By Naeisha Rose
Dozens of diehard fans came out to celebrate with Vivica A. Fox at an exclusive pre-party bash last weekend in Rosedale for a book signing of the actress’ memoir, “Every Day I’m Hustling,” at the fusion restaurant Pa-Nash Eurosoul.
Two pieces of advice from Fox’s book for young people who want to break into Hollywood today was to be versatile and learn their craft.
“Be able to host, be able to sing, be able to dance,” said Fox. “The No. 1 advice I would give actors is to study. Find out what you are good at. Are you good at comedy? Are you good at drama?”
The actress, who stars on the hit Fox show “Empire,” is also the host of the CBS conflict resolution show, “Face the Truth.”
“I love doing movies. I love hosting, which fell into my lap. I love doing comedy and I just love working on good projects more than anything else,” Fox said.
Fans were happy to see the star of TV, film and music videos.
“I’ve always been a fan of Vivica,” said Genice Sanders. “I’m very excited about her being here and coming to southeast Queens to sign her book.”
Traveling with Sanders from Long Island to the Mediterranean and Caribbean restaurant, located at 144-14 243rd St., was her friend Brett Bellamy.
“I’m really happy to be here,” said Bellamy. “I watched her and her career since she starred in that sitcom with Patti LaBelle and I’m looking forward to reading her book.”
Also at the event was Queens Village native Sharon Chambers, the owner of Zen Masters Martial Arts Studio, which is located at 188-03 Linden Blvd. in St. Albans.
“I think it is absolutely awesome [that she is here],” said Chambers. “I think it is amazing to have the talent come to the community and talk about possibilities for young people today.”
Fox said she wanted to help others with her personal stories about breaking into the industry and maintaining her success.
“My publicist B.J. Coleman… he said ‘Vivica, you are a woman who looks great in your 50s, you’ve had a major resurgence in your career, you need to share those secrets of your success,’” Fox told TimesLedger Newspapers. “In the book [I tell others] how I finally learned to get out of my own way. People don’t realize how hard I work. I’ve been about my hustle.”
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
