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Flex Alexander
Flex Alexander
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Mark Alexander Knox (born April 15, 1970), better known as Flex Alexander or Flex, is an American actor, comedian and dancer. He began his career while appearing on numerous of television sitcoms before portraying single father Flex Washington on the UPN sitcom One on One (2001–2006). Alexander also had a number of roles in many films including Modern Vampires (1998), The Force (1999), Out Cold (2001), Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs (2002), Gas (2004), Snakes on a Plane (2006), and Trigger (2020).

Key Information

Early life

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Born in Harlem, Alexander is the son of Alethia Knox and Robert Whitehead. As a teen, he began dancing in New York night clubs earning the nickname "Flex" due to his acrobatic dance skills. After being discovered by DJ Spinderella, he began touring with rap trio Salt-n-Pepa and remained with the dance troupe for three years. In addition to dancing, Alexander also choreographed for Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah. In 1989, he made his stand-up comedy debut and eventually turned to acting, making his film debut in the 1992 film Juice.[1] Alexander also was a regular cast member of the sketch comedy show Uptown Comedy Club from 1992 to 1994.

Career

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Alexander's first television role was on the short-lived 1993 ABC sitcom Where I Live, starring Doug E. Doug. Despite being critically acclaimed, the series was canceled that same year. Alexander then guest starred on episodes of Sister, Sister and The Cosby Mysteries before moving to Los Angeles in 1995 to concentrate on acting.[2] In 1996, he landed a starring role on another short-lived sitcom Homeboys in Outer Space. The series was critically panned and canceled the following year.[3][4] Later that year, Alexander co-starred in yet another short-lived series, the Steven Bochco-created Total Security. Following Total Security's run, Alexander guest starred on Brooklyn South and The Parkers, and also had roles in several films including the 1998 direct-to-video release Backroom Bodega Boyz and She's All That (1999).[5]

From 2000 to 2001, Alexander appeared as Maya Wilkes' husband Darnell during the first season of the UPN sitcom Girlfriends. He left Girlfriends to star as single father Flexter Alexander "Flex" Barnes Washington on the UPN sitcom One on One, a series he created and produced.[6] For his role on the series, Alexander was nominated for three NAACP Image Awards and two BET Comedy Awards. In 2004, he portrayed Michael Jackson in the VH1 television biopic Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story,[7] which garnered him another NAACP Image Award nomination. He refused to play Jackson with prosthetics, but did mimic his voice, copied mannerisms and had a makeup job done to lighten his skin tone. He also refused to "cast judgement" over the singer's legal troubles of the time and said "we should pray for him".[8] Alexander returned to One on One for two more seasons, however, during the last season, his character was written out and reduced to a recurring role when the show's premise was rebooted.[9]

Following the end of One on One, Alexander had roles in the 2006 film Snakes on a Plane, opposite Samuel L. Jackson, and the 2007 horror film The Hills Have Eyes 2. He also had a role in Clement Virgo's Poor Boy's Game, with Danny Glover. Alexander's most recent role was in a 2007 episode of CSI: Miami.[5] Flex and his wife, Shanice, had their own reality show Flex & Shanice that premiered on November 1, 2014, on the OWN.

In 2022, Flex was cast as "Pookie" in the stage adaptation of New Jack City: Live on Stage, written, produced and directed by urban playwright and film producer Je'Caryous Johnson. The production is currently on tour in nine cities.

Personal life

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Alexander, a born-again Christian, married R&B singer Shanice Wilson on February 19, 2000.[1] They have two children.[10][11]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1992 Juice Contest Auditioner
1995 Money Train Hood
1997 City of Industry A-Roc
The Sixth Man Jerrod Smith
1998 Modern Vampires Trigger TV movie
Ice Kelvin TV movie
1999 She's All That Kadeem
The Apartment Complex Miles TV movie
Santa and Pete Pete TV movie
2001 Out Cold Anthony
2004 Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story Michael Jackson TV movie
Gas Damon
2005 Her Minor Thing Marty
Shira: The Vampire Samurai Willie 'Small Change Willie' Video
2006 Snakes on a Plane Clarence "Three G's" Dewey
2007 Love... & Other 4 Letter Words Arnold
Poor Boy's Game Ossie Paris
The Hills Have Eyes 2 SGT Jeff 'Sarge' Millstone
The List Chet
2013 24 Hour Love Bradford
My Sister's Wedding Matthew
2015 Soul Ties Jessie
2016 Grandma's House Thomas
2017 Love by the 10th Date Preacher Hill TV movie
2019 Maybe I'm Fine Jeffrey
2020 Ballbuster Luther
Trigger Michael Mass
2023 The Assistant Shawn Fields

