonder when you see me, you hug me the way you do.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Cause it's like it's not just once. It keeps happening. You keep showing up in films and TV shows that have really pushed culture forward.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

And I think that's why it's really just such an honor just to be in conversation with you. But this movie in particular, I remember being very young, singing in a movie theater. Okay. With my mom.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Never knew you were such a movie buff.

[Interviewer]

Oh, my God. It's like it was a lifeline growing up in Chicago, just going to the movies with family and friends. And so we walk in to see this movie, set it off, and we walk out. Just different. Yeah. You know, set it off is one of those moments that you just don't forget. And I was old school. I watched it on vhs. I put it in the VHS tv. Put it in there. Where you had, like, a musical before the movie starts.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I do, yes.

[Interviewer]

I'm like, wow. I just. There are these moments that keep happening that I'm like, damn, that's good. Wow, that's great. What a small, nuanced moment that was. And I think the thing that stands out to me about Set it Off is that it starts with you.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

We're on you. And what's so special about what you're doing with this character is she's a black woman who is working at a bank, which is very corporate. But the person that steps up, who we know is there to rob the bank, is someone she knows, someone she knows from her neighborhood. And just that walking that tightrope of being in corporate America, but also knowing where you come from is something I think you do really well on screen. And I think it's why so many black women see themselves in you, but still kind of aspire as well when they see you. And I just was curious. 1. How did the movie come to you?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay.

[Interviewer]

How did it come?

[Vivica A. Fox]

So F. Gary Gray came to visit me on the set of Independence Day. And I'll never forget this night. It was the night with the tunnel.

[Interviewer]

Scene, with.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Getting out of the car. Great hair moment. Wind, all that wonderful thing. And I turned. Cause I knew G. And I was like, gee, what you doing here? And he's like, I came to see you. And I was like, for what? He goes, I want you to come and audition for my new movie I'm about to do. And I was like, what's the name of it? And he's like, set It Off. And I was like, okay. He says, but I'm gonna hit you after this. Cause it's gonna be more to your audition than what I'm able to tell you. So I hit him up, and I was like, what's up? And he's like, unfortunately, we have a name on hold for the role that I think you're perfect for. So I want you in my movie. If you don't get to play Frankie, I want you to play Titi, but I want you in my movie, Vivica. And I said, okay. Bet. I was doing Independence Day, and I'll never forget, I was on the set, and I was kind of reading through my stuff, and Will was like, what you doing? And I was like, I'm gonna audition for Set It Off. And he's like, well, Jada. He said, come on.

[Interviewer]

Oh, my right?

[Vivica A. Fox]

So Will Smith was my coach for Set It Off. So we went in, and he was like, you gotta just like, take this shit biblically, like, you. You can do this. He's like, eh. T.T. you know, meh. Frankie.

[Interviewer]

Damn right.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know what I'm saying? And so he. I never forget. He coached me. He made me get more aggressive. He's just such a wonderful actor. And he had grown so much himself as an actor.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

So I went in and I did Frankie and Titi and F. Gary Gray had the same reaction. He was like, yo, dawg, you Frankie. I gotta figure this out. I gotta figure this out. I gotta figure this out. And he just said, stay in touch with you, V. But to me, you Frankie. And I'll never forget getting the call. And it worked out. So when we filmed, Set it off, my desire to give Frankie what, 1000% was just. I don't think I've ever been so dedicated to a character.

[Interviewer]

What did you want to bring to that character?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Well, for me, it was me getting my street cred. Cause everybody used to just see me as the pretty girl, the girlfriend, you know, rolling neck a little bit. You know what I mean? But Frankie. Frankie gave me my street cred. Cause everybody was like, yo, I didn't know Vivica could be like that, not knowing. I grew up two blocks from the projects. But as you said, I can walk the line of Professional. And then have a little hood in me. But that Frankie got hood. Hood after getting fired.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. And also being traumatized.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And traumatized as well, too.

[Interviewer]

In front of her as well.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And I take my hat off to F. Gary Gray because he made sure that those relationships were established, that they meant something. Why would these. Because I'll never forget he said this to me. I refuse to have people go in thinking that this is a comedy. Four girls robbing banks. He said, I want them to feel y', all, and mission accomplished.

[Interviewer]

We do. Can you talk to me about filming the scene when you're being interrogated after the robbery?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Ooh.

[Interviewer]

I mean, it's so moving and so much so that I rewound it and just watched you again of how just human you are in that moment. What did you do to get there, to prepare for that, Sam?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Well, I will say this. Thank God I did soap operas. And when I say that soap operas are an excellent training ground for any actor to learn material, you have to do monologues. You have to learn so much. You got to hit your mark. You got to learn to cry. So for Frankie, for me, that. What are you talking about? Yesterday, I just counted. Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da. Yeah. For me. Almost came out effortless because we shot the film in order. So we did the bank robbery, and Darnell coming in, and he just let me. When she. When he blew her head. You know, that actress, by the way, she was an older actor. She was good. She was real good. Because it looked like a chunk came out of. I was like, wow. So actually. And then he just let me feel what it was like to be left alone and nobody helped you. And then to be, as you say, interrogated and then to be blamed. Yeah, yeah. You were collusion. Collusion. Okay. Like, are you kidding me? So that was easy. And then. I love that F. Gary Gray. Let me. The one line that I said to the actress about the water. When I said about the water. I adlist.

[Interviewer]

That's so interesting, because I liked. I was. I thought to myself, also how interesting about. Set it off that you have the white guy cop.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes. Who does his.

[Interviewer]

He does his thing, but his partner is a black woman.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Is a black woman. And I told him, I said, come on, G. You gotta give me this. You gotta get. Look, she's the only black woman in the room, and she drinking water while I'm splattered with blood, and she does nothing.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And he said, I'm gonna give you 1, take 1. And that happened Several times in set it off that he would let me ad lib and he kept it.

[Interviewer]

Wow. Well, that was making me ask, what was the experience like working with F. Gary Gray?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Awesome. F. Gary Gray and Quentin Tarantino are my two favorite directors that I've ever worked with.

[Interviewer]

What was it about F. Gary Gray that spoke to you?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Well, first of all, he was a young African American man with a huge responsibility. And then he was bringing in Dr. Dre, and you know what I mean, he was bringing the hood to Hollywood. Nine million film. That nine million dollar film that ended up grossing. I think it was 40. Which at the time was. Yeah, we were just killing. And we were. And we were in half the theaters of our competitors, which was white. So, you know, I loved, like my first five films, people. It was like a little movie that could. Little movies that could. That they only gave us half of the theaters because at the time, black films didn't sell. But they learned.

