Angela Bassett expressed enthusiasm for Teyana Taylor’s upcoming role as host of Saturday Night Live, showing particular appreciation for a recent promo parodying Bassett’s 1995 film Waiting to Exhale. The promo, released on Wednesday, features cast members preparing for the show while recreating memorable moments and dynamics from the original movie, capturing Bassett’s attention.
Promo Highlights Tensions Over Stolen Food in SNL Sketch
In the comedic sketch, Ashley Padilla’s character informs Taylor’s that fellow cast member Andrew Dismukes ate her saved eggplant parmesan. Although Padilla initially shrugs it off, she laments losing the last perfect bite. This playful conflict escalates when Padilla convinces Taylor to confront Dismukes in his dressing room, triggering a scene reminiscent of a tense moment in Waiting to Exhale.
Recreated Scene Echoes Bassett’s Iconic Role as Bernadine
Teyana Taylor appears dressed similarly to Angela Bassett’s character Bernadine, wearing a nightgown and robe with flowing hair, evoking a powerful scene where Bernadine expresses anger and frustration over her husband’s betrayal. The promo channels that same intensity as Taylor rants about Dismukes’ numerous bobbleheads, counting 732, while Padilla counters with a far smaller number.
Taylor’s character then shouts, “You don’t deserve this, Bernadine!” as she aggressively tears down the room’s decorations, uproots a plant, and instructs Padilla to grab a Nintendo. Ending the skit, Taylor lights a cigarette, sets the bobbleheads on fire, and storms out, mirroring Bernadine’s fiery display of fury in the film.
Angela Bassett Expresses Her Approval and Fans Join In
Fans responded enthusiastically to the promo by posting images of Bassett’s character from Waiting to Exhale, while Bassett herself publicly shared her delight online. She commented,
“I love this sooo sooo much!!!! You got me GOOD! xoAng.”
Bassett’s reaction highlights her fondness for the sketch’s faithful nod to her iconic film role.
Background of Waiting to Exhale and Its Cultural Significance
Waiting to Exhale, based on Terry McMillan’s 1992 novel, features Angela Bassett as Bernadine alongside co-stars Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon, and the late Whitney Houston. The film explores the complex friendships and struggles of four Black women and was notable for its successful soundtrack, which produced several hit songs. Its cultural impact continues to resonate decades after its release.
Saturday Night Live’s Upcoming Episode and Cultural Homage
Saturday Night Live will air live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT this Saturday, showcasing Teyana Taylor as host. The new episode promises to blend current comedy with nostalgic references, as seen in the Waiting to Exhale promo, connecting past storytelling with present-day entertainment in an eagerly awaited broadcast.
