Beyoncé, Pam Grier Are This '90s Actress and Soap Star's 'Role Models'

Oscar-winner Quentin Tarantino has a knack for bringing veteran actors back into the spotlight with fresh, dynamite performances.

That includes Pam Grier (Jackie Brown), who was just praised extensively by fellow Tarantino collaborator Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill) in a new interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups.

“I once got the opportunity to interview my role model,” she said. “I was in tears. I named my production company, Foxy Brown Productions, after her. She was the first super strong, beautiful African American woman that I saw.”

Fox continued, “[Pam] said to me, ‘Why are you crying so much?’ I said, ‘Because I can’t believe how kind and beautiful and generous you are with your knowledge.’ And she said, ‘Vivica, it’s how I’m supposed to be, and I challenge you to do the same.’ I’ve been passing the baton to the [next generation], and I’m always kind, because I believe a happy set is a productive set.”

Fox is busy promoting Is God Is, which hits theaters this weekend. It’s the latest project for the longtime actress who has starred in blockbusters like Independence Day and daytime programs like The Young and the Restless. Fox reflected on her career in speaking with AARP.

“I used to be [so focused] on the treadmill of success that I would forget to enjoy this,” she said. “You start working and the phone starts ringing constantly, and then you forget to take a little time to breathe, right? You can take a little vacation, or you can go have a little bit of fun — but not too much fun, right?”

She continued, “Do everything in moderation, but enjoy the ride, because it’s beautiful. I look at some of my role models, like Beyoncé — she’s such a hard worker. I’ll never forget going to see her for the first time in France in a stadium and just kind of going, ‘Wow, there are 60,000 people here to see her dreams come true.’ Nowadays, everybody thinks that they can just swipe to fame. And I always say to young actors: Don’t have a moment — build a career.”