[Interviewer]

Right. What was it like being with those other three actresses every day?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Awesome. A sisterhood that I will never forget. And we made a classic.

[Interviewer]

You did.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And I'm so very proud of that. And the fact that all of us are still working.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know, it's just. And producing and doing all kinds of stuff is a testament to the sacrifice and the effort because we fought. We shot, I think, three to six weeks of the film at night. So we were like vampires. You know, you go to work at 6. I know the worst night shoots, and it was cold. And my scene when I got killed, they had to wet the street. It was cold. I think it was like 4:30am thank you. But the good thing is that I was doing my stuff on like two takes or so.

[Interviewer]

Ooh. And G would be like, got it.

[Vivica A. Fox]

But that's how focused I was and how much I wanted to make him proud more than anything else. Like, you picked the right one.

[Interviewer]

Wow. I love. He came and got you too. He's like, look, you need to be in this movie. Yeah, I do. Want the last question. I want to ask about that. That final scene with you.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

We talk about the first scene and how much you had to bring there.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

What was that like for you as an actress stepping onto that set, knowing.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I was gonna be killed that night?

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I'm very athletic, so for me, I wanted to show him how good I was with my body. You know what I mean? I don't know if you'll notice it, that when they shot me, when I fell out of camera, you saw my feet go all the way up. And G was like, oh, my God, I cannot believe you just did that. And. Yeah, I just. I went all out for him. I really did. And it is what. I mean, thank God I am so physical, because the roles that I played have been very physical and so. But I do remember that that ground was wet and cold. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Look, I mean, it's an unforgettable performance. Thank you. And it's just an honor to watch again and again and again. And all of you make the movie phenomenal. But.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And I wish people would quit saying, make a sequel. We did. Only one alive is J.D. we dead.

[Interviewer]

That just. That's a testament to how much people love these characters.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I know.

[Interviewer]

And I just love the nuances. Even that scene when you don't want Titi to get some of the cut because she didn't do what she was supposed to do. But as I was.

[Vivica A. Fox]

But I was jealous of her.

[Interviewer]

Ooh, jealous.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Messed around with my guy.

[Interviewer]

Oh, yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, that was the under thing. That. Yeah, okay. She had messed around with my guy. That's why I was so jealous of her.

[Interviewer]

Okay, well, what was dope was as I was watching the movie again and that scene came up, I didn't even realize it, but I said it with you when you said, it's not you I'm mad at. Yes. Like, that's how much this movie is in our DNA that I'm watching it for research. And I just go, it's not you I'm mad at. That's how iconic you are and these characters are. But also, even in that moment, I just think, wow, sisterhood.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes, exactly.

[Interviewer]

That's what it looks like. It's a. You make a. A mistake. And then Stoney, she's like, nah, come on. And you're like, all right, yeah, you. Right. My bad. It's just also the conversation you all have when you're kind of playing with the Godfather.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And you really showed us another scene we shot at 3 o' clock in the morning.

[Interviewer]

But it's just. It's light. It is funny. But you guys are showing us what sisterhood actually is supposed to look like. So beautiful. Okay, so from the sublime to the humorous. Okay, we gonna talk about Booty Call. Okay. I remember going to see this movie at the movie theater. That's the other cool thing. It's like.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah, I know.

[Interviewer]

Like, I get to have these memories, you know? And my aunt took my sister and I. And I remember she didn't want to say the name of the movie when she was asking for the ticket.

[Vivica A. Fox]

How you think I feel telling my.

[Interviewer]

Mama, here's the deal, my probably 12 year old son, whatever. I said, let me get three for booty call, please.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Stop motion. You know, and knowing you, you probably love saying it too.

[Interviewer]

My aunt was like, oh, my, what am I doing? I'm babysitting them. But this is. I don't know. And we're like, relax, it's fine. And so we in there and we're just cracking up.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Mm.

[Interviewer]

And it is a lot of sexual stuff.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes, it is.

[Interviewer]

But it just was. It was amazing. So I'm curious, what was the experience like for you reading that script? Were you laughing at the script?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, yeah. Well, first of all, when I found out I was working with Jaim Fox and Tommy Davidson, at first I was a little intimidated. I'm not gonna lie here. These guys are from In Living Color. Do you know what I mean? I was like, oh, my God, they're probably gonna slay the girls. They're having two girls in the. Tamala Jones at the time was new. She was so new booty. Do you know what I mean? No, she was new booty. Like, I had to tell. I was like, come here. No, I did. You can ask her. I, like, turned into her mentor. I let her, told her, don't spend all her per diem shopping in Toronto.

[Interviewer]

I'm not gonna do this with you.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I had to. Pamela was like, yo, man, how much money they giving us? I'm going shopping. But anyway, it was awesome. We filmed in Toronto, but you just had to put your big girl boots on and learn to listen and counter. Especially with those guys. Cause you never knew what they were gonna throw at you. Oh, please.

[Interviewer]

I was gonna ask how much ad limbing is happening at that table when y' all playing cards.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, oh, the scene at the. At the thing. By then I thought I was real good. I thought I was hanging. I had my moments worked out. But it was a moment in the restaurant that Tommy Davison was teaching the little waiter guy. You are a big. You a big mouth horse bitch motherfucker. And we were like, oh, my God. And he didn't tell us. He had told the guy to say that you are a horse mouth bitch. Yeah, sorry. That was a lot of swearing.

[Interviewer]

Sorry.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I was popular, but yes. No, you like, we grown.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, we cool.

[Vivica A. Fox]

So Tommy was giving the waiter lines and not telling us. So we were cracking up constantly. It was so funny. So much fun. But never do a film with Jamie Foxx and go partying with him.

[Interviewer]

Oh, Well, I know. Please.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah, he's. Yeah, he's. Yeah, Jamie can party and then be up on the set the next morning like nothing, like no big deal. And then play the piano. And then I was in the room next to him and he was playing that damn piano. And I was like, boy, if you don't stop playing it, what's that gonna get you? Oh, well, just an Oscar, you know, for playing Ray. But I didn't get it at the time. I was hungover.

[Interviewer]

Look, well, here's my question. I'm curious, how much of it was on the page and how much of it would you say you all brought to it?

[Vivica A. Fox]

I would say 80, 20. They let Jamie and Tommy play, and myself, they started trusting me. Stuff that I came up with. But I would say Jeff Pollock, rest his soul, he passed away. He was like, cool. He was partners with Benny Medina. So he would let us play. Which you're always grateful for when the director trusts you and they're not going cut. Okay, that wasn't on page. And there's an and. And I need a comma. And I'm not hearing your G's. Welcome to the world of acting.

