Actress and producer Vivica A. Fox is a proud self-proclaimed Cougar.

The 40-something creator of the reality show The Cougar — about a woman in her 40s who is courted by a house full of ‘hunky’ guys in their 20s — hosted the one-hour elimination dating series that ran for eight episodes.

“I’m so excited to be the guide for ‘The Cougar’s’ quest for love,” Fox said.

“This show will prove to be empowering and enlightening for women everywhere.

Plus, 20 hot guys gathered under one roof doesn’t hurt!”

During a recent appearance on the Rachael Ray show, Fox talked about the show’s premise.

“We’re here to turn the tables. For years, older men have dated younger women, no one says a thing. But when you see an older woman with a younger man, then heads turn! ‘Oh my God, what is she doing?’”

When [a woman] reaches her 40s, she’s in her peak. You know what you want, you know what you don’t want. It’s really a whole new chapter of life.”

And, during a web exclusive interview with Essence.com, Fox was more revealing about her Cougarism.

ESSENCE.COM: And what are the perks of a younger man?
FOX: Well . . . (laughs). They have less drama sometimes. I’m not attracted to a man with a lot of kids or drama, to be honest. I don’t limit myself to young guys, but right now that’s what’s happening. The young guys who attract me have more spirit; they aren’t set in their ways. Most of time they want to travel, go out, go dancing and have fun. They are more outgoing and free-spirited.
ESSENCE.COM: And what’s your message to women who are hesitant to give younger men a try?
FOX: Don’t limit yourself. It used to be taboo, but things have changed and the stigma is gone. I did the show to show women; it was liberating. If a younger guy is attracted to you, don’t shy away because he’s younger. Once you turn 40, there is no putting you out to the pasture. You are at your peak. Show ‘em what you’re working with!

Fox isn’t the only Sista rocking the younger men.

There’s Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon.

They married quietly last April in the Bahamas, but the couple celebrated their first anniversary in Las Vegas at the Palms Casino Resort.

Joined by 50 of their closest pals, including L.A. Reid, Tyrese Gibson and boxer Floyd Mayweather. According to those who were in attendance, everyone dined on surf ‘n’ turf, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, chocolate chip cookies and crème brûlée.

After dinner, partygoers hung out at the Moon Nightclub, where Cannon presented the video he made for Carey of the best moments they’ve spent together since marrying last year.

There is a 9-year difference between Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubrey.

They’ve been together since November 2005.

Halle gave birth to Nahla Ariela in March of last year; they hope to have a second child.

From People.com, Halle told Jay Leno how she spotted Gabriel on a bus.

A model taking the bus? Gasp!

“He wasn’t riding on the bus, he was on the side of the bus, you know, he’s a model,” Berry, 43, clarified. “I saw the picture and I just thought, hmm.”

More like Mmm-Hmm. When Berry met Aubry, 34, three days later at a photo shoot, the two hit it off. “I just remember making a mental note of, ‘Wow, that’s a good-looking man,’ and then three days later, bam, there’s that good-looking man!”

Now, the two are celebrating four years together, which Berry says is a big deal.

“Four years. The longest relationship I’ve ever had, yes, yes the longest one,” says Berry who has been married twice before. “For me, that’s good!”

Before Aubrey, Halle dated Michael Ealy — who is 5 years younger — while filming Their Eyes Were Watching God.

The “Oprah Winfrey Presents” ABC tele-pic, is a story of a young woman of color in the 1920s and her search for love, sensual excitement and spiritual fulfillment.

While Halle was separated from Eric Benet, she hooked up with Ealy.

Reports suggest that the relationship was sporadic throughout 2004-2005, but it was apparently strained because Ealy wanted to get married.

Yet, Halle — after two divorces — vowed to never get married again.

I am very happy for all you Sista-girls who prefer your men younger.

Good on ya!

A friend of mine ONLY dates men who are younger. As she puts it, after years of compromises and unhappiness, her life is full of laughter and exploration.

Yes, the sex is phenomenal, he isn’t threatened by her success, and he doesn’t have the woes of alimony, child support, or middle-age angst. Her “PYT” makes her laugh, makes her happy, and makes it his goal to keep the relationship fresh.

Certainly, it’s not all wine and roses. My friend secretly tells me that she has anxiety over the beautiful available girls his age, her aging body, his ability to still start a family of his own, and realism that ‘it’ will probably end.

However, as a veteran of broken hearts, she says she’s prepared — hopefully — for the eventual sad ending.

While I live vicariously through her second youth with her young man, I for one prefer the ‘Cotton Tops’. I like my men older; it’s just my thing — despite the possibility of occasionally needing the Little Blue Pill.

I recently went out to dinner with an older gentleman. No, he wasn’t auditioning for my ‘soul mate;’ we were just having a wonderful dinner in a very nice restaurant. His manners were impeccable; the conversation stimulating.

The candlelight softened the lines on his face — lines from days spent sailing, traveling to Europe on business, and worrying about his children.

He managed to multi-task, too. He ordered a great bottle of wine, loosened the top button of his Brooks Brother shirt, and complimented my appearance in flawless movements — like a dance.

I will admit that dating older men can sometimes be challenging; but DATING is challenging regardless of the age.

A few weeks ago, my good friend Eagle Eyes and I were musing about perhaps exploring The World According to Vivica A. Fox.

After a few minutes of looking at the pros and cons, we decided that we like our Team; however, we did not rule out experiencing the young’uns!

Author Simcha Whitehill dates older men, too. In a November 12, 2009 post on the Frisky, she lists 11 Reason Why Dating an Older Man is Awesome.

Here they are. What do you think?

1. You Get Off: He’s confident in bed. He knows what he’s doing … and if he doesn’t by then, well, then he’s hopeless and you don’t have to waste your time trying to teach him.

2. He Knows Cool Stuff You Never Heard of: Generation gaps can be a good thing culture-wise. He can introduce you to music and movies that are totally awesome classics.

3. He’s Super Supportive: He’s got a career and is secure in his work life, so he’s totally supportive of your ambitions. And probs full of good advice! Not to mention the quarter-life crisis is kinda like the mid-life one.

4. Someone Has Already “Fixed Him Up”: That relationship didn’t work out. And now you can reap the benefits of nice shoes and hand towels in the bathroom.

5. He Doesn’t Stay Out Late: He might be a ladies’ man, but after a certain age, he’s not out on the prowl every night in da club lookin’ for a fresh piece. He just wants to hang with you.

6. He Knows Himself: Nobody’s perfect, and by now, he understands his main foibles. So, he can even communicate them to you to prevent friction.

7. You’re The Pretty One: It’s shallow, but it’s always nice to feel extra sexy.

8. He Doesn’t Want To Be Alone: He’s already hit that point when men realize they don’t want to be all by themselves. Even if they intend to stay confirmed bachelors, they still want company.

9. Salt N’ Pepper Hair: So hot. Sure, not every middle-aged guy has got it, but it certainly ups your chances.

10. No More Going Dutch: There won’t be that awkward pause when the check comes; he’ll always take it because a man of his years makes more money. You won’t even feel the slightest bit guilty.

11. He Is Going To Be This Rad Forever: Some peeps just lose their lust for life at a certain age, but your dude has still got it! He can not only keep up with your young butt, but he piques your interest. You know for sure that time doesn’t slow him down. He’s always willing to try new things. He’s not going to turn into some couch potato all of a sudden. In another 20 years, he’ll still be l-i-v-i-n’.

Source:  The Frisky