She has helped save the world from aliens in Independence Day, played a baddie in Kill Bill Vol. 1, toyed with Jamie Foxx’s heart strings in Booty Call and even laced up some high-tops for Juwanna Mann, but the role Vivica Fox might relish playing most is fan for her L.A. Lakers. HOOP had the chance to sit down with the recent Dancing with the Stars participant to talk about her career and her love of NBA basketball.

What made you want to do Dancing With the Stars?
Last season I saw that it was exciting. They have a huge audience. If I sign up for something, I commit myself 110 percent. The pressure that was put upon me was by myself, because I like to perform well, being a former athlete. I always give my best.

Although you are clearly a great dancer and you are very used to physically demanding film roles, how much were you surprised by the physical demands of the show?
My feet were swollen for two months. I didn’t know how hard you have to apply yourself to technically learn to dance. I’ve always had a lot of rhythm, a lot of soul, love to dance. But when you’re trained to perform technically, it’s a whole other genre.

What was your favorite dance?
The mambo was my least favorite because that goes at 110 miles an hour. I loved the foxtrot and I loved the tango.

Were you as surprised as the judges and the audience that a football player like Emmitt Smith won?
Not really, because the guy is light on his feet. He’s used to sticking and moving. But I was very surprised how he checked his ego at the door. It was a new arena for him, and he had to be trained by a female. Being from the macho world of football, the fact that he could check his ego at the door, learn and do so well is a true testament to his character.

What NBA player—past or present—do you think could handle the dance floor?
I believe Magic Johnson could, because he loves to dance and he does Tae Bo, so he’s in class with a lot of women doing moves people wouldn’t expect him to do. Then I’ll say Dr. J. Current player, LeBron James.

You obviously love the glamour of the red carpet, but were you surprised by the extreme glitz and camp that is ballroom dancing?
Yes, especially for the men to be honest. The men are very precise—from their hair to their entire look. They’re the divas. For me, it was creating a character. That’s how I looked at it every week.

Do you have a favorite moment from the show?
When we were voted best dance of the week for the tango. That was really thrilling.

Would you embrace doing a musical now?
I would love to do Chicago or something else on Broadway. Absolutely. My body loved it. My feet didn’t, but the rest of me did.

From the Mar/Apr 2007 issue