[Interviewer]

Look, well, here's the deal. I did talk to Jada when she was here about what it was like working with Eddie Murphy and to know your professor. What was it like for you going toe to toe with Jamie Foxx and booty call.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Intimidating. Absolutely. Jamie is just the best at comedy. And he's very good with physical comedy, with his face and his mannerisms, you know what I mean? That he could just turn and, you know, the lips and, you know, and you're just like, whoa, where'd that come from? So you keep up with him, though? I did.

[Interviewer]

You two are so great. That's why I was curious if I was like, oh, I wonder if she. If comedy just comes so naturally or if there was a natural chemistry between the two. And had you two met before then? You hadn't met before that?

[Vivica A. Fox]

No.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

No. I mean, I was obviously a fan. And so you were familiar with his work? Oh, absolutely. And they kept wanting him to do things that were like Wanda, and he refused to do it. And he said, I have to break away from that character. So he enjoyed playing Buns Listerine? Uh huh. And I was Listerine, of course.

[Interviewer]

Oh, wow. Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And he really enjoyed the scene with the peanut butter underneath the table and the dog. And it was. Of course, I did not want my mother to go see that movie. Oh, my God. I did not. I did not it was so sexual. My mom was from the church, so you know what that's like.

[Interviewer]

Look. Yeah, okay, look, my baby lazy Christians. Were you. I mean, because obviously you was like, I'm gonna go all in. I'm gonna have a good time. We're gonna do this movie. And at that time were you just like, I want to do this, or were you thinking, oh, what are people going to say? Not just my mom, the title is what it is. But then also it endures and it has this legacy as well. I mean, we're here talking about it.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I know. And when 13 year old little boys come up to me and say, I really liked you in Booty Call, well, I kind of figured we had a.

[Interviewer]

Moment to have part of their sexual awakening.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Thank you. Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

So it's a double edged sword, that's all I can say.

[Interviewer]

Because I'm curious what is happening for you with your choice making at that time? Yes, you're saying you're very ambitious and you're on the treadmill, but are those, those things happening where you're like, okay, I've done this film, I've done this. Are you being super strategic or are you being open to the opportunities that are coming? And was Booty Call an offer? Yes, it was an offer. So they asked you to do it?

[Vivica A. Fox]

I haven't, fortunately had to audition in years.

[Interviewer]

Nice. Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

So, you know, that's always a blessing because they were sending me movies with the best cast available that, how could I say no, to be very honest with you?

[Interviewer]

So Jamie was already involved?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. The first thing they said was Jamie and Tommy. I was like, in there. And then I knew Jeff and, you know, so I was aligned, you know? You know, you get your actresses that when they start having their moments that they start getting the offers and you don't have to audition. So I was literally like, I think five to six films back to back to back, that every time they released they were coming number one minimum. Top five. Yeah. My films were doing amazing for me.

[Interviewer]

So Booty Call, would you say that sort of came in terms of your name? They called to get you and you're like, sure, I want to do this.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. I mean, you know, to be number one or two on the call sheet, that lets you know that those are your leads in the film. So. And like I said, they were just lining me up with cast members that were just. I almost couldn't say no. And I like versatility.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know, I think that versatility has been the key to my longevity that wow. Okay. Just when you try to put her in a box because you think she's the good looking girl, that then she can go over there and kick some butt, then she can go over there and make you cry, then she can go over there and play somebody's mama.

[Interviewer]

Oh, yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know what I mean? So I think that that's why my career has lasted so long and that I've been able to gracefully go into different chapters. Thank you, God.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Truly. Here's another movie that has endured and that I love so much. And I saw it so many times in a movie theater. I'm talking about Soul Food.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Aw.

[Interviewer]

And being from Chicago, seeing it in Chicago in a movie theater was a very unique experience. And I think that's because there was a pride in that. You guys are filming our city, and George Tillman is a Chicagoan, went to Columbia College. So I want to ask, what was the George Tillman experience like?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Awesome. Yet another offer that he came directly to me. It's like, you're Maxine. But I'll never forget the scene on the lake with the sun where I was like, I carried your little butt for Namas. It was freezing.

[Interviewer]

The sky is looking beautiful, though, in that scene. Stunning is this painting.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I know. It almost didn't look real.

[Interviewer]

It doesn't look real. I was looking at it again. I said, look at the sky. Look at this black mother and son. And you're encouraging him, and he's trying to get the family back together. It's such a wholesome but, like, messy movie. It really is about black families.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yep. George did his thing. He really did. And that was a limited budget. Our executive producers were Tracey Edmonds and Babyface soundtrack.

[Interviewer]

Come on.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Lit. Okay.

[Interviewer]

This T shirt I was wearing yesterday called Soul Food soundtrack.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I'm surprised you didn't wear it today.

[Interviewer]

That would have been too much.

[Vivica A. Fox]

That would have been too much wear. That would have been too up in.

[Interviewer]

The head, like me wearing it. Watching Soul Food yesterday was a whole.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Situation, but it was awesome. We filmed it. The scenes are just so memorable. Like me and Nia in the thing, and I was like, you pregnant? You know what I mean? Yeah. You gonna always be my sister, you know, no matter what. And then Irma P. Hall, who played Big Mama and Vanessa, you know, the sisterhood. Nate, you know what I love about my films? They're always connected to holidays. Independence Day, Fourth of July, Soul food, Thanksgiving. So, you know, people will. My films will always stay classics that stay with you for the holidays, that represent family, that represent Celebration and you seeing your first African Americans as the winners and superheroes of the film with Will and me saving the first lady and the dog. So.

[Interviewer]

Y' all took your big one. So, soul food. What I was thinking about when watching it again is just that it's so relatable, I think, in terms of all the sisters. Obviously, Maxine is a homemaker and a mother and a loving wife. And then you have Terry, who is a lawyer and professional and the provider. The provider, yes.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Who constantly let you know.

[Interviewer]

Yes. And then obviously you have Bird, who is like an entrepreneur, you know, I'm curious, what did you want to bring to Maxine? Because she is a wife, she is a mother.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

And you just inhabit that character so beautifully. You feel so in your body, and it feels so real. What were you thinking about as you were preparing for that part?

[Vivica A. Fox]

A lot of my characters, I based them on people that I know or my family members. Maxine was my sister, Shuggie.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. And my sister Shuggie is the glue that holds our family together. The fortunate thing with us is that our family is really not beefing like they did. But of course, there was drama for the move. We gotta have that. But I based Maxine on my sister because she's such a good mom. Like, she's everything I wish I could have had, but I'm not regretful of my choices. You know what I mean? I'm the career runner, in a way. I'm kind of like Terry. I'm the one that, financially, when things need it, I make sure it happens. I don't complain as much about it. Well, sometimes. But my sister, to this day is just such a nurturing, kind, beautiful woman. And so that's what I base Maxine. But she can get ghetto with you.

