By Stephanie Frederick, Sentinel Entertainment Editor 

You can thank fate for how the strikingly handsome actor Rick Fox landed in Tyler Perry’s new romantic drama, “Meet the Browns.” How else can you explain how the former Laker turned actor almost lost his life in an L.A. crosswalk, but somehow ended up with a starring role in Perry’s new hit film which scored $20 million plus at the box office opening weekend.

“I really didn’t notice who he was until I almost ran him over with my car,” said filmmaker Tyler Perry of his run-in with the 6’7” basketball champion. “I got out and apologized and then recognized him. I said, mind if we talk sometime. I have a project I may need your help with in the near future.”

For Fox, he had heard about the highly-successful director/writer/actor whose niche movies have resonated strongly with African American audiences and pulled in more than $200 million worldwide, but Fox really didn’t know Perry. “I just thought it was a near accident. I wasn’t hit or hurt so it was really okay.”

The two men exchanged phone numbers and agreed to talk at a later date, but then a few hours later that same day Perry - who usually working from his TP studios in Atlanta - walked into a Sunset Blvd. restaurant and runs into Fox again. Serendipity? Providence? Fate? Maybe. Perry calls it “divine nudging.” He couldn’t help but work out everything with Fox right there on the spot.

“Hey, I realize when God is trying to tell me something. I sat down and told him about the film,” Perry said laughingly and before long Fox was cast as handsome “Harry” - Angela Bassett’s love interest in Perry’s 5th film “Meet the Browns.”

“I’m glad I was in the crosswalk that day,” joked Fox. “I know a lot of actors who wished Perry had almost run over them,” he said with his signature smile. “Tyler very graciously allowed me to play a character he could have played himself. I’m grateful that he entrusted me with the role, and gave me a big opportunity in the process.”

While the movie focuses on Brenda (Bassett), a single mom of three who’s struggling to make ends meet on Chicago’s southside, Fox plays the knight in shining armor who also happens to be an ex-pro baller turned basketball scout who has his eye on Brenda’s talented son (Lance Gross) and eventually mom too. In the process, we’re introduced to Brenda’s long lost Southern family “The Browns” and between wacky yet lovable relatives and Harry - her life is forever changed.

“I think it’s just a message of faith and hope that, regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in, there’s still more out there for you, as long as you continue to push through,” said Fox of the film’s inspirational theme. “I think that with all of Tyler’s movies, there’s definitely a sense of faith and hope that there’s something greater than our selves that is out there in terms of support.”

The message resonated with Fox big time. It was only four years ago, at age 36, Fox retired from professional basketball with his eye on another prize...to become an actor. Now - here he was being offered a role playing opposite Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett.

“It’s like getting thrown into the deep end of the ocean. Eventually, you have to start swimming. (he laughs). “She (Bassett) really was like a life preserver out there for me. She was not only gracious and open, but teaching and sharing,” Fox added. “I jumped ahead in terms of my understanding of working with a fellow actor because Angela grabbed me and pulled me forward and I gotta say that it will change my career forever.”

Born in Toronto, Ulrich Alexander Fox was raised in the Bahamas by his Italian-Canadian mother and father from the Caribbean. Quite frankly, he was known as “the pretty boy.”

Published in : Entertainment, Movies