Flex Alexander facts for kids

Mark Alexander Knox (born April 15, 1970), known professionally as Flex Alexander or just Flex, is an American actor, comedian, and dancer. He is best known for playing the single dad Flex Washington on the popular TV show One on One from 2001 to 2006.

Flex has also appeared in many movies. Some of his film roles include Out Cold (2001), Gas (2004), and Snakes on a Plane (2006).

Early Life and Dance Career

Flex Alexander was born in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. When he was a teenager, he started dancing in New York nightclubs. He was so good at acrobatic dance moves that he earned the nickname "Flex."

A DJ named DJ Spinderella noticed his talent. Soon, Flex was touring with the famous rap group Salt-n-Pepa as a dancer. He stayed with them for three years. Flex also worked as a choreographer, creating dance routines for stars like Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah.

In 1989, he tried stand-up comedy. This led him to acting, and he got his first movie role in the 1992 film Juice.

Acting on TV and in Movies

Flex's first role on television was in the 1993 sitcom Where I Live. After the show ended, he had guest roles on shows like Sister, Sister. In 1995, he moved to Los Angeles to focus more on his acting career.

He starred in a few TV shows that didn't last long, like Homeboys in Outer Space and Total Security. He also appeared in movies, including the popular 1999 teen comedy She's All That.

Starring in 'One on One'

From 2000 to 2001, Flex had a role in the sitcom Girlfriends. He played Darnell, the husband of the character Maya Wilkes.

He left Girlfriends for his biggest role yet. He created, produced, and starred in his own show called One on One. In the show, he played Flex Washington, a sportscaster who becomes a single father to his teenage daughter. The show was a big hit and earned him several award nominations.

Playing Michael Jackson

In 2004, Flex took on the challenge of playing the famous singer Michael Jackson. He starred in the TV movie Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story. To look and sound like the pop star, he copied his voice and mannerisms. He also wore makeup to lighten his skin tone but chose not to wear prosthetics (fake face parts).

His performance earned him another nomination for an NAACP Image Award. During that time, Flex said that people should pray for the singer, who was going through a difficult period in his life.

Recent Work

After One on One ended, Flex continued to act in movies and on TV. He appeared in the action movie Snakes on a Plane (2006) and the horror film The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007).

From 2014 to 2016, Flex and his wife, Shanice, starred in their own reality TV show. It was called Flex & Shanice and it aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

In 2022, Flex was cast in a stage play version of the movie New Jack City. He played the character "Pookie" in the show, which toured in many cities across the country.

Personal Life

Flex is a born-again Christian. On February 19, 2000, he married R&B singer Shanice Wilson.

The couple has two children. Their daughter, Imani Shekinah, was born in 2001, and their son, Elijah Alexander, was born in 2004.

Awards and Nominations

Flex has been recognized for his acting, especially for his role in One on One.