[Interviewer]

Now, as we all do.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Don't push no button.

[Interviewer]

Don't do it.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Don't do it. Don't do it.

[Interviewer]

A theme that kind of keeps popping up in your career and will, again we're going to talk about is sisterhood, obviously. And set it off. And literally, in soul food, what was that experience like for you with Vanessa and Nia to develop a bond on set that feels more familial, you know, because obviously we set it off. These are your friends, and you buy it, you know, but, you know, and set it off. Set it off in soul food. Your sisters, your siblings. And so what did you all do behind the scenes to develop that chemistry that you have that we just believe it? We buy y' all our actual sisters. And this Is a family that you all are part of. I buy.

[Vivica A. Fox]

But Nia and I knew each other, so that wasn't as hard. Now, I will admit that when we were filming Soul Food, we didn't get to have as much time with Vanessa just due to the fact her schedule was crazy at the time because she was like, got an album, was doing stuff on the weekend and stuff like that. But to be honest with you, it worked to our advantage because she was supposed to be the cold one that we really couldn't connect, the one that was the provider who was always out working, who could. Who was there, but not really. So it worked to our advantage. And we spent a lot of times we all go out and have something to eat in Chicago. You know, Chicago got great restaurants. So, you know, so we would all bond. And to this day, Brandon, who played Ahmad, my son, we're still very close.

[Interviewer]

Wow, that's beautiful. You know, I think there's an interesting thing about soul Food that obviously it endures.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

And it's that thing where it comes up again in dialogue and online and there's a conversation that's happening that I said, I want to ask you about. Is. Is Terri right? Is it sometimes for the family, you know? Cause I'm watching it back and I'm like, yo, this is. This is tough. Like, you took her man back in the day. Married to him, got kids. It's cool. The cousin is now, you know, messing around with her husband.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And she trying to help get, you know, lim out of jail. So she really is taking on a lot. But at the time we watching it, why she so upset? Why she got such an attitude? Now we're looking at it and we're like, yo, did Terry have a point?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. Trust me. Being the provider in my family, sometimes it drives me. I ain't gonna even lie. Last birthday party I had with my brother cost me $30,000. I was like, look here.

[Interviewer]

Wow, look here.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I'm tired. When you gonna pay? Cause we're born on the same day.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. It's July 30th, four years apart. But look, I had so much fun. But I was mad having fun. Cause I was like, why am I the one always writing the checks? Wow. So I get it. So that's why I said I get family. And because when we were filming, Vanessa was. She played that character perfectly. She really did. And we recently just did like a 24, five year reunion deal. And it was awesome. You know, it's like we're all forever connected, you know? How sometimes you work on movies, and when it's over, you're like, oh, yeah, what movie did we do together? Oh, yeah, okay. But us, it's like we still. We all went out to eat afterwards, and it was lovely. Wow.

[Interviewer]

I mean, I gotta admit, too. Cause the movie was such a big deal for us in Chicago and our family. I remember when the series was being announced, and I said, how this is gonna work.

[Vivica A. Fox]

What?

[Interviewer]

What?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And then I ended up liking the series, and I watched it a lot. Then I was like, okay, great. But that also just goes to show. Yeah. That it can endure. And it really taught me something as a young kid. Cause I was kind of feeling weird about it. I said, how do you do Soul Food as a series without the cast? And then, of course, I'm a part of a movie called Dear White People that then becomes a show on Netflix where they don't have the whole cast. And. Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

How does that make you feel?

[Interviewer]

Well, I think I just thought, well, I learned this lesson already because of Soul Food, because I was sitting in front of the tv because I was.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Jealous at first when they was doing the series, and I couldn't do it. I ain't gonna even lie. I ain't gonna even lie. I was like, how y' all not gonna have the original cast?

[Interviewer]

I mean, I said the same thing. But the truth is, because y'. All, here's. If we really look at it this way, okay. Y' all were established. People knew. Obviously, people knew who all of you were. And it was a big deal for the three of you to be on that screen together. And so I think for another Vanessa Williams to take on Maxine and obviously.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Trippy.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, I know, right? And then Melinda, you know, and obviously, you know, Nakori Parker. That was a big moment for them for us to sort of be introduced and to go. Even though they had been around, but it was still new, still. Yeah. And to be with them every week and for it to work, I think it just. It shows the legacy again that you began. You originated these roles.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I'm the og.

[Interviewer]

You the OG that's right. You the og but you opened up a door for another actress to step in and create and have her own Maxine.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I mean, it took a while for me to detach. I'm not gonna lie.

[Interviewer]

I get that.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Do you know what I mean? When I was kind of like, that's our stuff. But then they were so good and it became so successful that, you know, I'm not a hater. I'm a Congratulator. I was like, y' all did it.

[Interviewer]

All right, look, you started it. You started it. You started it. Sisterhood. The theme of sisterhood continues with this next movie that I was very grateful to see in a movie theater. And I wish the theater had been a little bit more crowded, but it didn't matter. It was important that I was there with my friends watching this movie, and that is why do fools Fall in love?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

We skipped out of that movie theater singing the songs and just being blown away again by the star power. You, Halle Berry.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Lila Rashawn.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Lorenz Tate. It just. It just. It blew us away. We didn't know anything about Frankie Lyman. You know, we were like, in junior high, like, we're going to high school. We weren't familiar.

[Vivica A. Fox]

So can I tell you, that was the first time in my career I was disappointed, and let me tell you why.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

The studio, you know, they do the tests. Preaching.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

To see how it's gonna. On the radar or whatever it was. And we were getting scores through the roof. And we weren't supposed to come out until Christmas time, which was to be a setup for award season, because Lord knows I worked my tail off playing Elizabeth, going from 16 to 60, and prosthetics and this, that, and the third. And I was actually doing a sitcom at the same time. So I was working like crazy. But I was really. Ella Joyce was my acting coach, who didn't give me no water and set it off. But, yes, Ella Joyce was working with me at the time. She had done Rock. She had done everything. And I was like, ella, I need you. They're having me do this movie and this sitcom at the same time. Help. And I've never been a person that's afraid to ask for help or if I don't know something. You know, I always tell young actors, if you have a question, don't be afraid to speak up, because you'll regret it if you don't. So anyway, make a long story short, we were testing through the Roof, and they decided to put us out early against Studio 54 and this little movie with Chris Rock. Chris. Chris. Chris. Chris. Comedian. Him and Jackie Chan.

