Waiting To Exhale Cast Now: Where Are The Stars Of This Beloved Film Today?
Do you ever think about those films that just stick with you, the ones that really speak to your heart and soul? For so many, that movie is Waiting to Exhale. This powerful film, which graced screens way back in 1995, brought us a story of sisterhood, resilience, and finding your own strength. It was a cultural moment, honestly, giving voice to experiences that resonated deeply with audiences everywhere. The performances, you know, were just something else, truly unforgettable, and it’s almost natural to wonder what became of the talented folks who brought those characters to life.
It’s a film that, in a way, feels as fresh and relevant today as it did decades ago. The friendships, the struggles, the triumphs—they all hold up so well. And the cast? Oh, the cast was simply stellar. They gave us Bernadine, Savannah, Gloria, and Robin, four women who were, in some respects, navigating life’s ups and downs with such grace and grit. Thinking about them, it’s a bit like catching up with old friends, isn't it? You just want to know what they're up to now, what paths their lives and careers have taken since that iconic film.
So, if you’ve been pondering what the actors from Waiting to Exhale are doing these days, you're certainly not alone. Many people, myself included, often reflect on the impact of this movie and the incredible people who made it happen. We're going to take a little look at where some of these remarkable individuals are now, celebrating their lasting contributions and seeing what new chapters they've written. It’s a chance to reconnect with the magic they created, and to appreciate their continued work in the world of entertainment and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Angela Bassett: Bernadine Harris
- Loretta Devine: Gloria Matthews
- Lela Rochon: Robin Stokes
- Whitney Houston: Savannah Jackson (A Lasting Legacy)
- Other Memorable Cast Members
- People Also Ask About Waiting to Exhale
- A Look Back and Forward
Angela Bassett: Bernadine Harris
When you think of Waiting to Exhale, one of the first characters that comes to mind is Bernadine Harris, brought to life with such raw emotion and power by Angela Bassett. Her performance as the woman scorned, literally setting fire to her husband's belongings, became an instant classic. It was a moment that truly captured the feeling of release and reclaiming one's life. Angela Bassett, in a way, embodied that character's journey so perfectly, showing us strength in vulnerability.
After Waiting to Exhale, Angela Bassett's career, very, very predictably, continued its upward climb. She's consistently chosen roles that highlight her incredible range and commanding presence. She's been in so many different kinds of projects, from intense dramas to action-packed films, and even comedic turns. You might remember her from "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," where she played another powerful woman finding love and happiness later in life. She also had a significant role in "Music of the Heart," showing her versatility alongside Meryl Streep. Her work on screen is, quite frankly, a masterclass in acting, always delivering performances that stay with you.
More recently, Angela Bassett has really made her mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." Her portrayal of the wise and strong queen has earned her widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for "Wakanda Forever," which is just incredible. She's also a prominent figure on television, starring in the popular series "9-1-1" as Athena Grant, a fierce and dedicated police officer. It's clear that, even after all these years, Angela Bassett continues to be a force in Hollywood, still bringing her unique intensity and grace to every part she takes on. Her presence, in some respects, just elevates any project she's a part of, truly a remarkable talent.
Personal Details & Bio Data: Angela Bassett
| Full Name | Angela Evelyn Bassett |
| Born | August 16, 1958 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Director |
| Notable Roles (Post-Exhale) | Queen Ramonda (Black Panther series), Athena Grant (9-1-1), Coretta Scott King (Betty & Coretta) |
| Awards/Nominations | Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, Academy Award nominations |
Loretta Devine: Gloria Matthews
Gloria Matthews, the single mom running a hair salon, was the heart and soul of the group in Waiting to Exhale. Loretta Devine, with her warm smile and genuine portrayal, made Gloria feel so real, so relatable. She was the one who, very often, offered practical advice and a shoulder to lean on, always with that unmistakable laugh. Her character, you know, just had this way of making everyone feel comfortable, a true anchor for her friends. Loretta Devine truly brought that comforting energy to the screen, a very natural fit for the role.
Loretta Devine's career, it's fair to say, has been incredibly prolific since her time in Waiting to Exhale. She's one of those actors who consistently works, appearing in a wide array of films and television shows. You might recognize her from the popular medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," where she played Adele Webber, Chief Richard Webber's wife, a role that earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress. That was a big moment, truly showing her versatility and how she can make a guest role so memorable. She also had a recurring role in the sitcom "Boston Public" and was a main cast member in "The Carmichael Show."
