Media Outrage

Rick Fox spoke to Essence about his role in Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns.

Essence.com: Is it true that you snagged your Meet the Browns role because Tyler Perry nearly hit you while you were jogging down Sunset?

Rick Fox: [Laughs] He almost did. I was finishing up a jog with my trainer when I saw this white Bentley turn the corner. The convertible top was down and he came to a stop. I could see it was Tyler Perry, and I said, “Tyler!” And he said, “Hey, Rick! Man, I’ve been waiting to meet you!” He told me how he had prayed about finding the right person for this role.

Essence.com: And Jesus took the wheel—literally!

R.F.: [Laughs] Literally! I’ve been in this town for four years. I’ve been on auditions and done some TV work, but I’ve been waiting for someone to have faith that I could deliver in a [leading] role. I knew it was going to take someone who was a writer/director and had the power of a Tyler Perry, who would be willing to work with me.

Essence.com: That’s truly a Hollywood story.

R.F.: Yeah, it is. So when folks ask, “Rick how’d you get your first break?” I’ll say, “I almost got run over!” I even joked with Tyler at the wrap party and said, “Next time you’re on Sunset prayin’, let me know so I can go jogging again!”

Essence.com: Well, not only was Mr. Perry willing to work with you, but you banked screen time opposite an amazing actress.

R.F.: That was the other blessing. During the table read, Angela Bassett could have easily said, “This isn’t gonna work.” When she said she would work with me—man, there has been no better opportunity.

Essence.com: Having gone through a public divorce with your ex-wife, actress and former Miss America Vanessa Williams, did you draw upon personal experiences to help make Harry Beltin more multidimensional?

R.F.: Totally. Tyler likes to get to know you personally so the voice of the character rings true. We had conversations about my life and what I’ve experienced and how it connected to what he already had on paper. What we found was that there wasn’t a lot more to be shaped because what he had written pertained to all cases in life. If we’re all truly connected to what has transpired in our lives and willing to share [those experiences], it can add a lot to a character. Personally I’ve had relationship challenges and struggles, and in recent years found myself in a position [where I had to learn] to trust and love again.

Essence.com: Heartbreak will make the most hopeless romantic apathetic and even bitter. How does one learn to love again after such an emotional setback?

R.F.: It takes the weight of loneliness to bring everyone around to the place of not living in fear of being hurt. Life is a series of joys and pains, so if you sit around and [become] passive in your work, relationships, workouts and life, that’s simply a function of resentment.

Essence.com: Break it down Dr. Fox! You are on to something.

R.F.: Think about it. Whether you’re resentful that you’re not getting paid your worth, resentful that you’re getting older because your body isn’t responding to the exercise or because your last relationship didn’t work out—all these things can leave the individual feeling like a victim. Therefore the person sits in that state of victim, and what do victims do? They suffer and it’s a vicious cycle. What I do now is if I am feeling passive or fearful, I immediately go directly toward it because it’s a screaming sign that there’s something on the other side of that fear I need to get to.

Essence.com: In parting, Tyler Perry has become known for casting “PBs” (Pretty Boys) in his films. Would it bother you to adopt that moniker?

R.F.: Well, they called me the Pretty Boy of the NBA for years. I think with age, er, well, I don’t know if I’m still holding [that title] strong [Laughs]. If anything, he’s a wise producer to think about his female audience. You always hear about the men being excited to see the actresses in Tyler’s films. When I tune in to his movies, I’m excited to see the women. So if he feels he has to level the playing field for the ladies and needs me to play that role again, just let me know when he’s prayin’ and I’ll shave, go up to Sunset, and work on my Pretty Boy!

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