[Interviewer]

Oh, Chris Tucker.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah, Chris Tucker. Rush Hour. They said, yeah, you know, we don't think you'll have to worry about Studio 54 because it's a different type of film. Never put two musicals out. You know, kind of movies against one another. That's stupid. And aren't we supposed to come out in Christmas time? Why are you guys rushing this. And they were like, well, because there's this little movie. I think we're gonna beat all of them, girl. Rush Hour came out and slaughtered everyone. I mean, everyone. Listen, I love Chris Tucker. Yeah, he's awesome. And I could not believe it. It was the first time that I even went to the movie theater. It's like, nobody was there.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I was shocked. I remember sitting. Because that was then when you. I got like, 20 of my friends. Y' all come on, let's go check out another one of my flicks. No one was there. And I was like. And then I remember telling them, y' all get there early. Cause it's probably gonna be packed. Psych. No psych. I was remember going in there, like, did they let people in yet? Because this mug is empty. Wow. Yeah. And I remember being disappointed. And it was the first time my film didn't do numbers. However critically, people came out going, vivica, yo, you did your thing.

[Interviewer]

The scene with the dog.

[Vivica A. Fox]

The scene with the dog. That. And then the scene with me and Halle Berry eating, where there was no dialogue, but everything was said.

[Interviewer]

I mean, you know, after the full scene, too.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You naked, My girl. Did you know how he fell and hit my back? What? Girl, to this day, got a little bit of a bad back behind that scene. Cause they had to wet the ground again, you know? Cause they gotta make it look dark. And I had on these little slippers, child. And was trying to run from Halle about this wig that I had on, and whoop, Boom.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Fell right on that tailbone. Tried to go to a chiropractor and. Yeah, yeah. But once again, all in for the role. So I went and got adjusted and came right on back.

[Interviewer]

It's interesting because I was gonna ask about that. Was it surprising because of the star power at the time? But it just goes to show that they put a movie out at a different time against something.

[Vivica A. Fox]

It's out of our hands.

[Interviewer]

Right? Exactly. You don't have any control over it at all. And it's such a difficult thing to be probably sitting in that movie theater.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Where is everybody?

[Interviewer]

What is going on?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Don't they know Vivica Fox is in this movie? And the Wrens and Halle Berry, the lineup. What? What? And then I told him, I said, you guys really didn't do your homework. And that pisses me off, because at that time, they were thinking, okay, Vivica. And the lineup is gonna be guaranteed. But timing. And Gregory Nava, the director, was just amazing. He really had just came off of Selena, so He also had that guaranteed box office type of deal. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Wow. I mean, I think it's educational for people because I think you can get caught up in if we have this name, if we have this thing, you know, but it's about if you don't. If your audience doesn't know when it's coming out, if they aren't aware, if they don't really rally, it'll kind of. And I remember it was that thing about, do black movies do well? How do we support them?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, you know, that used to piss me off to hear, oh, you don't sell international. This is why we don't take your films international. Or this is why you don't work on tv. You know that when I first started acting, that used to be the thing that would devastate me the most. When you would see others getting opportunities that you didn't have, that you just literally had to kind of suck up and wait your turn and do the work. That was difficult to be around super talented people and having to wait our turn. I was very difficult.

[Interviewer]

I get it.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

You know, there's a really big moment, I think, that happened when Halle Berry won the Academy Award. And I remember watching it late. It was very late at night.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, you were on the. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer]

It was late. Everybody had gone to bed at that point. And I was just in my room with my little TV and I was watching and hoping, you know, for her. Yes, hoping. And of course, that door was opened, as she said. And I think what stayed with me was the roll call she did about the actresses beside her. She said, Angela Bassett, Jada Pinkett, VK Fox. Mm. Where were you when that. When you watched that?

[Vivica A. Fox]

I was at Hollywood party.

[Interviewer]

What. What was that? Like?

[Vivica A. Fox]

It still makes me very emotional.

[Interviewer]

Your name.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. Like, I'll forever be connected to her.

[Interviewer]

Absolutely.

[Vivica A. Fox]

She did not. Did not have to share that moment with any of us. She didn't. And the fact that she did share it with us just made it even more incredible because for such a long time, when we all started acting, it could only be one of us in a room. 1. And they pitted us against each other. I can remember going up for roles and it would be me. Leila. Excuse me. Oh, gosh. At that time, I think Robin Givens, like, you know, I remember going to auditions and you'd see that top five.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Sitting there and wanting to speak and wanting to be nice to each other. And you. I would always just go walk out in the hallway because I would not Want to get unfocused, because that was something that my acting coach told me at the time. She's be nice later. And you have to stay focused. The spirit of competition sometimes is a lonely place. And she was right. And so for Halle to share that moment with us is a moment and a feeling I'll never forget. And they play it all the time.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

So thank you, Halle. Thank you, hb.

[Interviewer]

I love it. Now, another film I love that is really. I call this your movie. And I remember watching it all the time. Okay.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay. Now I know where you're going. Yes.

[Interviewer]

Who can play that game?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Morris Chestnut returns. Yes. Little bit older, a little bit child.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay.

[Interviewer]

He, like, look. Okay.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

But, you know, I love the movie Boomerang. I love the remake of Alfie with Jude Law and him breaking the fourth wall. And I remember seeing that movie and watching you break the fourth wall and watching you in the suit, you know, and being. Because, yes. We talk about number one and number two on the call sheet. That's a very industry term to me. I think of you in that movie as you're centered.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

It's your movie.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

And I loved it so much. I'm just curious how it came together.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Because I turned it down three times, just so you know.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I hated the script at first.

[Interviewer]

Okay.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Hated it. It was. Shantae was such a bitch. She was so condescending. She. The way she spoke to the audience was just unacceptable to me. So I turned it down. So finally, Clint Culpepper, Sony Jams, came to me and said, bitch, we can't make this movie without you. And I said, oh, this is true. Okay. He said, how can I make you happy? I cannot make this movie without you, Vivica Fox. And I said, the script is awful. And he says, okay, come have a meeting. I'm gonna have you meet with the director. And we are going to figure this out because you are going to do this film. This is going to be good for you. So I got out of my own way, and this was the first time as the lead in a film that I said, this is not working for me. This isn't working for me. And I wasn't mean with it. I just was honest. And when a person feels you coming with honesty and transparency, I think they can be a little bit more open to. Now, the director, Mark Brown, wasn't happy, okay. Because, you know, when some. It was the first movie for him, so he wrote it and was directing it. Directing it. And so he was very married to the words. Okay. And I just. I had to explain my motivation, why it wasn't working for me as an actress. And Clint Popett was like, listen to her. Listen, Mark. And so I told him. I said, it's gotta be a battle of the sexes if Shantae is winning all the time. No one's going to care if she's beating Keith up and belittling him. No one's going to. They're going to hate me.

