Vivica A. Fox is proving that longevity in Hollywood is all about reinvention. In a new interview, the actress reflected on everything from her dramatic transformation in the revenge thriller “Is God Is” to the lessons she’s learned after spending more than three decades in the entertainment industry.
Fox stars in “Is God Is” as Ruby, a burn-scarred mother seeking revenge after surviving a devastating house fire set by her estranged husband. The role required the actress to undergo hours of prosthetic makeup, creating a look that left many fans stunned when the trailer dropped.
“When I did the film ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love,’ I [aged] from 16 to 60,” the 61-year-old told AARP’s Movies for Grownups. “But I had never played a character that was injured or severely burned as Ruby was. This was like the hands, the neck, the face… Four hours of prosthetics.”
The actress admitted she loved the reaction from viewers who barely recognized her. “The one thing that I really, really loved when the trailer was [released] and it went viral, everyone kept saying, ‘Oh, my God, is that Vivica Fox?’” she shared. “They’re just not used to seeing me that way. I love surprising people. I love challenging myself.”
Hollywood Is Finally Embracing Black Women’s Stories
Fox also reflected on the impact of films centered around strong Black women, noting similarities between Is God Is and her beloved 1996 film “Set It Off.” Thirty years after starring alongside Queen Latifah, Kimberly Elise, and Jada Pinkett Smith in the iconic crime drama, Fox said she’s encouraged to see more opportunities finally opening for Black actresses.
“I think, finally, people are getting to appreciate African American female stories and to give them opportunities to play out their stories,” Fox explained. “Our stories are being embraced and being told and being funded and being acted out by some amazing actresses.”
Vivica A. Fox Reflects On Career Longevity In Hollywood
Beyond acting, Fox also opened up about becoming a producer and learning how to evolve in an industry that often moves quickly. “I’ll be honest with you; producing fell into my lap,” Fox admitted while explaining how her team encouraged her to take more ownership behind the scenes.
The actress said staying relevant in Hollywood means learning how to adapt over time. “This is a journey, and there are different chapters,” she said. “You can’t play one character. You’ve got to mature and play another character. Then sometimes, you step behind the camera. Then you’ve got to learn what your brand is.”
Advice For Young Actors Chasing Fame
Looking back on her decades-long career, Fox admitted there’s one thing she wishes she had done more often in her early years: slow down. “The main thing for me is that now I’ve taken the time to smell the roses,” she shared, admitting she once became consumed by the “treadmill of success.”
Fox also had a message for younger actors hoping for overnight success in the social media era. “Nowadays, everybody thinks that they can just swipe to fame,” she said. “Don’t have a moment. Build a career.”
Vivica A. Fox Says Pam Grier Inspired Her To ‘Pass The Baton’
Fox also reflected on the importance of mentoring the next generation, revealing that legendary actress Pam Grier played a major role in shaping how she approaches Hollywood.
The “Kill Bill” star shared that she once had the opportunity to interview Grier, whom she considers both a role model and inspiration behind the name of her production company, Foxy Brown Productions. “She was the first super-strong, beautiful African American woman that I saw,” Fox said of Grier.
According to Fox, the encounter became an emotional moment after Grier encouraged her to lead with kindness and generosity. “She said to me, ‘Vivica, it’s how I’m supposed to be, and I challenge you to do the same,’” Fox recalled.
Now, after decades in Hollywood, Fox says she tries to do exactly that by supporting younger talent and helping open doors where she can. “I’ve been passing the baton to the [next generation], and I’m always kind, because I believe a happy set is a productive set,” she explained.
