Angela Bassett plays Bernadine Harris; Whitney Houston plays Savannah Jackson; Lela Rochon plays Robin Stokes; Gregory Hines plays Marvin King and Loretta Devine plays Gloria Matthews in the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale.
Main cast
- Savannah JacksonWhitney HoustonMain
- Bernadine HarrisAngela BassettMain
- Robin StokesLela RochonMain
- Gloria MatthewsLoretta DevineMain
Supporting cast
- Marvin KingGregory HinesSupp
- Kenneth DawkinsDennis HaysbertSupp
- John Harris Sr.Mykelti WilliamsonSupp
- TroyMichael BeachSupp
- WesleyJeffrey D. SamsSupp
Guest & voice
- KathleenWanda SykesGuest
- Onika MatthewsBranford MarsalisGuest
- Tara’s DadGiancarlo EspositoGuest
- MaidEartha KittGuest
- LonnieLeonGuest
- John Jr.Darius McCraryGuest
- RussellWendell PierceGuest
- NadineDenise Y. DowseGuest
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About this cast
Waiting to Exhale (1995) is a romantic drama directed by Forest Whitaker, based on Terry McMillan’s novel. The film follows four African‑American women in Phoenix, Arizona, as they navigate love, friendship, and self‑worth. Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, and Loretta Devine lead the cast.
FAQs
Who plays Savannah Jackson in Waiting to Exhale?
Whitney Houston plays Savannah Jackson, a successful television producer who moves to Phoenix and starts an affair with a married man.
Who plays Bernadine Harris in Waiting to Exhale?
Angela Bassett plays Bernadine Harris, a devoted wife and mother who discovers her husband is leaving her for his white accountant.
Is Waiting to Exhale based on a book?
Yes, the film is based on Terry McMillan’s 1992 novel of the same name, which was a bestseller.
Who directed Waiting to Exhale?
Forest Whitaker directed the film in his directorial debut.
What is the main theme of Waiting to Exhale?
The film explores the friendships, romantic relationships, and personal struggles of four African‑American women as they support each other through life’s ups and downs.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026