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1992 Uptown Comedy Club Various Characters Main Cast: Season 1
1993 Where I Live Reggie Coltrane Main Cast
1994 Sister, Sister Cold Dog Episode: "The Concert"
New York Undercover Mecca Episode: "The Friendly Neighborhood Dealer"
1995 Def Comedy Jam Himself Episode #5
1995 The Cosby Mysteries Partygoer Episode: "The Medium Is the Message"
1996–1997 Homeboys in Outer Space Tyberius Walker Main Cast
1997 Moesha Dread Episode: "Cold Busted"
Brooklyn South Buster Episode: "McMurder One"
Total Security Neville Watson Main Cast
2000 The Parkers Andy Episode: "J.C. Bowl"
2000–2001 Girlfriends Darnell Wilkes Recurring Cast: Season 1
2001–2006 One on One Flex Washington Main Cast: Season 1–4, Recurring Cast: Season 5
2005 Cuts Episode: "Keeping It Real"
2007 CSI: Miami Martin Wilson Episode: "Deep Freeze"
2010 Blue Bloods Detective DeMarcus King Episode: "Pilot"
CSI: Miami Beau Lendell Episode: "Miami, We Have a Problem"
2012 Sketchy Kyrone Episode: "Beets by Dre"
Single Ladies James Blackwell Recurring Cast: Season 2
2013 The Client List The Wolf Episode: "Unanswered Prayers"
Masters of Sex Walter Episode: "Love and Marriage"
2014–2016 Flex & Shanice Himself Main Cast
2016 Lucifer Simon Hallbrooks Episode: "Homewrecker"
2017 Lawd Have Mercy Himself/Host Main Host
2018 In the Cut Mr. Mustard Episode: "The Big Day"
Station 19 Evan Forrester Episode: "Under the Surface"
Grey's Anatomy Episode: "Momma Knows Best"
2020–2021 Mixed-ish George Guest: Season 1, Recurring Cast: Season 2
2020–2024 The Family Business Low Jack Guest: Season 2, Recurring Cast: Season 3–5
2021 Kenan Derek Episode: "Flirting"
2022 American Gangster: Trap Queens Himself Episode: "Lonett Williams"
2023 The Black Hamptons - Episode: "Trouble in Paradise"
2024 The Ms. Pat Show Pastor Jenkins Episode: "The Book of Denise"

Music videos

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Year Artist Song
1991 Slick Rick "Mistakes of a Woman in Love with Other Men"
Crystal Waters "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)"
1992 SWV "You're Always On My Mind"
2006 Shanice "Take Care of U"

Awards and nominations

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Award Year Category Nominated work Result
BET Comedy Awards 2004 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series One on One Nominated
2005 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series One on One Nominated
NAACP Image Awards 2003 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series One on One Nominated
2004 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series One on One Nominated
2005 Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series One on One Nominated

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Flex Alexander (born Mark Alexander Knox; April 15, 1970) is an American actor, comedian, dancer, and producer best known for portraying single father Mark "Flex" Washington on the UPN sitcom One on One (2001–2006), a role for which he also served as an executive producer. Born in New York City, Alexander left home at age 15 to pursue dancing and initially worked as a nightclub performer and choreographer, earning his stage name "Flex" for his agile moves. He attended Manhattan's High School of Art and Design, where he studied architecture, but shifted focus to entertainment after being discovered by DJ Spinderella, leading to a tour with the rap group Salt-n-Pepa in the late 1980s. His first paid performance was breakdancing at a Bar Mitzvah for $50, and by 1989, he debuted as a stand-up comedian in New York clubs before transitioning to acting. Alexander's acting career began with his film debut in (1992), followed by roles in What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) as a young and guest spots on TV series like and . In the late and early , he appeared in films such as (1999), Out Cold (2001), and Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story (2001), where he portrayed . His breakthrough came with One on One, which ran for five seasons and earned him NAACP Image nominations from 2003 to 2005, as well as BET Comedy nods in 2004 and 2005. In the mid-2000s, Alexander starred in films including Gas (2004), Snakes on a Plane (2006) as Three G's alongside Samuel L. Jackson, The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007), and Poor Boy's Game (2007). He continued with TV guest roles on shows like CSI: Miami (2007), Blue Bloods (2010), Lucifer (2016), and Masters of Sex (2013), and more recently appeared in The Ms. Pat Show (2021–present) as Pastor Jenkins, The Family Business (2018–present) as Low Jack, and Mind Your Business (2024). In his personal life, Alexander has been married to R&B singer Wilson since February 19, 2000, after dating for just four months; the couple, who share a reality series Flex & (2012–2014) on OWN, have two children: daughter Imani Shekinah Knox (born 2001) and son Elijah Alexander Knox (born 2004). The family has navigated challenges including a 2011 filing, but remains committed, with Alexander crediting their strong partnership for enduring 25 years of marriage as of 2025.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Flex Alexander was born Mark Alexander Knox on April 15, 1970, in . He was raised in neighborhood during the 1970s and 1980s, an urban environment characterized by its tough, energetic street life that shaped his early experiences and instilled a resilient "hustling energy" and "never say die" attitude. Alexander is the son of Alethia Knox and Robert Whitehead, and his early family life was marked by significant challenges, including familial drug involvement and a troubled adolescence involving street fights, drug sales, and carrying a gun. He has a brother, whom he referenced alongside their in a personal detailing family struggles with . Alexander had his first professional performance, earning $50 for at a Bar Mitzvah in .

