Tag Archives: Hollywood

Rick Fox: From Hardwood to Hollywood

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Rick Fox, a name synonymous with basketball during the 1990s and early 2000s, successfully transitioned from a standout NBA career to a noteworthy presence in the entertainment industry.

Born on July 24, 1969, in Toronto, Canada, Fox rose to prominence as a versatile forward for the Boston Celtics and later the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won three NBA championships. Yet, what sets Rick Fox apart from many of his athletic peers is not just his talent on the court, but his remarkable second act as a working actor in film and television.

Fox’s foray into acting began even before his retirement from basketball. He made his film debut in 1994 with a role in Blue Chips, a sports drama that also featured fellow NBA stars like Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. This early appearance was a natural extension of his basketball fame, but it signaled the start of something deeper: a genuine interest in performing arts.

Following his retirement from the NBA in 2004, Fox increasingly devoted time to acting. He built an eclectic filmography that spanned drama, comedy, and even holiday fare. Notable roles include Chick Deagan in He Got Game (1998), directed by Spike Lee, and Clyde “Sweet Feet” Livingston in the popular family film Holes (2003). He also played Harry Belton in Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns (2008), a role that further cemented his credibility among movie-going audiences and helped broaden his appeal beyond sports fans.

One of the most distinctive elements of Fox’s acting career is his willingness to take on diverse and sometimes unexpected roles. In the cult indie film Mini’s First Time (2006), he played a suave character named Fabrizio, showcasing his comedic timing and range. In the action-horror Navy Seals vs. Zombies (2015), he played the Vice President of the United States—a role far removed from the world of sports, reflecting his growing versatility as an actor.

In addition to feature films, Fox has made significant appearances on television. He starred in the HBO prison drama Oz as Jackson Vahue, a storyline that tackled the challenges faced by professional athletes who fall from grace. Later, he played recurring roles on hit series like Ugly Betty and participated in reality shows such as Dancing with the Stars, which broadened his visibility and helped him reach a new generation of viewers.

Fox’s most enduring television role in recent years has been as Detective Ian Jackson in the Morning Show Mysteries series on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, a franchise that blends suspense with lighthearted charm. His character’s consistent presence has made him a familiar face for mystery movie fans, and the role has become one of his most recognized post-NBA personas.

Rick Fox exemplifies how a career in professional sports can serve as a springboard into a second life in the arts. His journey from Lakers legend to actor is not merely a tale of celebrity crossover but a genuine narrative of reinvention. With over a dozen film roles, numerous television credits, and a steady presence in pop culture, Rick Fox stands as a rare example of a multi-talented performer who has thrived in two intensely competitive worlds.

Travis Kelce Scores Touchdown in Debut as Executive Producer

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Travis Kelce has ventured into film production with his role as executive producer for the dark comedy-drama My Dead Friend Zoe, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 9, 2024. The film, directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, explores the story of a U.S. Army veteran dealing with the loss of her best friend and reconciling with her estranged grandfather. The all-star cast includes Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Natalie Morales.

My Dead Friend Zoe is a dark comedy-drama centered on a U.S. Army veteran named Merit, who is grappling with post-military life and the emotional scars of her service. The story explores her complicated relationship with her late best friend, Zoe, whose ghost continues to appear, symbolizing unresolved grief and trauma. As Merit navigates her life, she also faces the challenge of reconnecting with her estranged grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran. Their generational differences and shared experiences with military service create tension, but also opportunities for healing and understanding. 

The film balances humor with heartfelt moments, offering a nuanced look at mental health, military culture, and the complexities of human connection. Perhaps its effectiveness is partly due to the source material for this story being director Hausmann-Stokes’ own experiences. A U.S. Army veteran himself, Hausmann-Stokes served in Iraq and has been an advocate for veteran mental health and storytelling. The film reflects his insights into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by veterans, including themes of grief, survivor’s guilt, and post-traumatic stress. 

Hausmann-Stokes has stated that the story, while fictional, draws heavily from his personal journey and those of fellow veterans, aiming to provide an authentic portrayal of military life and its aftermath. The character of Zoe, who appears as a ghost, symbolizes the lingering presence of fallen comrades, a feeling familiar to many who have served. The film seeks to address these issues with both humor and compassion, offering a fresh perspective on the veteran experience.

