Actress Vivica A. Fox is getting real about some of the negative comments she’s received about her body. In a recent interview, the award-winning performer said she’s experienced many physical changes over the years with age, adding that the critical statements about her appearance have been difficult for her to digest.
Speaking with Yahoo Entertainment on May 21, Fox, who is starring in the film “Is God Is,” acknowledged that her body has changed over the years, saying, “I’m a woman of a certain age, and, you know, life changes.”
The actress, who has been a mainstay in the acting industry since the ’80s, said that while she’s aware of how life works, others around her seemed to have forgotten.
“The body changes. You’re not going to be the same size that you were when you were 19, 20 years old. But people forget that sometimes and they can say very mean things to you,” she said.
Vivica A. Fox Says She Does Her Best To ‘Keep It Tight And Right’
Fox has been the subject of conversation lately, with many commenting on her physical appearance. Despite the reactions, Fox said she does what she can to ensure she looks her best when she steps out in public.
“I do my best, honey, to keep it tight and right, but I’m still human,” Fox said before noting how grateful she feels to be alive and thriving.
“I’m in a business that you get judged by your looks constantly … sometimes people don’t allow you the grace to age, to be normal, to live a little bit, to have children, to look a little bit more mature, to age. To age is a blessing and a beautiful thing,” she said.
Vivica A. Fox Is Happy Hollywood Is Starting To Tell Stories For People Of Color
According to a previous report from The Blast, Fox expressed her gratitude that Hollywood is finally starting to tell stories for people of color—especially Black women.
Her new film, “Is God Is,” follows twin sisters who set out on a cross-country journey to avenge their abusive father.
The project stars Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, and Janelle Monáe, and, according to Fox, it’s about time audiences saw a story told by a group of outstanding Black actresses.
“I think, finally, people are getting to appreciate African American female stories and to give them opportunities to play out their stories,” she said. “Our stories are being embraced and being told and being funded and being acted out by some amazing actresses.”
Other Celebrities Have Embraced Getting Older
Fox isn’t the only A-lister who has been open about aging as a woman in the entertainment industry. According to Vogue, “Blackish” actress Tracee Ellis Ross said she was fully embracing getting older.
“I personally have always loved getting older, like genuinely, I think it’s an honor to get older,” she said. “Not everybody gets to get older, and I’m not sure why we don’t look at it that way.”
And for Ross, the daughter of the iconic Diana Ross, getting older is about more than just physical appearance. The “Girlfriends” actress said she’s also learned more about herself over the years.
“I intuitively know how to handle things that used to baffle me. I know when it’s time to leave a party. I know that ‘no’ is a complete sentence. And this is wonderful,” she said.
Gwyneth Paltrow Shared A Similar Message About The Aging Process In A 2021 Interview
Echoing what Ross said was Gwyneth Paltrow, according to PEOPLE.
She admitted during a 2021 interview with the outlet that while she’s made critical comments about herself, she was also working to counter them with positive thoughts.
“For me, as I go through the aging process and really start it, I realize it’s less about, ‘Oh, I have this wrinkle, am I going to fix it or not?’ And more, ‘Do I feel vibrant?’” she said.
Paltrow went on to say that as an older adult, she’s “grateful” for what comes with age.
And Beyoncé also chimed in on the conversation around aging on her 40th birthday, saying, “This is the first year that I really understand what it means to be alive and in the moment.”
“It’s the first time that I have an understanding of how fragile life truly is, how hard life can be at times, and therefore how important it is to stop and smell the roses during the good times,” she added. “Whoever tried to condition women to feel that we are supposed to feel old or unhappy when we turn 40 got it ALL THE WAY F’d UP.”
