Angela Bassett is eagerly anticipating this weekend’s episode of Saturday Night Live, where Teyana Taylor will take on hosting duties. The excitement was fueled by a promotional skit released on Wednesday that humorously references Bassett’s acclaimed 1995 film, Waiting to Exhale. In the skit, cast member Ashley Padilla expresses her frustration over co-star Andrew Dismukes consuming her eggplant parmesan, lamenting that she was left with just “the perfect bite.”
The comedic sketch takes a twist when Padilla visits Dismukes’ dressing room, finding herself in attire reminiscent of Bassett’s iconic look from the film. The scene draws from a powerful moment in Waiting to Exhale where Bassett’s character, Bernadine, confronts the emotional turmoil of a painful breakup after years of supporting her husband’s dreams while neglecting her own.
In a clever nod to this pivotal scene, Taylor channels Bernadine’s fierce determination as she inspects Dismukes’ dressing room. Among the chaos, she spots 732 bobbleheads, echoing the anger Bernadine expresses in the film. In a playful display of rebellion, she exclaims, “You don’t deserve this, Bernadine!” while uprooting decor and lighting Dismukes’ trinkets aflame, embodying the film’s themes of empowerment and self-assertion.
The audience reactions have been enthusiastic, with fans flooding the comments with images of Bassett in her memorable role. Bassett herself chimed in, expressing her delight with the skit, stating, “I love this sooo sooo much!!!! You got me GOOD! xoAng.”
Waiting to Exhale, based on Terry McMillan’s 1992 novel, featured a stellar cast including the late Whitney Houston, Lela Rochon, and Loretta Devine, and its soundtrack produced several chart-topping hits. Saturday Night Live is set to air live at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC, promising what could be a memorable tribute to both the film and its lasting impact on pop culture. This blend of humor and nostalgia showcases the timeless relevance of Bassett’s work, setting a positive tone for this weekend’s episode.