[Interviewer]

And Anthony Anderson is a great target.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And then Anthony Anderson brought his whole thing in it. I didn't even know. Oh, my gosh. Then we had Wendy, and we had Monique, and then Tamla. I brought her from Booty Call. I said, but you've. And then Gabrielle. Yes, Gabrielle came out there with that ponytail and her and me. And I mean, just the. It worked, but the characters had to make sense. Thank you, F. Gary Gray, for teaching me about characters and how they have to connect. And it's gotta make sense. We can't just stand up there and be saying lines. And we was all fine, too. Now, how can you have that fine cast? And they suck.

[Interviewer]

Y' all continue to be fine.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay. That part.

[Interviewer]

That's also true. Like, y' all were like, just the Avengers. Yeah.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I mean, it was a beautiful cast. And then I had to fight with them for the wardrobe girl. They had this wardrobe lady. She was awful.

[Interviewer]

Oh, no.

[Vivica A. Fox]

She was awful. She really was. I said.

[Interviewer]

Cause you were like.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know, this was the first time that I whipped out my own credit card. Yep. And I got that from my girlfriend, Cassandra Mills. She says, invest in yourself, because there were so many stereotypical ways of how we dressed and everything. And it wasn't Vivica bringing her nuance to it. She was like, you need to drive a convertible. Don't be driving. You know what I always want to say, black people drive a BMW. This BMW stands for black people. So the Jaguar was. And she wanted to be red. And the first time I see you, I want you to be like, yellow. That's why I'm so connected to the color yellow. I'm surprised I didn't wear yellow today. But I did wear a suit for you.

[Interviewer]

Come on, give me Shantae.

[Vivica A. Fox]

So I fought for everything. The way we talk, the way we walk, the way we look. I said, the audience has got to be captivated by these characters, that they want to go on this journey of the battle of sexes with them.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And you succeeded. Yeah. Thank you.

[Interviewer]

Thank you. I mean, I think that's what I can feel because even when I was revisiting it and I was wondering, I wonder how much she had to do with all this. Yeah. Because it is your moment, baby.

[Vivica A. Fox]

It was.

[Interviewer]

It is that moment for you.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And that night that I went to the premiere and walked out of the limousine and saw Starring Viva K. Fox. Cause, see, I've always was number two, three on the call sheet.

[Interviewer]

That's what I was saying. This is your thing.

[Vivica A. Fox]

This was number one on the call sheet. And so I had no choice but to really step into being a movie star that night. And that premiere, I'll never forget, was just. I was pinching myself the whole time because I was like. It worked. I could feel the audience reaction. I could feel the energy. Girl, the after party was lit. Yeah. Everybody wanted to hang out. And the phone continued to ring. But that was because I believed in me and my vision and myself. And I think. I won't say this. I know that I opened the door for them to see beautiful black women on the screen, looking amazing, sounding amazing. You know, that I helped in that. Cause I fought for world. I still fight for it in my films, to be honest with you. I'm like, we need color. Okay. Why is she in those ugly colors? That's just. Come on.

[Interviewer]

No, the color palette in that movie is great. It's so spring and light and beautiful. But I think it's interesting because when I got to that movie, which I loved, I was excited to revisit again. But I also just thought, wow, what a beautiful culmination to get to that point.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And I made sure we had black makeup artists and black hair.

[Interviewer]

Well. Cause it's the blackest movie that ever lived. Everyone in it is black. But I remember getting the DVD and watching the extra. The special features.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. The bloopers.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. But also just watching the interviews that you guys were doing about dating and all that kind of stuff, because I just was so fascinated by these actors and dealing with relationships. It's just such a great movie.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

And then also when we were on dvd, everybody had it on DVD back then.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Sure did. Everybody had it. Did you know that Quentin Tarantino, How I got Kill Bill was because he was in the DVD store and saw.

[Interviewer]

Two Can Play that game you cover. Yeah. Cause also it was like you with, like Morris dress with the dress on. It's true. Only you could do that. Because you're that woman that, like, black women understand that you're attractive, but they still want to be your friend. They still want to be cool with you. And guys, they Know, the guys are probably looking at you more than them, but they don't mind. And that's a very unique thing to have.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I agreed that it's, like, cool and.

[Interviewer]

Will deal with it. Because you're not resting on it. You're not leaning on it. You're like, yeah. And everybody's sort of like, okay, yeah, you're the pretty girl that they. Over here. They looking at. But I like. You're funny. And we're having a good time, and it's good. It's cool. And so I just think that's a part of your magic. But speaking of movie star moments, let's talk about Kill Bill.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Volume one. What was it like working with Quentin Tarantino?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Awesome. Yet again. I told you. He's one of my favorite directors. 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. Like, he'll stop you in between. Cut. And you can always tell whether or not you've hit it, whether or not you've nailed it the way that he else. Cut. I'm serious. I would know whether or not I've done it, I've nailed it. Because he doesn't like to do a lot of takes, and it will be the way. Cut. So when you get one of those with an ah in it, you know you did good. So. But we practice. I trained for six months. I literally went from a size 8, 10 down to a 2. That's all we did was work out. I thought we were training for the Olympics. I'm not gonna lie. Lord Jesus. That's all we. 45 minutes. Top of the day, stretch. Cause we would be so tight from all the kicks and learning the stunts. Cause he's like, it's gonna be you. And I did 97% of that fight scene, except for falling into the glass table. And I wanted to do it. And he was like, no, it's sugar glass, and you'll probably. Somebody's gonna get cut. She might get a little. And she ended up getting four stitches. But, yeah, but I wanted to try it. And I remember the last day of filming because we called it the Brawl in Pasadena. That I counted the bruises on my legs and arms, and I had 30. But I was proud of them. I really was. I was like, that's when that table fell on you right there. I got up and kicked the table. Don't know what that was gonna solve. But, yeah, everything that we did, it was worth the training. And I had a special booty light. But I did booty call. That was his reasoning for it. And, hey, I had been training for six months. I was like, yes, my booty is looking righteous. So if you go back and you look at the movie, when I kick her through the door, there's a booty. When I come into the front room and the bus is coming, there's a booty light.

[Interviewer]

I was spending all morning with those movies, and you're so precise in it, and you just fit. It makes so much sense. And I'm just curious for you, what was that time like in your career to be at that place and obviously to be working with Quentin Tarantino and Uma Thurman, like, and for you to be really also centered in those films? What did that feel like for you?

[Vivica A. Fox]

It was difficult, to be very honest. It was difficult but fun, because he demanded a lot of you. And I'll never forget that we would train Monday through Friday, and then on Fridays, he would critique you. And I didn't like being critiqued negatively is all I'm going to say. So one time I just kind of popped off and said, well, did I do anything right? Damn. And Uma Thurman grabbed me. And after we finished, she was like, please don't do that again. And I said, but he's not giving us any. I turned into a little bitch. He's not giving us any compliments, and I'm tired of working so hard, and he hasn't given us any compliments, and I think we need some positive reassurance. And she said, he can fire you. And that was all she had to say. I never complained again.