Introduction to performing arts

Growing up in , Flex Alexander exhibited a broad range of childhood interests that laid the foundation for his engagement with the , including movies, sports, , , and music. These pursuits reflected the dynamic urban environment of during the and , where entertainment forms like and were accessible through community and street culture. Alexander attended the High School of Art and Design in , where he studied . He left home at age 15 to pursue dancing. Alexander's affinity for dance manifested early through , a style deeply rooted in the Bronx's burgeoning hip-hop scene of the era. He honed his skills via self-taught methods common among local youth, participating in initial performances at community events that showcased emerging talents. One notable example was his routine at a Bar , which earned him $50 and represented an early paid local appearance. Influenced by the vibrant hip-hop culture—characterized by street performances, music, and icons like —Alexander's hobbies gradually shifted toward more structured opportunities. By the late , these experiences transitioned into semi-professional gigs, blending his dance prowess with comedic elements in New York venues. This pre-professional phase solidified his versatile foundation in entertainment, distinct from his later formal career pursuits.

Career

Dance and choreography beginnings

Following his childhood introduction to dance, Flex Alexander pursued professional opportunities through street performances and auditions in New York City's vibrant hip-hop scene during the late and early . His first paid engagement came when he earned $50 for a performance at a Bar Mitzvah, marking his entry into compensated work amid the competitive urban dance environment. Alexander quickly advanced by joining the dance troupe of the hip-hop duo for three years, starting around 1988, where he served as a background dancer in live performances that helped solidify his reputation for acrobatic, high-energy moves. This role exposed him to the rigors of the New York dance circuit, including frequent club appearances and auditions that demanded versatility in styles like breaking and , while navigating modest earnings—often in the low hundreds per gig—and intense competition from hundreds of aspiring dancers vying for limited spots in videos and tours during the 1990-1995 period. Transitioning into choreography, Alexander contributed routines for prominent artists, including , , Tony! Toni! Toné!, and & the Boyz, beginning in the early 1990s; he also assisted as choreographer on the 1991 film , where he doubled as a background dancer in key sequences. These collaborations, often involving live shows and video shoots, built crucial industry connections with producers and directors, though the freelance nature of the work presented ongoing challenges like inconsistent pay and the need to hustle for auditions in a saturated market centered around and venues.

Breakthrough in television acting

Alexander began his television career with guest appearances on shows such as New York Undercover in 1994, where he played the character Mecca in the episode "The Friendly Neighborhood Dealer," and Homeboys in Outer Space in 1996. His breakthrough came with the starring role of Mark "Flex" Washington in the UPN sitcom One on One, which aired from 2001 to 2006. In the series, Alexander portrayed a charismatic sportscaster and single father who suddenly becomes a full-time parent to his teenage daughter Breanna after his ex-wife relocates abroad for work. The show, created by Eunetta T. Boone, blended family dynamics with humor, focusing on Flex's efforts to balance his career and parenting challenges in Baltimore. One on One achieved strong ratings success, averaging 4.9 million viewers in its debut season and improving in key demographics. The series ran for five seasons and 113 episodes, contributing to UPN's golden era of Black-led sitcoms and establishing Alexander's comedic persona through his portrayal of a relatable, humorous dad figure. His background enhanced the elements in his performance. For his work on One on One, Alexander received three NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series in 2003, 2004, and 2005. He also took on greater behind-the-scenes involvement, serving as co-executive producer starting in season 3, influencing the show's direction and creative decisions.

Film roles and later projects

Alexander transitioned to film with a supporting role as the basketball player Kadeem in the teen romantic comedy She's All That (1999), which starred Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook and grossed over $103 million worldwide. He later took on an action-oriented part as Clarence, a member of the rap group Three G's, in the thriller Snakes on a Plane (2006), directed by David R. Ellis and featuring Samuel L. Jackson in the lead; the film became a cult favorite despite mixed reviews and earned $62 million at the box office. In 2007, Alexander led the cast as National Guard sergeant Sarge in the horror sequel The Hills Have Eyes 2, a role that showcased his ability to handle intense, survival-driven narratives in a film that received a 13% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes but attracted horror enthusiasts. Following these projects, Alexander appeared in additional films such as the drama Poor Boy's Game (2007), where he portrayed boxer Ossie Paris in a story exploring racial tensions in Nova Scotia, directed by Clement Virgo. Throughout the 2010s, his film work included lesser-known titles like the comedy Ballbuster (2005, released later in some markets) and the thriller The Assistant (2015), reflecting a shift toward independent productions amid a focus on television. Post-2006, Alexander continued acting on television with guest spots, including Martin Wilson, a former quarterback suspect, in the episode "Deep Freeze" (2007), and Beau Lendell in ", We Have a Problem" (2010). He also appeared as guest characters in series such as (2013) and (2016), leveraging his versatile comedic timing from earlier work to add depth to dramatic ensembles. More recently, as of 2025, he has recurring roles as Pastor Jenkins in (2021–present), Low Jack in The Family Business (2018–present), and in Mind Your Business (2023). In 2025, Alexander starred as Lionel in the touring stage play Games Women Play, a Je'Caryous Johnson production directed by Carl Payne that blends comedy, romance, and betrayal among friends; the show premiered in early 2025 and toured major U.S. cities. During a , 2025, in ahead of a performance, Alexander described his character as a charismatic yet flawed figure navigating relationship deceptions, emphasizing the play's energetic cast dynamics with co-stars and , and noting how the production's twists keep audiences engaged through relatable themes of trust and ambition. In a March 13 discussion, he highlighted the "nonstop laughs and shocking reveals" that make the show a crowd-pleaser, drawing from his extensive experience to deliver authentic emotional layers.

Producing and other contributions

Alexander served as co-executive producer on several episodes of the UPN sitcom One on One during its later seasons, particularly seasons 3 through 5 (2003–2006), where he contributed to production decisions and offered creative input on storylines to enhance the show's family-oriented humor and character development. His hands-on role allowed him to influence narrative elements, ensuring alignment with the series' themes of single parenthood and teenage life, informed by his own performance as the lead character. In the 2010s, Alexander starred in the reality series Flex & Shanice (2012–2014) on OWN, which documented his family life. He also executive produced episodes of the series Lawd Have Mercy in 2017, blending his comedic background with production responsibilities to develop content focused on urban humor. Alexander has maintained an active career in , leveraging his roots to deliver routines infused with streetwise anecdotes and observational humor about family and fame. Notable appearances include his 1995 set on , where he debuted material drawing from life, and a 2015 hosting and performing slot on Gotham Comedy Live, showcasing high-energy delivery that resonated with audiences. He continues to tour live performances, with recent shows at venues like the DC Comedy Loft in 2025, emphasizing relatable tales from his upbringing in . Beyond production and comedy, Alexander provided voice work for commercials, including promotional spots that highlighted his versatile vocal style, and contributed uncredited dance performances to music videos in the early for artists like and , where his choreography added dynamic visual elements to hip-hop tracks.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Flex Alexander met R&B singer Wilson in the elevator of their apartment building in the late , sparking a conversation after they had previously known of each other through industry circles. After maintaining a for about a year and dating for four months, the couple married on February 19, 2000. The pair welcomed their first child, daughter Imani Shekinah Knox (born August 23, 2001), followed by son Elijah Alexander Knox (born March 5, 2004). They reside in , where they have built a life centered on mutual support, including joint public appearances at premieres and events during peaks in their respective careers. The couple faced significant financial challenges, including an from their home in 2010 and filing for in 2011, which tested their partnership but ultimately strengthened their bond through shared resilience and faith. Shanice's musical career has notably shaped their home environment, fostering collaborative family moments such as group singing sessions and performances that blend her R&B influences with everyday life. The couple's reality series Flex and Shanice (2014–2016) showcased these dynamics, highlighting their partnership in raising children amid professional pursuits and financial recovery.

