Angela Bassett Praises Teyana Taylor’s Waiting to Exhale-Inspired SNL Promo

Key Points

• Teyana Taylor hosts Saturday Night Live this weekend, with a promo spoofing Angela Bassett’s iconic Waiting to Exhale role.
• The sketch reimagines Bassett’s fiery Bernadine scene, swapping marital betrayal for stolen food.
• Angela Bassett responded enthusiastically, commenting: “You got me GOOD!” on social media.
• The 1995 film, based on Terry McMillan’s novel, starred Bassett alongside Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon.
• SNL airs live Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC.

Teyana Taylor Channels Angela Bassett in Viral Promo

Ahead of her hosting debut on Saturday Night Live, Teyana Taylor starred in a promotional clip that paid homage to Angela Bassett’s unforgettable performance in Waiting to Exhale. The sketch quickly caught the attention of fans—and Bassett herself.

The promo begins with cast member Ashley Padilla lamenting that fellow castmate Andrew Dismukes ate her saved eggplant parmesan. Taylor, channeling Bassett’s Bernadine, convinces Padilla to confront Dismukes.

Recreating a Classic Scene

Taylor storms into Dismukes’ dressing room dressed in a flowing nightgown and robe, mirroring Bassett’s look from the 1995 film. In Waiting to Exhale, Bernadine famously sets her husband’s possessions ablaze after discovering his betrayal.

In the spoof, Taylor directs her fury at Dismukes’ collection of bobbleheads, counting “732” in a nod to Bernadine’s obsessive shoe-counting scene. Padilla, confused, insists there are only “like five.”

Taylor escalates the chaos by ripping posters, uprooting plants, and ordering Padilla to grab the Nintendo. She then lights a cigarette, sets the tchotchkes on fire, and exits with dramatic flair.

Angela Bassett Responds

Fans flooded the comments with side-by-side comparisons of Bassett’s original performance. The Oscar-winning actress herself joined in, posting:

“I love this sooo sooo much!!!! You got me GOOD! xoAng.”

Her reaction delighted viewers, cementing the promo as one of the standout SNL teasers of the season.

The Legacy of Waiting to Exhale

Released in 1995 and based on Terry McMillan’s 1992 novel, Waiting to Exhale explored the lives and friendships of four Black women navigating love and heartbreak. The film starred Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon, and its soundtrack produced several hit songs, further embedding it into pop culture history.

What Happens Next?

With Taylor’s promo already generating buzz, anticipation is high for her SNL hosting debut. Viewers can expect more nods to pop culture and possibly additional tributes to iconic performances when the episode airs live on NBC, Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT.