Vivica A. Fox isn’t ready to step away from CBS’s hit sitcom Poppa’s House just yet—especially if it means stirring up some onscreen romance with Damon Wayans Sr. and Essence Atkins.
Excited for More Screen Time
Fox, 60, expressed enthusiasm about reprising her role, teasing a potential love triangle in the making.
“I’m waiting on that call, to be very honest with you,” she told Us Weekly. “At first, it wasn’t written, but after the table read, Damon said, ‘Oh no, I’m writing some more. We’re not seeing you just once. No way.’”
The actress, known for Kill Bill and Independence Day, hopes to make a comeback. “I would welcome it with open arms,” she added.
Instant Chemistry With Wayans Sr.
During the March 31 episode of Poppa’s House, Fox made her debut as Judge Say Wha?!, who shares an unexpected connection with Poppa (Wayans Sr.). When an argument between Junior (Damon Wayans Jr.) and Poppa escalates to a courtroom showdown, Judge Say Wha?! clearly favors the patriarch, hinting at deeper chemistry.
“The beautiful thing is I know the entire Wayans family and have worked with them all. So, believe it or not, that chemistry was there from the table read,” Fox recalled. “Everybody was rolling because Damon was just flirting.”
Fox said her connection with Wayans Sr., 64, felt natural. “It just grew throughout rehearsals and taping. I think it’s because I know the family so well—they’re just awesome. It’s a well-oiled machine over there at Poppa’s House.”
Essence Atkins on Her Character’s Romance
Essence Atkins, 53, who plays Ivy—Poppa’s current love interest—has also collaborated with the Wayans family on multiple occasions.
“The truth is, when I hear ‘Wayans,’ it’s always an immediate yes,” she previously told Entertainment Weekly. “This is my sixth project with the family. I’ve met and worked with almost all of them.”
Atkins believes the slow-burn romance between Ivy and Poppa is important. “Initially, we thought it would happen sooner, but I love that they’re building a friendship first,” she explained. “They’re developing a real admiration for each other.”
She also teased that this season will have plenty of moments where fans will be rooting for their relationship. “There’ll definitely be moments where you want it to happen.”
Where to Watch ‘Poppa’s House’
New episodes of Poppa’s House air Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS and are available for streaming the next day on Paramount+. Stay tuned for more updates on potential romantic twists in upcoming episodes.
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