Vivica A. Fox Was Too Young For `City of Angels' Role, Creator Of Series Says

Jet, August 14, 2000

Steven Bochco recently explained that Vivica A. Fox was fired from the CBS drama "City of Angels" because she was too young for the role.

At a meeting of television critics from across the country, Bochco, the creator and executive producer of the drama about the goings-on in an inner-city Los Angeles hospital, said "we created a character that kind of had a level of experience in the world to have sort of achieved the kind of reputation that would warrant a medical director of a major county hospital. And I think all of us felt that Vivica was a little young for that. So, we struggled with that."

He said age wasn't the only problem with Fox's character. "I think the problem was that, from the very beginning, we never conceptualized the character that any of us were really happy with. And it's not a role we're replacing with another actress. We're essentially going to eliminate that role because it doesn't function properly for us in the series."

In the spring, the network released a statement that said if the series returned, Fox would not be in the cast. No reason was given.

Bochco also said, "First of all, I'm a Vivica Fox fan. She may not be a Steven Bochco fan. But, I'm a fan of hers. What was wrong with that situation had far less to do with Vivica and more to do with the fact that I felt we had created a role that never really felt right to any of us."

In the series' first season, Fox and Blair Underwood (a doctor on the staff) had a romantic relationship. Bochco said no decision has been made regarding whether or not he'll have one for the upcoming season.

"City of Angels" was a candidate for cancellation because of low ratings. However, a major letter-writing, e-mailing and faxing campaign by various Black groups helped get the show renewed.

Also veteran actor/director Kevin Hooks, who directed several episodes of the show, is now the executive producer. He replaces Paris Barclay, who left at the end of the season.