Dana Fox, a proud Brighton native, has emerged as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. With a diverse educational background, including a degree in English and art history from Stanford University in 1998 and a master's from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts in 2000, she has worked her way up from a writers' assistant to a successful screenwriter.

Her Latest Achievement: "Wicked" Part I

The 48-year-old Fox has written a string of major-release movies, but her latest project is one of the most anticipated of the year. "Wicked" Part I, starring Ariana Grande, is set to hit theaters this week. She co-wrote the script with Winnie Holzman, and the sequel is due out in November 2025.In the Rochester region, "Wicked" will be shown at various theaters such as the AMC Webster 12, Movies 10, Cinemark Tinseltown, Apple Cinemas Pittsford, the Regal Eastview, the Little Theatre, ROC Cinema, the Brockport Strand, Canandaigua Theaters, Geneseo Theaters, the Ohmann Theatre in Lyons, and the Spotlight Theater of Warsaw. Screenings start as early as Wednesday, Nov. 20.Fox, who now lives in Virginia with her husband and three young children, initially thought she'd pursue a career on the business side of the movie industry. However, a screenwriting assignment at USC shifted her path. In 2005, her first script, "The Wedding Date" starring Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney, hit the big screen. As she shared in 2005 with the Democrat and Chronicle, "To actually hear those actors say your lines is amazing. You feel like a magician."Her subsequent works include 2008's "What Happens in Vegas" with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher, 2009's "Couple's Retreat" which she co-wrote with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau, and 2021's "Cruella" starring two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone. This critical and box office success showcases her talent and versatility.In a 2007 interview with The Record Herald of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Fox offered valuable advice to aspiring screenwriters. She emphasized the importance of dreaming big but also highlighted the significance of hard work. "You have to dream big, (but) it’s been nothing but hard work. That’s the thing that puts you ahead of everybody. I never gave up and never stopped working my butt off."Brighton native Shana Dowell, a friend of Fox's since they were 8 years old, can attest to her hard work and dedication. Dowell, a 48-year-old doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology in Nashville, said, "She’s worked really hard and paid her dues for sure. She’s mentored a lot of people, especially women. She has writing assistants that she really takes under her wing and teaches them and works with them in a non-cut-throat way. And some of these people have become very successful in their own right. She wants them to be successful and gives them credit for their work and really helps them blossom and flourish."Above all, Dowell emphasized Fox's kind nature. "She’s a great person. She has this life that’s very unusual, but she’s a normal person."Also, "Black Panther" co-star Winston Duke gave a "shout out" to his Brighton High School foreign language teacher, highlighting the impact of Brighton on these successful individuals.Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has a keen interest in retail news. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.