Vivica A. Fox will be pumping adrenaline along with her opponent Russell Hornsby on CBS's nationally syndicated "Celebrity Name Game" on Thursday, Feb. 18. It might look like all fun and games, but there's some serious competing going on here, sweating out the answers for big cash.
Finding time between filming a list of feature films and television projects that include "Independence Day: Resurgence," hit TV show "Empire" and running her own business empire, Vivica is a natural when it comes to sports and game activities. Headlines & Global News gets in on the action and a personal off-camera workout with this dynamo and learns the art of being a gameshow warrior - what it really takes to win and have fun at the same time. You think you can outsmart the Fox? Find out and apply to be a contestant on season three. On your mark...get set...GO!
Are you an early bird?
Yes, I am. Early bird gets the worm. I live by that motto, that's for sure. For me, that's why I like the morning, because that's the most quiet time of my day. I usually get up really early to find out what's happening back east.
Do you get up at 5 a.m. to go jogging or to the gym?
Believe it or not, I do water aerobics. No, hell, no. I ain't getting up and exercising that early. (laughs) Not unless there's a check involved! If there's a check involved, you might get me to, you know, sweat a little bit. I go to a place called the Beverly Hot Springs. That has a big pool, and I get in there and stretch and do my situps, pushups, a little bit of aerobic activity.
So, you're going into "combat" against Russell Hornsby on Celebrity Name.
I love doing the show. Whenever they give me a call to participate, I jump at the opportunity. The first time I did it, I was like, "Oh my gosh! OK, I know pop culture very well, but am I going to be good at this game?" It really gets your adrenaline popping because you've got, what is it, 15 seconds one time or 30 seconds ... The main goal is to help your team. And then they kind of switch you up during, which I thought was interesting. They'll start you with one team, and then you end up on another team. At the end you and the other celebrity guest help whichever team wins to try and score all the points so that they can win $20,000. You're like, "Yeah! Yeah! We don't know that! Go! GO." It's really, really fun!
Is Craig Ferguson a hoot, or what?
I actually met Craig years ago when he had his own talk show and thought he was just a doll. I really did. He's funny, he's a good-looking guy, he's quick...so when I heard he was hosting this show, I thought, "Oh wow, what a good fit for him." He seems really happy over there, and I'm so happy to know they've been picked up for a third season. We're trying to tell people, "Hey, come on out, sign up to do this show. Not only is it fun, you might win 20 grand!"
What strategy tips do you have for those new contestant contenders for season 3?
Brush up on your pop culture. As far as what's going on in music...just know things from all different walks of life. That's what I like about them, is that you kind of think, "oh, it's going to be celebrities," and sometimes they'll do athletes, and then sometimes they'll do music people, and sometimes they'll do movies. Maybe play a couple of charade games. And be open to make a complete fool of yourself and have a good time doing it. You've also got to make sure not... if you give it away, then you feel so bad that if you mention part of it (the answer). Know what I mean? I would also suggest to the contestants to watch the show before you go on so that you kind of get the rhythm of the show. Know what you're stepping into. Do your homework, honey!
