OurBiography

Flex Alexander is an American actor, dancer and choreographer best known for his roles in the films Juice and Snakes on a Plane.

Synopsis

Flex Alexander was born in New York City on April 15, 1970. Alexander began his career as a dancer and choreographer, touring for years with the trio Salt-n-Pepa. He then branched out into film and television, creating and starring in the television show One on One for several years and appearing in the popular movies Juice and Snakes on a Plane.

Early Life and Career

Mark Alexander Knox was born April 15, 1970, in New York City. Alexander, the son of Alethia Knox and Robert Whitehead, had a troubled adolescence, and has recalled getting into fights, selling drugs and carrying a gun at the age of 15.

Alexander began dancing in New York clubs during his teen years. His energetic dancing style earned him the nickname "Flex" and attracted the attention of DJ Spinderella. When Spinderella began touring with the trio Salt-n-Pepa, Alexander joined the tour for a period of three years. Alexander also choreographed dance routines for performers, including Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah.

Film Career

In the late 1980s, Alexander branched out into acting as well as dancing and choreographing. He began performing stand-up comedy and sought out film roles, appearing in the 1992 film Juice.

Alexander also began appearing on television programs in the 1990s. He was a regular cast member on the sketch comedy show Uptown Comedy Club and Girlfriends, and appeared on the short-lived sitcoms Where I Live, Homeboys in Outer Space and Total Security. He also guest starred on the popular shows Sister, Sister and The Cosby Mysteries.

Alexander left his recurring role on Girlfriends to star in the UPN sitcom One on One, on which he played single father Flexter "Flex" Washington. The show, which Alexander also created and produced, garnered nominations for both NAACP Image Awards and several BET Comedy Awards in its first year. One on One remained on the air for several further seasons, although Anderson's character was phased out over time.

After leaving One on One, Alexander returned to acting in motion pictures. He portrayed Michael Jackson in a TV biopic, earning another NAACP Image Award Nomination. Since that time, he has appeared in the 2006 film Snakes on a Plane, the 2007 horror film The Hills Have Eyes 2 and Clement Virgo's Poor Boy's Game. He has also continued to make TV appearances in a guest-star capacity.

Personal Life

Alexander is a born-again Christian who is deeply committed to his faith. He has been married to R&B singer Shanice Wilson since 2000 (they wed on Valentine's Day). The couple has two children: daughter Imani Shekinah Alexander-Knox, born in 2001, and son Elijah Alexander-Knox, born in 2004.