Thirty years later, “Waiting to Exhale” remains one of the most defining films of the 1990s, especially for Black women who saw their stories reflected onscreen in a way that was rarely done before. As the film marks its milestone anniversary, Angela Bassett is looking back on the project’s legacy and the impact it continues to have decades later.
Bassett described the 1995 film as “a first of its kind,” emphasizing that it centered women, and Black women specifically, at a time when Hollywood was not prioritizing those narratives, per People. Directed by Forest Whitaker and adapted from Terry McMillan’s bestselling novel, the film followed four friends navigating love, heartbreak, motherhood and friendship in Phoenix.
Bassett said one of her strongest memories from the film was the bond she shared with co-stars Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon. She credited that camaraderie as a key reason the film continues to resonate. “I think we were the first sort of a chick flick,” Bassett explained, noting that films at the time usually centered male leads, with women placed around them.
She described the movie as a “landmark” project and said she is “very proud” to have been part of something that helped open the door for more women-led stories.
The Scene That Became a Cultural Moment
No conversation about “Waiting to Exhale” is complete without mentioning Bassett’s unforgettable portrayal of Bernadine Harris. Her character’s emotional breaking point, culminating in the now-iconic scene where she burns her cheating husband’s belongings, has become one of the most referenced moments in film history.
Earlier reporting in March revealed that much of that scene’s power came from improvisation. In a BuzzFeed interview, Bassett shared that parts of Bernadine’s monologue were improvised, explaining that she tapped into the raw emotions of betrayal and loss in the moment. She previously recalled feeling as though she went into a trance while filming the scene, allowing the emotion to fully take over.
It was also reported that another fan-favorite moment, the car scene before the New Year’s Eve bonfire, was unscripted. The actresses began singing Roberta Flack’s version of “It Might Be You” naturally while filming, and the filmmakers later secured the rights to include it in the final cut.
Where the Cast Is Now
As fans revisit the film for its 30th anniversary, many are also reflecting on the cast then and now. Bassett continues to lead ABC’s “9-1-1” and appears in upcoming projects including Netflix’s “Zero Day.” Loretta Devine, who played Gloria Matthews, remains a steady presence on screen and recently earned an NAACP Image Award for her role on “P-Valley.”
Lela Rochon
Lela Rochon, who portrayed Robin Stokes, returned to acting after focusing on family and now stars in and produces “The Family Business: New Orleans.”
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston, who played Savannah Jackson, passed away in 2012, but her influence across music and film remains immeasurable.
Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines played Marvin King, Gloria’s kind and supportive neighbor. Already a legend by the time the film was released, Hines passed away in 2003, but his impact across dance, film and television remains.
Michael Beach
Michael Beach portrayed John Harris Sr., Bernadine’s unfaithful husband and one of the movie’s most hated characters. He has stayed busy on screen, with recent roles in “Mayors of Kingstown,” “Saw X” and Netflix’s “Dead Boy Detectives.”
Wendell Pierce
Wendell Pierce appeared as Michael Davenport, Robin’s painfully awkward one-night stand who provided comic relief. He now stars on CBS’ “Elsbeth” and is set to play Perry White in the upcoming “Superman” film.
Giancarlo Esposito
Giancarlo Esposito played David Matthews, Gloria’s ex-husband whose storyline explored identity and honesty within marriage. He has since become one of TV’s most commanding actors, with recent projects including “Parish,” “The Residence” and “Captain America: Brave New World.”
Leon Robinson
Leon Robinson portrayed Russell, Robin’s longtime married lover, and remains active in both acting and music, recently appearing on “The Chi” and continuing to tour with his band, Leon and the Peoples.
Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker, who made his feature directorial debut with “Waiting to Exhale,” continues to make his mark both behind and in front of the camera, currently starring as Bumpy Johnson in “Godfather of Harlem.”
Reflecting on the film’s legacy, Bassett said she is grateful to witness its continued relevance. “I’m very proud of that,” she said.