Audiences have responded positively to early screenings of the film with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a score of 100% at the time of this writing. Not a bad start for Travis Kelce’s first big project as a producer in Hollywood.

Remember Woody Strode for Breaking Barriers

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Woody Strode broke barriers and made significant contributions to society in various aspects of his life and career. While Strode’s impact may not be as widely recognized as some other historical figures, his determination and success in breaking barriers in professional football and Hollywood have made a lasting impact on the sports and entertainment industries, as well as on the fight for racial equality. Free Sports Magazine proudly presents the abridged story of his life.

Western movie fans may not know Woody Strode was a professional American football player before transitioning into acting. Born on July 25, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, Strode attended UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), where he excelled in athletics, particularly in football and track and field.

Strode played as a standout fullback and defensive lineman for the UCLA Bruins football team during the late 1930s. His performance in college earned him recognition, and he was named to the All-American team in 1939. Making things more interesting, one of Strode’s teammates was THE Jackie Robinson. Yes, you read that correctly. Woody Strode and Jackie Robinson were indeed teammates on the same football team.

In 1939, both Strode and Robinson played for the UCLA Bruins which went undefeated with a record of 8-0-1 that season. During their time at UCLA, Strode played as a standout fullback and defensive lineman, while Robinson played as a running back. Strode’s physicality, strength, and versatility on the field, combined with Robinson’s speed and agility, contributed to the team’s success. Their undefeated season in 1939 remains a notable achievement in UCLA football history to this day.

After college, Strode played professional football in the NFL (National Football League). He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, becoming one of the first African-American players in the league’s modern era. Strode played for the Rams for two seasons before finishing his football career in Canada, where he played for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Following his football career, Strode transitioned into acting and appeared in numerous films and television shows. Strode’s athletic background often played a role in the types of characters he portrayed on screen, bringing a physicality and presence to his performances. The football star turned thespian delivered several outstanding performances throughout his acting career. While opinions may vary on his best movie performances, there were some notable ones that garnered critical acclaim and showcased his talent. Each film showcased different facets of his skillset, making it difficult to pinpoint a single best performance:

1. Spartacus (1960) – Strode portrayed the character of Draba, a gladiator in this epic historical drama. His memorable fight scene with Kirk Douglas’s character remains one of the film’s highlights.

2. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – Strode’s role as Pompey, a loyal ranch hand, in this classic Western showcased his strength and stoic presence. His chemistry with John Wayne’s character added depth to the film.

3. Sergeant Rutledge (1960) – Strode played the title role of Sergeant Braxton Rutledge, a Buffalo Soldier accused of rape and murder. His portrayal of Rutledge’s dignity and strength in the face of injustice was highly praised.

4. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – In this Sergio Leone spaghetti Western, Strode portrayed Stony, one of the gunmen hired to intimidate the protagonist. He showcased his physicality and intensity in a standout performance.

5. The Professionals (1966) – Strode’s role as Jake Sharp, a member of a group of mercenaries, displayed his versatility as an actor. He brought depth to the character and shared excellent chemistry with his co-stars.

While Woody Strode had a successful and exciting career, he should be most remembered for the multiple barriers he broke on the field, in front of the camera, and in real life.

He was one of the first African-American players in the modern era of the National Football League (NFL). He signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes in professional football.

As an actor, he faced challenges and racial barriers in the film industry. However, he managed to carve out a successful career in an era when opportunities for Black actors were limited. He played diverse roles that went beyond stereotypes, helping to open doors for other African-American actors in Hollywood. Strode worked alongside Sidney Poitier, another trailblazing African-American actor, in the film “The Defiant Ones” (1958). Their performances in the movie, which addressed racial tensions and prejudice, helped bring attention to issues of racial equality and social justice.

Woody Strode passed away on December 31, 1994 after a battle with lung cancer. His final film was The Quick and the Dead (1995) which was released posthumously and directed by Sam Raimi of Evil Dead and Spiderman fame. In the movie, Strode finds himself in the Wild West yet again and is surrounded by an all-star ensemble cast for one last time. And while it is easy to watch Strode portray a wandering gunfighter named Charlie Moonlight, it is easier to forget his achievements and contributions as an athlete and actor were made in the face of many racial barriers. Strode’s courage and talent is not be forgotten and should continue to serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, actors, and other professionals.