Real Simple: VIVICA A. FOX

This month's cover girl, Vivica A. Fox, is a woman who has lived in the public eye for 20 years, and the last several have had their trying moments-publicly. Audiences have always related to the 43-year-old actress/producer (Soul Food, Kill Bill) and been curious about her life. So since we keep hearing all these pesky rumors, we thought who better than you, our readers and her enduring fans, to ask the questions that you've always wanted to know-and to have Fox answer them herself. From love and romance to haters and lies, the one-time kung fu fighter bares it all. Having a consistent career seems to be so hard for African-American actresses. How have you kept the roles coming?-Storm, 29, Nashville I am really lucky that I started producing, so I don't wait on my agents to make the phone ring. Myself and my manager, Linda Richardson, we are always finding new projects, getting things [done] and employing other very talented African-American actors, whether it is in our own independent movies or screenplays. It is wonderful to produce your own project. Do you ever see yourself settling down and having kids?-Melissa, 36, Brooklyn I don't know if I will have kids. I might adopt. Settling down-I hope this does not sound selfish, but I consider myself a businesswoman. Would I love to be in a relationship? Yes, I would, but it is very hard dating when I kind of have put my career first, so my priorities with dating are a little different than most people. SOURCE OF THIS STORY:UPSCALE MAGAZINE