Flex Alexander facts for kids

Mark Alexander Knox (born April 15, 1970), known to many as Flex Alexander, is an American actor, comedian, and dancer. He became famous for playing a single dad named Flex Washington on the TV show One on One from 2001 to 2006. Flex has also appeared in many movies, like Snakes on a Plane and Out Cold.

Early Life and Dance Moves

Flex Alexander was born in Harlem, New York City. When he was a teenager, he loved to dance in New York nightclubs. He was so good at acrobatic dance moves that people started calling him "Flex."

A famous DJ named DJ Spinderella discovered him. Soon, Flex was touring with the popular rap group Salt-n-Pepa as part of their dance team. He danced with them for three years! Besides dancing, Flex also created dance routines for music stars like Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah.

In 1989, Flex tried something new: stand-up comedy. He was good at making people laugh, and this led him to acting. His first movie role was in the 1992 film Juice. He also became a regular on the comedy show Uptown Comedy Club from 1992 to 1994.

Flex's Acting Journey

Flex Alexander's first TV show was a sitcom called Where I Live in 1993. Even though critics liked it, the show didn't last long. After that, he had guest roles on shows like Sister, Sister. In 1995, he moved to Los Angeles to focus more on acting.

In 1996, he got a main role in another sitcom, Homeboys in Outer Space. This show also didn't last long. He then appeared in other TV shows and movies, including She's All That in 1999.

Becoming "Flex" on TV

From 2000 to 2001, Flex played Darnell Wilkes on the TV show Girlfriends. But he left that show to star in his own sitcom, One on One. He even helped create and produce the show! On One on One, he played Flexter Alexander "Flex" Barnes Washington, a single dad raising his daughter. His role on the show earned him several awards nominations.

In 2004, Flex took on a big role: he played Michael Jackson in a TV movie called Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story. He worked hard to copy Michael Jackson's voice and movements. He also had special makeup to make his skin lighter for the role. Flex focused on portraying the singer's life story.

After One on One ended, Flex continued to act in movies like Snakes on a Plane (2006) with Samuel L. Jackson, and the horror film The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007). He also appeared in an episode of CSI: Miami.

Recent Projects

In 2014, Flex and his wife, Shanice, started their own reality show called Flex & Shanice on the OWN. The show gave fans a look into their lives.

More recently, in 2022, Flex was cast in a stage play version of the movie New Jack City. He plays the character "Pookie" and the show has been touring in many cities.

Family Life

Flex Alexander is married to R&B singer Shanice Wilson. They got married on February 19, 2000. They have two children: a daughter named Imani Shekinah Knox (born in 2001) and a son named Elijah Alexander Knox (born in 2004). Flex is also a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

Awards and Nominations

Flex Alexander has been recognized for his acting: