Teyana Taylor adopted the spirit of Angela Bassett in a fiery Saturday Night Live promo released ahead of her hosting debut on January 24. The clip pays direct homage to Bassett’s memorable burning-car scene from the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale, recreating the emotional intensity with a comedic twist. This Angela Bassett SNL promo highlights Taylor’s dramatic range and her connection to Black female cinematic power.
Recreating a Legendary Moment with a Comedic Spin
In the short video, Taylor confronts cast member Andrew Desmukes after Ashley Padilla reveals her eggplant parmesan was mistakenly eaten. Reacting with fierce determination, Taylor declares,
We’re going to his dressing room. He’s gonna regret eating that parm — let’s go.
Embodying Bernadine’s persona from the original scene, Taylor gathers Desmukes’s belongings into a wagon and sets them ablaze, channeling righteous anger through a carefully crafted parody.
Andrew Desmukes protests, asking if the scene truly concerns the parmesan, to which Taylor responds with a direct line from Bassett’s role,
Get your sh*t and get out!
Padilla attempts to keep pace with Taylor’s intensity but ultimately struggles to match the energy.
Showcasing Versatility and Celebrating Black Women’s Strength
This promo not only underscores Taylor’s musical and comedic talents but also emphasizes her ability to deliver layered dramatic performances. The sketch cleverly inserts the cinematic fury of Bassett’s iconic character into the petty revenge culture of SNL. It stands as both a humorous vignette and a tribute to a seminal portrayal that symbolizes Black women’s anger and resilience on screen.
With Taylor hosting alongside musical guest Geese, SNL continues its trend of featuring Black entertainers who combine star appeal with nuanced character work. Taylor follows illustrious Black women hosts including Issa Rae, Kerry Washington, Queen Latifah, Gabourey Sidibe, Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Keke Palmer, and others who have shaped the long-running show.
The Importance of This Cultural Nod in Today’s Comedy
By paying homage to Angela Bassett’s unforgettable role, the promo amplifies the legacy of Black women performers who have influenced Hollywood and sketch comedy alike. Taylor’s fierce portrayal signals the ongoing relevance of such cultural references in shaping conversations about representation and artistry. Fans can expect this episode to blend sharp humor with the powerful echoes of Black female excellence as Taylor brings her unique intensity to the SNL stage.
