Vivica A Fox |
From scorching turns in Independence Day to Kill Bill, four words come to mind when conjuring up the name Vivica A. Fox: Don't mess with her! She's bad with a capital "B," talented with a capital "T"--and gorgeous with a capital "G."
This leading lady has spread her wings so broadly, it's no wonder that few have witnessed the invisible work she's done in kicking down barriers and embedding herself into mainstream fare, while juggling numerous endeavors in the entertainment industry: from publishing to producing, TV to feature films, blockbusters to indies.
In the sexy thriller Cover, she takes on director Bill Duke's indie film dealing with thorny themes of dual sexuality, deception--and its growing, adverse impact on black America. Fox plays Zahara, the best buddy of Valerie (Aunjanue Ellis), who suspects her dreamy, stalwart psychiatrist husband, Dutch (Razaaq Adoti), is having an affair. Zahara's the tough, nimble-thinking investigative cohort you want to have in such a hotbed situation.
Vivica A. Fox and Clayton Prince star in "Cover" |
Hollywood.com: What interested you in this film's subject: "brothers on the down low?"
Vivica Fox: I think it’s a subject that has been a little taboo in the African-American community. Also, it was an opportunity for me to work with Bill Duke and the other actors that he got involved with.
HW: You're playing a rich supporting role versus the strong lead--was that a choice?
VF: I could’ve played either to be very honest with you. Both of the characters interested me, but at the time Bill already had Aunjanue [Ellis] on board to play the lead character. I just really wanted to be involved with it and it worked with my schedule. [Laughs] And Aunjanue, she killed it! That was her role.
HW: Your character, Zahara, is the type of solid best friend one wants to have. Are you anything like her?
VF: I try to be! I try to be a supportive friend. I try to be a real friend who would look out for her friend and tell the truth.
HW: Did you know Aunjanue previously to this film?
VF: We actually knew each before ... [from] over the years at auditions--events and I just always thought she was great. I had never had an opportunity to work with her ... we arrived a couple of days early in Philadelphia and had a couple of cheese steaks. She was warm and open ... It was great that Bill allowed a little bit of time for rehearsal.
Vivica A. Fox in "Kill Bill Vol. 1" |
HW: It’s so rare to see thrillers performed by a predominantly black cast. Script-wise, were you into doing a genre film?
VF: I’m just so happy that we’re getting a theatrical release. Like you said, African-American films that are basically thrillers don’t get the theatrical release ... This one delivered. It was an independent thriller with a great, great script and a great cast. That was definitely something that interested me--it was a little bit grittier not one of the over-the-top popcorn comedy type of film.
HW: Unaware wives keep walking down the same road of deception. What can young Black women take away from this film?
VF: Hopefully it will educate them not to be blind--just because the bills are being paid. You need to pay attention! That’s really what I’m hoping--that women are inquisitive and to follow your instincts. If your woman instinct is telling you, “Something ain’t right?” Then girl, check it out!
HW: An extremely high percentage of black women--married--have contracted HIV from their (pansexual) husbands...
VF: Yeahhhh. It's an incredible statistic. When Bill told me I was like, “What?!?” If anything, hopefully this film teaches people to not be so trusting and practice safe sex. Look out for you first, at all times.
Leon and Raz Adoti star in "Cover" |
HW: Working in the industry, have you seen a bit of this "down-low'" lifestyle going on behind closed doors?
VF: Oh!! Sure. I have a lot for friends who are in the fashion and entertainment industry. The reason I like having my gay boyfriends, as I call them, they can let you know who’s in the down-low club. You know what I’m sayin'? You appreciate that ... Yeah, everyone needs a good gay boyfriend. They keep you in the loop!
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Photo(s) by American Cinema International- © 2008- All Rights Reserved
Photo(s) by Hollywood.com- © 2003- Miramax Films- All Rights Reserved