Beyond television, Loretta Devine has also been a fixture in film, often bringing her unique blend of humor and warmth to supporting roles. She's been in movies like "Crash," "Dreamgirls," and the "Urban Legend" horror film series, showing she can easily switch between genres. She's also done a lot of voice work, lending her distinctive voice to animated characters, which is a bit of a different skill set, honestly. Loretta Devine, in some respects, just keeps on working, consistently delivering performances that are both touching and funny. She’s a true working actor, and her presence, you know, always adds a special something to any project.
Personal Details & Bio Data: Loretta Devine
| Full Name | Loretta Devine |
| Born | August 21, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer |
| Notable Roles (Post-Exhale) | Adele Webber (Grey's Anatomy), Cynthia Carmichael (The Carmichael Show), Hallie (Crash) |
| Awards/Nominations | Emmy Award, NAACP Image Awards |
Lela Rochon: Robin Stokes
Robin Stokes, played by the lovely Lela Rochon, was the youngest of the group in Waiting to Exhale, and perhaps the most unlucky in love, at least for a while. Her character's journey was all about learning to stand up for herself and recognize her worth, even when it felt like everything was going wrong. Lela Rochon brought a charming vulnerability to Robin, making her very relatable to anyone who's ever navigated the choppy waters of dating. She really captured that feeling of wanting love so badly, yet, you know, sometimes picking the wrong person.
After her memorable role in Waiting to Exhale, Lela Rochon continued to build a solid career in Hollywood. She appeared in several notable films, including "The Chamber" alongside Chris O'Donnell and Gene Hackman, and "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," where she played Emira Eagle. She also had a significant role in the romantic comedy "Any Given Sunday," working with a star-studded cast. Her presence on screen was always captivating, bringing a certain grace and quiet strength to her characters. She had a way of, in a way, just drawing you into her character's world.
While she hasn't been as consistently in the spotlight as some of her co-stars in recent years, Lela Rochon has made appearances in various television shows and independent films. She took a step back from acting for a bit, focusing on her family life, which is a pretty common choice for many in the industry. However, she has, you know, still popped up in projects, showing she's still got that spark. Her performance as Robin Stokes, though, remains a very important part of her legacy, a character that many people still remember and connect with. She showed us what it was like to be young and searching for true connection, and that's a powerful thing.
Personal Details & Bio Data: Lela Rochon
| Full Name | Lela Rochon Staples |
| Born | April 17, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Notable Roles (Post-Exhale) | Emira Eagle (Why Do Fools Fall in Love), Vanessa Brooks (Any Given Sunday) |
| Spouse | Antoine Fuqua (m. 1999) |
Whitney Houston: Savannah Jackson (A Lasting Legacy)
It's impossible to talk about Waiting to Exhale without speaking about the incredible Whitney Houston, who played Savannah Jackson. As the film's narrator and one of the central figures, Whitney brought her undeniable star power and a surprising depth to the role. Savannah was the one, you know, who seemed to have it all on the surface, but was still searching for true love and fulfillment. Whitney's performance was truly moving, showing a side of her talent that many hadn't seen before, beyond her amazing singing voice. Her presence, honestly, just lit up the screen, as you'd expect.
Sadly, Whitney Houston passed away in 2012, leaving behind an absolutely enormous legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. While Waiting to Exhale was one of her major acting roles, she also starred in "The Bodyguard" and "The Preacher's Wife," proving she was a talented actor as well as a musical icon. Her music continues to inspire millions around the globe, and her influence on pop culture is still, very, very strong. Even now, her songs are played everywhere, and new generations discover her voice all the time. She truly left an indelible mark on the world, not just through her singing, but also through her contributions to film.
Her work in Waiting to Exhale remains a cherished part of her acting career. It allowed audiences to see her in a different light, connecting with her as a character navigating real-life challenges. The film, in a way, is a beautiful reminder of her multifaceted talent and the joy she brought to so many. Her legacy is not just in the records she sold or the awards she won, but also in the hearts she touched, and the powerful stories she helped tell on screen. She might be gone, but her impact, you know, is still felt so deeply, a true legend.
