From starring roles in Kill Bill and Independence Day to Curb Your Enthusiasm and Ella Enchanted, Vivica A. Fox has been captivating audiences for years with her talent and beauty in some of the most memorable movies and TV shows in Hollywood history. Raised in Indiana, the award-winning actress actually started her career just after high school as a model/actress. In what may seem like the ideal Hollywood story, Fox was discovered by a producer while eating lunch on Sunset Blvd. These days, she’s not only one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood, she’s also the spokesperson for RX for Brown Skin and the proud founder of Vivica A. Fox Hair. Currently starring on Mr. Box Office and hosting Lifetime’s TV series Prank My Mom, the stunning beauty always captures the attention of photographers when rocking the hottest designers on red carpets at premieres and galas. We caught up with Ms. Fox at the Ocean Style Magazine Fashion Showcase and Golf Invitational in Montego Bay, Jamaica to find out all about her current projects, beauty lines and her favourite places in Toronto. Vivica A. Fox Fact: She lived in Toronto for three years!
What brought you to Jamaica?
I’m really blessed to have wonderful friends. My friend Phillip Bloch, who is a designer and stylist, told me about Ocean Style Magazine‘s Fashion Showcase and Golf Invitational, which raises funds for schools in Jamaica that are in need of supplies. It sounded like such a great weekend fashion, sun and helping a wonderful cause. Of course, when I heard that Anthony Anderson was hosting the golf fundraiser I knew it was the place to be.
What from this trip to Jamaica will you take home with you?
I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. Everyone was warm and friendly. The hotel, Iberostar, was beautiful! The accommodations were fantastic. From my room, I could wake up and walk right out to the ocean. The food was 5-star all the way! The fashion shows and concerts were wonderful.
When you get back to LA, what projects will you be working on?
I have a few projects on the go right now. Mr. Box Office is a fun sitcom in which I play the role of a teacher, Casandra, who is a sexy cougar. I just finished a Hallmark movie called My George. I love working on Hallmark Christmas movies. I also have some businesses outside of acting and producing. I am the spokesperson for RX for Brown Skin. It’s a skincare line created by Dr. Susan Taylor for women with ethnic skin tones. I use it myself and since I started I have seen my skin become brighter, more even and radiant. In 2010, I launched Vivica A. Fox Hair. We sell high quality, weaves, wigs and extensions.
You have such a busy schedule, what are the biggest challenges with what you do?
I have been blessed with so many wonderful opportunities. But it’s important to find balance, so time management is a challenge. The one thing that it’s hard to schedule for is sleep… I tend to sleep a lot on planes!
And of course with all your hard work come rewards. What do you find most rewarding?
The best reward for me is when someone tells me that my work has moved or motivated them. There really is no higher accolade than that. Recently, with my newer business ventures, it’s exciting to receive an email saying that someone loved my hair or skin products. Today I received an email from someone that said, “Vivica, girl, I am just loving that RX for Brown Skin”. That’s the reason I do what I do.
What are 3 things that you can’t live without?
Sunshine, water and happiness. Can I add Mom’s home cooking and White Castle? There is no White Castle in LA, so when I go home I always pop in.
Being a fashion lover, what style and/or trends are you obsessed with right now?
I’m loving the look of all the beautiful shirts with the blinged collars. I like a piece that is versatile. With these shirts; you can take them from day into night. I’m also into signet necklaces… great for dressing up or down.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
I lived and worked in Toronto for three years on a TV series. I had the best time. I made so many wonderful friends. Canadians are great people. Toronto has fantastic shopping and some of the best dining spots I have been to in the world.
Speaking of dining, what’s your favourite restaurant in Toronto and why?
I love Vaticano in Yorkville. When I lived in Toronto it was my regular spot because they make the best Italian food in the city. The chef, Felice, actually named a dish after me, the ‘Vivica Special’ – it’s crab fettuccine alfredo with broccoli and mushrooms. When I’m being good I have it without the pasta and add extra broccoli.
How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
I’m big on Instagram these days and on Twitter . You can also follow me and on Facebook.
