Foxier Than Ever!
The brilliant actress, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist turned 55 in July and has proven that with age comes a priceless and glowing maturity that she wears well. Ms. Fox is back stronger, wiser and more relevant than ever. In her book, “Everyday I’m Hustling,” released in April of 2018, she dishes out decades worth of experience in the entertainment business. For this L.A. Style Magazine exclusive, she shares her perspective on the mindset that has enabled the challenges to become fuel for her countless achievements and what it means to be a relentless force in Hollywood.
Q: What do you attribute your longevity and successes to staying? “One of the keys to my success is that I’ve held on to my values and I said no. That’s another thing that comes with maturity and becoming happy in the skin that I’m in. ‘No’ has become a very important word to me. You don’t have to do everything. If something doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to say no. I mean, there are times I get offered jobs and stuff and I’m just like, nope. I’m not afraid to say no and to have the patience to wait for an opportunity where I can be proud of that project.”
Q: What advice do you have for your younger self?“The advice that I would give my younger self is patience, which I learned when I finally grew all the way up in my damn 50s [she laughs], and to know that everyone’s not going to like you, but you got to like you. As a matter of fact, you got to love you.”
Q: What is your message to women? How can they become successful but not have to exploit their femininity and sexuality? “It’s the time of the woman right now. This is a beautiful era that I have been waiting on, so I would say don’t abuse the “Me Too” movement. In my honest opinion, there are no shortcuts to success. If you do the work, then it will come. But you have to learn patience to know when it’s your turn. Right now in Hollywood, this is a wonderful time to be a woman especially in show business because you’re seeing women now in more colorful positions than we ever saw—especially African-American women, years ago they told us that we could not lead because we wouldn’t get ratings. And now we have, “Empire,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” Kerry Washington with “Scandal,” “Being MaryJane,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and many more. We’re seeing women in the shows getting great ratings.”
Q: On social media, you touch on faith a bit. Can you tell us in your own words what that aspect of your life means? “I am a blessed child of God. I was raised in the church so I’ve kept that philosophy throughout my whole life. We grew up across the street from the church, so my mama always had us in church. We were in Bible study, Bible school, vacation Bible school, choir practice. We were always in church. I’ve kept morals and values still to this day. I’m a blessed child of God and I’ve always put him first. And that’s why you always see on my Instagram posts that I’m like, ‘Life is good. God is good. And I’m blessed – Hashtag blessed.’ Can’t forget the hashtags.” [Laughing].
Q: Can you share with us any current projects you are working on? “Well, this is another blessed season for me. Thank you God! I’m going to be back for the final season of Empire. More of the show, “So Wrong It’s Right” franchise will be airing on Lifetime. My book “Everyday I’m Hustling” is now available in paperback. I have two films coming out, Arkansas, with Liam Hemsworth and Vince Vaughn— then another film with Brittney Snow and Sam Richardson, and my talk show, “Face the Truth” will be running until the end of September.”
Q: What is the large take away that you want your audience to take from your book? “My language can be a little street but sweet. One thing I want you to learn is to get out of your own way and to live and be as successful as you possibly can.”
Credit: Photography By: Moldilox | Editorial Hair Stylist: Mary Daniels | Editorial Makeup Artist: Koko Guerra | Wardrobe Stylist: Tricia Love Vargas
| Assistant Wardrobe Stylist: Shakila Stewart | Photo Shoot Location: Vivica A. Fox’s Home | Editorial Wardrobe Attire: 1.) Red Moses Gown; Deisgner: Stello @Stello | 2.) Reservation Corset Dress; Deisgner: Luxe Fashion Line @luxefashionline | 3.) Custom Tala Gown; Deisgner: Stello @Stello
