Will Smith to the Rescue! How He Helped Vivica A. Fox Nail Her Independence Day Audition

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In June 2016, Vivica A. Fox turned heads in a floor-length plunging black gown while arriving for the premiere of the American science fiction action film Independence Day: Resurgence held at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Vivica A. Fox curls her hair for the premiere of "Independence Day: Resurgence"Vivica A. Fox curls her hair for the premiere of Independence Day: Resurgence held on June 20, 2016, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / FayesVision)

Reprising a Beloved Role

She reprises her role as Dr. Jasmine Dubrow-Hiller, Dylan’s mother and the widow of Steven Hiller, in the sequel to the 1996 film Independence Day.

When the 1996 American science fiction action film Independence Day was released worldwide on July 3, 1996, Vivica A. Fox was 31 years old. Born on July 30, 1964, she celebrated her 32nd birthday on July 30, 1996.

Though Mary McDonnell, who starred as First Lady Marilyn Whitmore, has a higher billing than Margaret Colin and Vivica A. Fox, she has less screen time than both of them.

Vivica A. Fox as Will Smith's character's girlfriend, Jasmine Dubrow, and Margaret Colin as Constance Spano in the 1996 epic science fiction disaster blockbuster Independence DayVivica A. Fox as Will Smith’s character’s girlfriend, Jasmine Dubrow, and Margaret Colin as Constance Spano in the 1996 epic science fiction disaster blockbuster Independence Day (Credit: 20th Century Fox)

From Auditions to Iconic Roles

In July 2021, Vivica A. Fox revealed in an interview with ET that her breakout role as Jasmine Dubrow in Independence Day nabbed her the part in the 1996 American crime action heist film Set It Off.

“I had to audition six times to get the role,” she admitted. “I called my agent, and I was like, ‘Yo, everybody in town is auditioning for Independence Day, why can’t I? I did a great role on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where I played the date from hell with Will. And my agent said, ‘Oh honey, you’re just on a soap opera. I was on Young and the Restless at the time, and she said, ‘You don’t have a big enough name. This movie is going to be huge.’ And I was like, ‘Oh well, OK, let me go back to learning my lines on my soap opera.”

Ross Bagley played the role of Dylan Dubrow and Vivica A. Fox played the role of Jasmine Dubrow in the 1996 film Independence DayRoss Bagley played the role of Dylan Dubrow and Vivica A. Fox played the role of Jasmine Dubrow in the 1996 film Independence Day (Credit: 20th Century Fox)

Vivica A. Fox portrayed Janet Townes, a guest character who appeared in It Had to Be You, the 19th episode of Season 1 of The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.

“And the first time I went in there I had on this tight, patent leather, white jumpsuit. And the casting director told me, ‘It’s a good thing you can act because that outfit was not gonna get you the part,'” she added.

“And I said, ‘But wait, she’s a stripper.’ And she’s like, ‘No, she’s a stripper with a heart of gold. That’s just what she does. Go back and I want you to watch Speed and be inspired by Sandra Bullock.'”

Independence Day stars Jeff Goldblum and Vivica A. FoxIndependence Day stars Jeff Goldblum and Vivica A. Fox at the 23rd People’s Choice Awards held on January 12, 1997, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

“So I came back the next audition with, like, a cute little dress on, some combat boots and ankle socks. And as soon as I walked in she goes, ‘You did your homework,'” she recalled.

“Will actually coached me for my audition for Frankie. He was dating Jada [Pinkett Smith] at the time, so I think he was trying to get some brownie points,” she said.

“And he was like, ‘You Frankie,’ ’cause they had me audition for two roles. For Titi and for Frankie cause at the time Rosie Perez was supposed to have done Frankie. And then she fell out. And I remember when I did audition, F. Gary Gray told me, he goes, ‘You’re Frankie if she falls out. It’s your part.’ And the rest is history.”

Vivica A. Fox, with her adorable godson, Christian Kelley, wears a custom Esé Azénabor dress on the red carpetVivica A. Fox, with her adorable godson, Christian Kelley, wears a custom Esé Azénabor dress on the red carpet (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / FayesVision)

A Fashionable Red Carpet Moment

Vivica’s stunning custom Esé Azénabor dress featured embellishments around the neckline and bust, fishnet sleeves, and a sheer skirt patterned with animal stripes.

The then-51-year-old actress styled the dress with Candy Ice jewelry and a stunning pair of green and black malachite-print patent leather “So Kate” pumps by Christian Louboutin.

Vivica A. Fox poses on the red carpet in a sheer plunging gown from Esé AzénaborVivica A. Fox poses on the red carpet in a sheer plunging gown from Esé Azénabor (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / FayesVision)

Unique Footwear Choice

Vivica opted for a fresh take on the classic Christian Louboutin “So Kate” design. The actress picked a swirled marble print pattern for the glossy calfskin pointy-toe stiletto pumps.

Vivica A. Fox's feet in malachite-print Christian Louboutin pumpsVivica A. Fox’s feet in malachite-print Christian Louboutin pumps (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / FayesVision)

These unique shoes provide a head-turning look that’s perfect for summer. You can order a pair at Mytheresa and Nordstrom.

Green Swirled Marble Print Christian Louboutin 'So Kate' Pumps

Green Swirled Marble Print Christian Louboutin 'So Kate' Pumps

Green Swirled Marble Print Christian Louboutin 'So Kate' PumpsGreen Swirled Marble Print Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ Pumps, $745