[Interviewer]

Wow. Well, did that. I mean, talk about sisterhood.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

Do you feel as though that was a teachable moment? Absolutely grateful for that conversation.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know, not everyone can take constructive criticism because I've worked with some actors, and I went over, hey, da, da, da, da, da. And I got. I know what I'm doing. And I was like, oh, you got to worry about me giving you another note again. Okay, let me stay on over here.

[Interviewer]

Fool me once.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay, Won't happen again. And so it was a huge learning lesson for me to know my place, play my position, and stay in my lane. Do you know what I mean? And that's hard in life to learn when you think you're on this thing of success. By then, I was starting to have box office success and everything that I was like, I know what I'm talking about. And she's like, so, you know, I'M one that can take constructive criticism. Because I was, like I said, an athlete growing up. So I always had a coach or someone trying to make me a better person. And to be a sponge to receive that is something that I try to pass on to other young actors. Listen, react. 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. Because growing is always going to lead you to another chapter, as far as I'm concerned.

[Interviewer]

That's really special, you said, because you are athletic. So I was curious in terms of getting ready for Kill Bill, you talked about how intense the training was. Was that something you kind of slipped easily into, or did you need to kind of get back into that action movie energy again?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Well, I'm not gonna lie. Working out five days a week, eight hours a day. Some days you didn't feel like it. You know what I mean? Some days you were like, really? Again the treadmill again. Sit ups again. Kicks again. But that's when you've got to learn that there's a reason, there's a method to his madness. And when I say that Tarantino, that he wanted us to look like assassins, he didn't want to use a lot of stunt doubles. We had them. But his preference was for us to do the fight scenes. And that's why, yet again, it was a classic. Uma, they won best fight scene. Even though I thought mine should have. But. But her and Go. Him, her, Uma and Gogo, their fight scene one, which it was amazing. All the fight scenes, everything were amazing. But there were difficult days. Absolutely. And then I had to go to freaking Beijing. And when he said, oh, you can say. Cause we trained for six months. So they went over to Beijing for a month. So I was like, dope. I'll be waiting on y' all when y' all get back. Because my scene is in Pasadena. They're like, no, you're going to Beijing. But during this time, I got close with the late David Carradine. Yeah. Who I'll always treasure our breakfasts together. Yeah. I learned about all five of his marriages.

[Interviewer]

I mean, but just what an experience to be a part of. And that legacy as well, you know. Kill Bill, Volume 1, Volume 2. I remember that time and just thinking how exciting it was for you, which feels like you're one of us, to be a part of that franchise. It really felt. And also just felt like it made so much sense.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And did you know why he killed me? First. Cause he wanted to piss.

[Interviewer]

The audience are, oh, I'm still pissed. Watch that again this morning. Still pissed. Your daughter there?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah, the kid. You did it in front of the kid. But it was to set up. Remember, he said. She said to my daughter, if you're sore about it, come see me.

[Interviewer]

That's right.

[Vivica A. Fox]

It was to set that up. So I'm just asking for us to do it so I can be in a flashback.

[Interviewer]

That was amazing. Thank you. And then, you know, we're going to wrap up with one of, I think, one of the great comedic shows ever on television, which is Curb Enthusiasm. First of all, I'm curious how that came to you.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

How did that come about?

[Vivica A. Fox]

So I was on my way to Jamaica or somewhere. I was headed to some. No, Turks and Caicos because my show had been canceled. And I was pissed. And I forget what show it is at the time. Forgive me. You know, I always had them sitcoms that seemed like they were going to make it to season two and yanked. And I remember I was getting ready to go to Turks and Caicos. I wanted to soak my sorrows and be by the beach. And just over this, and I got a call from my manager, Lita. Lita Richardson. And she said, girl, they just called to ask you to do Kirby Enthusiasm. I did not know of the show. Okay, I know, I know. Listen, I know. I got told about this, Okay? I know. So I was like, first of all, what is Curb you Enthusiasm? It is. Of course. Of course it is. And so I'm like, what's Curb youb Enthusiasm? Look, I'm in a funk, okay? I'm ready to go to Turks and Caicos.

[Interviewer]

All right.

[Vivica A. Fox]

What's Curb Enthusiasm? Yes. So my manager goes, my husband loves this show, Vivica. It's the funniest thing out there. It's from the creator of Seinfeld. Da da da, da da.

[Interviewer]

I was, like, telling you what Curb youb Enthusiasm is my favorite thing.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know, I didn't get it. So Leonard ld, Who? We're born on the same day. Leonard, my manager's husband. We're born on the same day. We're both Leos. He goes, I can get you this part if you go in there and you call him LD because you have to write your own script.

[Interviewer]

The ld, you saying it every time. It's a line. You get it.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay, well, that line came from Leonard Richardson, just so you know.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And he said, vivica, I guarantee you, if you call him ld, you gonna get this part. So the scene was about us, and he was coming home with some ice cream, and he didn't bring me no ice cream. So as soon as he walked in, I was like, yo, what up, LD? So you just bought ice cream for yourself? And can I tell you, he told me later, he said, vivica, when you called me ld, I knew you were right for the part. Wow, isn't that trippy?

[Interviewer]

That's amazing.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Yeah. So anyway, get all the way to Turks and Caicos. Got on my swimsuit, about to be at the pool chilling. You got the part.

[Interviewer]

Come on.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Had to get back on the plane. Oh, trust. I went back to Turks after I worked, but at the time, I was just like, literally, like, I got the part.

[Interviewer]

Huh.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay, I guess I'm happy. So.

[Interviewer]

Quentin Tarantino, Larry David.

[Vivica A. Fox]

David. I mean, you know, the lineup is getting great. So, yeah. So I got back on the plane, came back, and got to work with Larry David, who now I used to never get noticed in New York.

[Interviewer]

You're on Curb.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I'm on Curb. Right. And so now, after Curb Enthusiasm, everywhere I went to New York, they were like, oh, my God, you're so funny. So.

[Interviewer]

What was it like working with Larry David?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Larry David? I had to learn to be the queen of reactions, because to me, the show is kind of like, for guys, you know how sometimes, once again, know your place, play position, stay in your lane. So I kind of got it. Like, him and JB Smooth. They would just go at it, and they still are. What, are they on season 15 or something now? So I had to learn to be queen of reactions, which was good for me because as an actress, I always tell my actors, react. It's not always about the dialogue. It's sometimes those moments that happen when you're saying nothing. Are you listening? Are you reacting? So that's where I got that from. And I thank Larry David for that.

