Revealing the Layers of the Multitalented Adam Fox
Photo Credit: Luke Tokaryk
From captivating audiences on stage to crafting compelling stories on screen, Adam Fox is a rising star with a hunger for authenticity and a voice that resonates beyond the spotlight. We pull back the curtain and delve into the world of this talented actor, writer, and producer.
In this interview, we explore his journey from early inspirations to his latest roles in "The Holiday Shift" and "Sugar Highs." We'll delve into the process behind his short film, "#StillGotIt?!," and uncover the vibrant personality that fuels his creative fire. This isn't just about the glam, it's about the passion, the challenges, and the heart that impulses every performance.
Rival - When did you realize you wanted to be an actor? Was there any artist that inspired you?
In one sense I don’t think I have a specific moment where I decided to be an actor, but in another, I think I have always dreamed of being a performer. I think as children we exemplify our true essence, and as a child, I was uninhibited, expressive, free-spirited, goofy, and wild. As an adult, I feel that pursuing acting has helped me restore some same qualities I possess, that I believe are my true essence. By being an actor, I’m coming back to myself.
In terms of artists that inspired me, I think inherently I have always been inspired by female performers: Julianne Moore, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, and many others. Moreover, I’ve always been inspired by divas like Madonna, Britney Spears, and Beyonce. I think what’s great about acting is that our inspirations are what makes us resonate with various characters, and understanding the inspirations a writer has in mind, is what is most likely to help you book a role, and start to sculpt your career.
Rival - You have recently participated in “The Holiday Shift”. Do you identify with Austin, the character you play in terms of personality or life experiences?
I definitely relate to Austin in many ways. I think he’s a hopeless romantic, and a genuine, honest guy, which I believe I am, most of the time. While we don’t get into his family life on the show, I picture Austin coming from a loving family, who have always been supportive on all the journeys of his life. He strikes me as someone who has been surrounded by love and calm throughout his life. While that may not be fully true for me in all senses, I can affirm that I too have been surrounded by a loving family, and true, long-time friendships, and I think those things really shape who you are as a person.
Of course, I am from a city and not suburban Ohio, but somehow the way we dress is similar. He manages to find fabulous clothes, in spite of his locale!
Rival - “Sugar Highs” is another production where you play a role. How do you think this character and series create a more nuanced and authentic representation of the life of gay men today?
I think that “Sugar Highs” creates a nuanced portrayal of the overarching queer identity because each of the three roommates, and a lot of the characters in the show, have a broad range of sexualities, all of which are addressed in the dialogue. There’s a lot of fluidity and experimentation, and nothing is really black and white. Furthermore, in a day and age where so many people in the gay community are resorting to sex work, only fans, among other alternative sources of income, I think it’s really of the time in terms of showing how current economic circumstances, and a gig economy, have changed perceptions of sex work, and how for a lot of people in the LGBTQ+ community, various forms of sex work are viable and respectable sources of income.
Rival - Besides acting, you have also written and produced a short film, “#StillGotIt?!". How did you get involved in writing? Was it something you always wanted to do?
I started writing a long time ago and took it more seriously while studying at NYU. I took a playwriting course, which, while different than screenwriting, taught me a lot about the imagination techniques and how to create characters, find their voices, create the world, etc.
From there, I realized how much I enjoyed writing, and how I have the right kind of mind and imagination for it. Writing StillGotIt was a lot of fun as it was based on some personal experiences. I was able to let go of some troubling events by finding the humor and absurdity in them, and I’m proud of the result.
Rival - How is your process when writing? What do you need to feel ready to start your writing?
Writing is tough because you really have to feel in the right headspace and in a pretty calm, centered place. For me, I like to do it when traveling, so I am away from my normal distractions. I also love to do it at a restaurant alone, with a drink, as I feel inspired by the people around me. Another great place to do it is the library. I do write at home sometimes, but I think there is a special sauce about being out in the world.
Rival - As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, do you feel any responsibility to represent it in your acting roles or your written productions?
I absolutely do. I think casting authentically for queer roles is super important, and I don’t think it’s taken as seriously when it comes to gay male or lesbian female roles. If you cast someone outside of the community for these roles, you are missing out on a whole life of experiences, references, and formative moments that really enrich a character and make them sing. Also, the role will be much more meaningful to a queer person than someone simply playing a role. Therefore, as I want more queer people cast authentically, I want to make sure I do a great job so that we see more and more, and more of this.
Rival - Besides getting to know more about Adam Fox professionally, what are some of your interests outside the stage?
I spend a lot of time exercising, taking singing and dance lessons, and being outdoors. I really love the exhilaration of getting my heart rate up, being in the forest, and then relaxing later. I love anything zen like yoga, steam rooms, and saunas. And most of all, I love traveling and food, which go hand in hand. I spent quite a lot of 2023 in Europe which was amazing, and I got to partner with Rochari Hotel in Mykonos and Macakizi in Bodrum, Turkey, both of which I’d highly recommend.
Rival - Finally, what are your next goals and projects after getting your roles in the recent productions and getting your film on a festival run?
I am really hoping that the end of the strike, combined with a successful 2023, leads to greater opportunities in this new year. I feel sharp and at my best as an actor, and ready for anything to come my way.
In the near future, I am hoping to do some live theatre, work on a romantic comedy feature I’ve been writing, and get as many acting roles as possible. Here’s hoping!