Other Memorable Cast Members
Beyond the four leading ladies, Waiting to Exhale featured a wonderful ensemble of actors who brought the story to life. These individuals, you know, added so much depth and character to the film, making it feel even more real and relatable. Their contributions, honestly, were just as important in shaping the narrative and giving us those memorable moments that stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s a bit like a well-oiled machine, where every part plays a crucial role.
Gregory Hines, who played Marvin King, Gloria's kind and supportive neighbor, was another beloved figure in the film. His performance was warm and gentle, a nice contrast to some of the more dramatic moments. Gregory Hines, a very talented dancer and actor, passed away in 2003. His work in film and on Broadway, where he was a true legend, continues to be celebrated. He left behind a legacy of grace and artistry, and his role in Waiting to Exhale is a lovely reminder of his range.
Dennis Haysbert, who played Kenneth Dawkins, Bernadine's new love interest, has gone on to have a very successful career, too. He's widely recognized for his role as President David Palmer in the hit television series "24," a part that truly cemented his status as a commanding screen presence. He’s also known for his distinct voice, which he’s lent to many commercials, like those for Allstate insurance. He’s just one of those actors who, you know, has a voice you immediately recognize, a very distinctive quality.
Mykelti Williamson, who played Troy, Robin's often problematic boyfriend, also continued to work steadily after the film. He's had roles in many films and TV shows, often playing strong, sometimes intense, characters. You might remember him from "Forrest Gump" as Bubba, a very iconic role that showcased his talent. He’s consistently delivered solid performances, always bringing a certain authenticity to his characters. He’s a bit of a chameleon, honestly, able to fit into so many different kinds of stories.
Leon, who played Russell, Savannah's charming but complicated love interest, has also maintained a busy acting career. He's appeared in numerous films and television series, often taking on roles that highlight his charismatic screen presence. He's been in everything from musical biopics, like "The Temptations" miniseries, to action films. He has, you know, this way of just captivating an audience, always a pleasure to watch him perform. It's clear that the talent in this film, from top to bottom, was truly something special, and many of them are still very much active in the industry today.
People Also Ask About Waiting to Exhale
Who is still alive from Waiting to Exhale?
Many of the beloved cast members from Waiting to Exhale are, thankfully, still with us and continuing their careers. Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon, Dennis Haysbert, Mykelti Williamson, and Leon are all still alive and, in some respects, very active in the entertainment world. Sadly, Whitney Houston and Gregory Hines, who were both very important to the film, have passed away. Their legacies, however, live on through their work and the impact they had on so many people.
What year did Waiting to Exhale come out?
The film Waiting to Exhale premiered in 1995. It was a major cultural event, released on December 22nd of that year. The movie, you know, captured the hearts of audiences immediately, becoming a significant box office success and a beloved classic. It really resonated with people, especially women, who saw their own experiences reflected on screen. It’s amazing to think it’s been so many years, yet the film still feels so relevant, a true testament to its timeless story and characters.
Was Waiting to Exhale a true story?
No, Waiting to Exhale is not, in fact, a true story in the sense of being based on real-life events. It is a fictional story, adapted from the novel of the same name by Terry McMillan. McMillan's book, however, drew on universal themes and experiences that many women, especially Black women, could relate to, making it feel very authentic and personal to its audience. The struggles and triumphs of the characters, you know, felt incredibly real, even if the specific events were imagined. That’s why it connected so deeply with so many people.
A Look Back and Forward
Looking back at the cast of Waiting to Exhale and seeing where they are now is, in a way, a wonderful journey. It reminds us of the enduring power of good storytelling and the incredible talent that brings those stories to life. The film, you know, gave us characters who felt like friends, and the actors who played them have gone on to build remarkable careers, leaving their mark on so many different projects. It’s a testament to their dedication and artistry, truly.
The impact of Waiting to Exhale still resonates today, and a lot of that is thanks to the unforgettable performances of its cast. Their work continues to be celebrated, and new generations are still discovering this very special film. So, the next time you're thinking about those iconic moments from the movie, you can also appreciate the continued contributions of these amazing actors to the world of entertainment. It’s always nice to see how far people have come, and to remember the moments that made them shine so brightly in the first place.
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