[Interviewer]

Wow. I mean, well, also, you have some working with Jamie Foxx and Tommy Davidson. Like, Larry David is, like, almost like light work. He, like.

[Vivica A. Fox]

But it was different, though.

[Interviewer]

That's true.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know, hood comedy is way different than the curb comedy, because Curb youb Enthusiasm comedy, is that, like, intelligent Jewish slash. No, really, it's different. Yeah, it was different. You know, the Seinfeld, it was a whole different world. So I just embraced being queen of reactions.

[Interviewer]

Well, you. You fit into the show so effortlessly. It seems like there's. It just makes sense.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Even though you wanted me to wear no makeup, which drove me bananas. Well, you didn't. Which. No, listen, I like My drag. Don't get me wrong. Thank God I look okay without makeup on. But I mean, it was like, makeup check as soon as I arrived on the. The set. And that would become a little irritating after a while. That was like, sure you don't have anything on?

[Interviewer]

Oh, wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Imagine that.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Imagine that. And I would try to sneak, you know, sister got to have a little lighter. Little.

[Interviewer]

It's funny, cuz now look at. Thinking about it. I mean, you look beautiful. I don't know if you have. You know, you look.

[Vivica A. Fox]

No, thank God. I. Yes. But no, it was like, makeup check, because he says, I. You're Vivica a fox. You know, everybody just, oh, Vivica a fox. I don't want them to see Vivica a fox.

[Interviewer]

That is true.

[Vivica A. Fox]

It was like a breaking down of what I established a little bit, because you're such a.

[Interviewer]

You are a movie star. Like, we have to just acknowledge that and. But then you have to also blend into the world.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Exactly.

[Interviewer]

And that's what I think. That's why I was one of the, you know, the last things I wanted to talk about, because in watching it, I almost realized that that must have been the most difficult thing because you have to sort of just be still and light and not that. Vivica, we're all used to.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Exactly. And.

[Interviewer]

But that's. But also I feel held in your performance like I do in all the other ones. But it's just. It's a different.

[Vivica A. Fox]

But then I got to grow. So it was a growth thing that then by the time I finally cussed Susie out, everybody was like, yes, yes.

[Interviewer]

You broke through. Wow. Wow. Finally, last question.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay.

[Interviewer]

What is your definition of a really great actress?

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, gosh, that's a really good question. To be very honest with you, my definition of a really good actress is when I totally believe you. I believe every moment, every word, every sacrifice. I go on the complete journey with you with that character and someone who just. If I could say real quick, who I just. She blows me away. I mean, there's a lot of people that I love watching. I even love watching you. I mean, I just think you're amazing. Like, before I came here today, I googled you and your creds and everything that you are and have become. And now I get it now that you were that woman in Chicago, that little kid that. The magic of movies you loved. So it explains why you are who you are, and I commend you for that. But my all time, all time favorite is Angela Bassett.

[Interviewer]

Ooh, come On.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I love watching Angela and her essence and everything when they be robbing her and them Oscars, child, I'd be mad as hell. I'd be ready to come through. I know I'd be walking around with attitude for a couple of days like, see? See how they do it, sister. I'm pissed off again, but I do. I just love Angela and her vulnerability and her strength. And one other person is Pam Grier. I named my production company after Pam Grier. Pam Grier was the most amazing black woman I've ever seen on camera as a child. And I named my production company after her, Foxy Brown Productions. See? So.

[Interviewer]

Well, first of all, thank you for that definition. And also, I believe you are that definition because we talked about all of these roles that you breathed life into. We always believe you.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

And I think that's because you're so honest in your work. So honest, so real. And when I'm been watching all of your work, what I see is a woman who reminds us of ourselves. And that's what's so special about watching you, is that you feel like home. But there's still. But it's a really nice home. It's a really nice.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Do you think that that's why for a minute, they started calling me Auntie Vivica? It was that for the longest time. And I didn't give her cause.

[Interviewer]

First.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I was offended at first. I was like, are you trying to say I'm old? I mean, what's happening? You know, I was the young little sex symbol. Now all of a sudden, I'm Auntie Vivica. Where we going with that? But then now they call me legend.

[Interviewer]

That's right.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And I went into that chapter gracefully like that one. Like, I took like. I got it.

[Interviewer]

Okay, you are. You are. And even you talk about Pam Grier. For a generation like me, you. You represent that.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

That, yes, you're sexy. But there's a strength and there's a vulnerability that is such a rare thing to have. And I think I remember when I wanted to do this, I just kept thinking about who are the actresses that were so present in my growing up. That helped shape to me what a black woman is. And you continue to show up, but in so many different ways. And you've shown us how a black woman can exist on the big screen, on the small screen. And you never judge these characters. You love them. And I think because you exist the way that you do, so many of us get to see ourselves in the bright lights in this American cinema that defines us. You get to be a part of that definition. And I think for myself and for so many, we say thank you for existing the way you do on celluloid. Because it is forever. And someone will always be able to look back and see your work.

[Vivica A. Fox]

She going to make me cry, y'. All.

[Interviewer]

I'm just saying someone will 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. And I'm so grateful to you for all of these movies, all of these shows, all of the work. All of you on the treadmill, you working, you training, you sacrificing, even parts of your personal life to be that star for us. And we're grateful. And I love you.

[Vivica A. Fox]

I love you back.

[Interviewer]

I'm gonna hug you. You're so amazing.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You, too. Watch your head.

[Interviewer]

I will.

[Vivica A. Fox]

You know I'm a crybaby. Okay.

[Interviewer]

You're amazing.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, my God. Why are you doing this to me? Child, we gotta take pictures, honey. Gonna cat me crying. My lips.

[Interviewer]

They'll let you pat.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay.

[Interviewer]

But you're amazing.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Thank you.

[Interviewer]

This has been amazing.

[Vivica A. Fox]

This has been such a journey. I cannot tell you. You know, being that girl from 38th and Emerson in Indiana that came out here with a search of a dream that I have lived out my wildest expectations. I've went everywhere and I'm loving it. Like, this has been, like, the happiest time I'm having right now.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Vivica A. Fox]

And I'm in my 60s.

[Interviewer]

Come on. I can't tell.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay, well, hey, thank you, child. These knees can.

[Interviewer]

But look, look.

[Vivica A. Fox]

No, but thank you. This is awesome. Thank you. I looked forward to today.

[Interviewer]

Well, today was a blessing, a gift, and I'm grateful.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Oh, I need your camera. No, no, it's.

[Interviewer]

It's a cut in, get out.

[Vivica A. Fox]

Okay, good. That's.