Rick Fox has always been a bit of a chameleon. One minute he’s locking down defenders for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the next he’s charming audiences on Ugly Betty or making massive moves in the world of esports. But for most people, the name Rick Fox is inextricably linked to one of the most high-profile celebrity marriages of the early 2000s.
When we talk about Rick Fox and wife, we are usually talking about Vanessa Williams. She’s the former Miss America, a Broadway powerhouse, and a pop icon. They were the ultimate "it" couple, a collision of sports dominance and Hollywood glamour that felt like a permanent fixture on the red carpet.
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But things change. Honestly, a lot has changed since they stood at the altar in 1999. If you’re looking for his "current" wife, the answer might surprise you: there isn't one. As of early 2026, Rick Fox remains unmarried. He’s shifted his focus from the Hollywood spotlight to a massive political undertaking in the Bahamas, proving that his life after the NBA is anything but predictable.
The Marriage Everyone Still Remembers
The romance between Rick Fox and Vanessa Williams was basically a fairytale for the tabloid era. They were introduced by supermodel Tyra Banks—because of course they were—and the chemistry was instant. They eloped in the summer of 1999 in the Caribbean and then did the whole "official" New York City wedding later that year.
It wasn't just for show. In May 2000, they welcomed their daughter, Sasha Gabriella Fox. For a few years, they seemed to be navigating the impossible balance of two high-octane careers. But distance is a brutal reality in the entertainment world. Vanessa later opened up in a Glamour essay, explaining that they were rarely on the same coast. Rick was on the road or in L.A. with the Lakers, while Vanessa was raising four children (including three from her previous marriage) on the East Coast.
The marriage ended in 2004. It was a shock to fans, but the way they handled the fallout became a masterclass in co-parenting.
Life After Divorce: A New Type of Partnership
Unlike many celebrity splits that devolve into messy courtroom battles, Rick and Vanessa stayed... well, friends. It’s actually kinda refreshing. They didn’t just tolerate each other; they continued to work together.
- They played love interests on Ugly Betty years after their divorce.
- They’ve appeared together on the BET series Twenties.
- Their social media feeds are full of mutual respect, especially when it comes to Sasha.
Vanessa has even referred to their post-divorce relationship as "healthy co-parenting goals." It’s a rare look at how two people can move past a romantic failure to build a lasting, platonic foundation.
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The Dating Years and Eliza Dushku
After the divorce was finalized, Rick didn't stay single forever. He had a very public, five-year relationship with Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress Eliza Dushku. They started dating in 2009 and eventually moved in together. For a while, everyone expected a second "Rick Fox and wife" headline to hit the newsstands.
It didn't happen.
They split in 2014 for a reason that is surprisingly relatable: geography. Eliza is a Boston girl through and through, and she wanted to go back home to her roots and her family. Rick is an "L.A. guy." Eliza famously told The Boston Globe that she’d rather be "physically cold" in Boston than "emotionally cold" in Los Angeles.
Since then, Rick has been linked to various people, including rumors involving Sharon Stone and Kristin Davis, but he hasn't walked down the aisle again. He’s been linked to Kari Hillsman in the past as well, with whom he shares his son, Kyle Fox.
Why Rick Fox is Moving Away from Hollywood in 2026
If you’re wondering what Rick Fox is up to right now, you won't find him on a movie set or a basketball court. He has returned to his roots in the Bahamas with a mission that is far more serious than entertainment.
In late 2025, Rick announced he is running for a legislative seat in the Bahamas' House of Assembly. The election is set for October 2026. This isn't just a vanity project; he’s been on the ground for years, especially following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. He started the Bahamas Relief Foundation and has been vocal about transparency and economic modernization in his home country.
He’s traded the "glamour couple" lifestyle for the grit of public service. It’s a pivot that most didn't see coming back when he was hoisting NBA championship trophies.
What This Means for His Personal Life
So, where does that leave the search for the current "wife"? Basically, Rick is married to his work right now. His "family" photos these days aren't red carpet snaps; they are pictures of him with his children or archive photos of his late father, Ulrick Fox, who was a community leader in the Bahamas.
Takeaways from Rick's Journey
- Longevity isn't the only measure of success: Even though his marriage to Vanessa Williams ended, their successful co-parenting is a win in its own right.
- Priorities shift: Rick’s transition from athlete to actor to esports mogul to politician shows that it’s never too late to redefine your "brand."
- Geography matters: As seen with Eliza Dushku, sometimes where you live is just as important as who you’re with.
If you’re following Rick Fox's career, the most important thing to watch isn't his dating life—it’s his 2026 election results. He is attempting to take the leadership skills he learned on the court and apply them to national renewal. Whether he’s single or not, he’s clearly focused on leaving a legacy that goes way beyond a Hollywood headline.
Keep an eye on his official social media channels for updates on his Bahamian campaign, as he’s been sharing a lot of "Getting to Know Me" content that dives into his upbringing and his vision for the future of the islands.