Crystal Fox, a glorious staple on the Atlanta and Southeast regional-theater scene for 30 years, recently returned to the Alliance Theatre for its 20-anniversary production of “Blues for an Alabama Sky.” Fans have been watching Crystal's work onstage in such productions as “Comedy of Errors,” “The Piano Lesson,” and “Fences,” but she is best known for her role as Sgt. Luann Corbin in “In the Heat of the Night” and the matriarch Hanna Young in Tyler Perry’s hit series “The Haves and the Have Nots.” Here, Crystal reflects on her three decades of experience.
You were Phylicia Rashad's understudy for “Blues for an Alabama Sky” in Boston. How does it feel now that you took on that role yourself 20 years later?
I do feel it now has come full circle in the sense that I have loved this piece since its creation, and it has given me two of my most sustaining, lifelong friendships—one with Ms. Rashad, whom I consider to be a mentor and friend, and the other with Tyrone Henderson, whom I met in the Boston production 20 years ago and was finally been able to share a stage with in this production!
What do you love about working with the Alliance Theatre?
I’ve grown up, in a way, in this theater and consider so many people in every department to be a part of my family. From the box office, wardrobe, and crew, to the custodians, one who is no longer with us but left me with one of his rare paintings that I feel honored to possess. (God bless you, Mr. Ernest.)
Does it impede you ever to be an Equity actor in the Southeast theater scene?
It never impedes me to be an Equity actor, anywhere! It was my first honor, to be considered a professional actor and artist.
What made you decide to become an actor?
My inspiration began when I saw pieces like “Hello Dolly,” Cicely Tyson in “Roots,” Meryl Streep in “Sophie's Choice,” and “For Colored Girls” onstage. Lasting imprints of the power of using your voice, life, and story! Having felt powerless and voiceless as a child and teen, this both empowered and saved me.
I auditioned for a character who was supposed to be on one episode of “In the Heat of the Night” and Carroll O’Connor cast me as a series regular instead! It was a gift and a blessing and I will love Carroll O’Connor forever for seeing something in me and taking a risk. I loved the opportunity and the relationships, but I do not like the politics and egos that sometimes govern the behind-the-scenes workings of show business as a whole.
My role as Hanna Young on Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and the Have Nots” is a gift from God and a story that is too long to share here! But I love this role!
What are the pros and cons about a regional theater career?
The pros and cons vary. You get to experience work all over the country and the world, and develop relationships all over as well. But sometimes traveling so much causes you to miss out on things.
What has contributed to your success?
Faith and perseverance have been the major forces behind my continuing career. Both of which have been tested numerous times along this journey.
What are the particular challenges you've encountered as an African-American actor?
There haven’t been many roles for women of color, and it has taken the length of my 30 years to get an opportunity to even be considered for two episodic TV shows, whereas I feel my counterparts can pick and choose, frequently, what they'd like to go after.
What training experiences have been most invaluable?
I had continuing dance training from a woman I love and adore: Barbara Sullivan at the Atlanta Dance Theatre. I didn’t have any formal acting training but learned by doing and observing. I think it’s key for me to remain open to exploring my inner self for the why, what, where, when, and how we’re affected, and develop a process that works for me to be the storyteller-spirit-voice I want to be.
How important is an agent or manager for an actor?
The whole idea of an agent-manager relationship has eluded me my entire career. Most of the time I’ve landed a job and walked into an agent’s office offering the commission I was to receive in exchange for them representing me, but that doesn’t assure an established “relationship,” so I can’t personally nor honestly say it has helped the success of my career at all. The work you do will be seen and remembered, and that will lead to relationships that can often lead to continued work and long-lasting careers.
Any parting words for actors who may feel discouraged?
Persevere! Whatever you do, make yourself get up one more time, even when lying face down in the gravel feels better on that really low day. Grab something and get back up—you may not be doing it for just yourself!
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