Health challenges and recovery

In 2024, Flex Alexander's wife, singer Shanice, faced a significant health challenge when she was diagnosed with an early-stage breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after avoiding routine mammograms for eight years. The diagnosis came following a self-examination prompted by discomfort, leading to the discovery of a one-centimeter tumor. Shanice underwent a preventive double mastectomy in May 2024 to address the non-invasive cancer, which her doctors confirmed was caught early enough for a strong prognosis. Alexander played a central role in his wife's recovery, providing hands-on care during the challenging post-surgery period, including assisting with drain clearance, showers, and while she healed at home. By late 2024, Shanice reported a successful recovery, noting that the early intervention allowed her to regain her strength and resume normal activities, though she experienced emotional hurdles such as temporarily "losing her smile" upon learning of the diagnosis. Alexander has long advocated for exploring holistic and natural treatment options alongside conventional medicine, drawing from his family's prior encounters with cancer to encourage others not to fear alternative approaches like nutrition and lifestyle changes during recovery. In public interviews throughout the 2020s, Alexander and Shanice have emphasized the importance of faith and familial support as pillars of resilience during health crises. Shanice credited her early detection to divine timing, stating, "Thank I caught it early," while Alexander highlighted how their shared Christian faith strengthened their bond and motivated perseverance. They have used their platform to advocate for proactive health measures, with Shanice urging women in 2024 to prioritize mammograms regardless of fear or inconvenience, underscoring that "if you can get there early, you'll live." Alexander echoed this in discussions of mental and physical wellness, promoting open conversations about vulnerability in recovery to inspire others facing similar trials.

Recognition

Awards for television work

Flex Alexander's portrayal of single father and sportscaster Flex Washington in the sitcom One on One earned him substantial recognition in the form of multiple nominations for prestigious awards celebrating Black excellence in television. Primary sources confirm these as nominations, though some entertainment profiles have credited him with wins for his comedic performance, highlighting its impact on the series' success. He received three NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for One on One in 2003, 2004, and 2005. The , presented annually by the to honor achievements by people of color in the arts, took place at venues like the Shrine Auditorium in ; the 2003 ceremony was held on March 8, the 2004 event on March 6, and the 2005 ceremony on March 5. These nods underscored Alexander's ability to blend humor with relatable family dynamics, positioning him as a standout in comedic acting. Additionally, Alexander received two BET Comedy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for One on One in 2004 and 2005. The BET Comedy Awards, a short-lived event dedicated to comedic talent, were held in 2004 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with as host, and in 2005. Sources note that in discussions around these nominations, Alexander emphasized the show's role in showcasing positive Black family stories and his passion for rooted in his background, which resonated with audiences and peers. These accolades as high-profile nominations significantly elevated Alexander's visibility within Black entertainment media, solidifying his status as a leading comedic talent on network television during the early 2000s and contributing to One on One's five-season run on UPN.

Nominations and other honors

Throughout his career, Flex Alexander received multiple nominations from prestigious organizations recognizing his comedic and acting talents. He earned three NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Flex Washington on One on One, in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Additionally, he received a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special for his role as Michael Jackson in the 2004 VH1 biopic Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story (2005 nomination). Alexander also garnered two BET Comedy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for One on One, in 2004 and 2005, highlighting his contributions to on television during the early 2000s. These nominations underscored his ability to blend humor with relatable family dynamics in his performances. In recognition of his multifaceted career transitioning from to and , Alexander has been featured in various industry retrospectives during the , such as discussions on pioneering entertainers who bridged performance arts. For instance, his journey has been highlighted in profiles emphasizing his early work and subsequent success in entertainment. As of 2025, Alexander continues to receive acclaim through live performances, including his comedic hosting stint at the BET Experience during the in June 2025, where he delivered standout stand-up sets amid a lineup of top comedy talents. His role in the touring stage play Games Women Play has also drawn positive mentions in theater reviews for revitalizing his comedic presence on stage, though no formal festival nominations have been announced for the production to date.

References

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