Why Angela Bassett Wants to Return in This Surprising 90s Movie Role

Hollywood veteran Angela Bassett has no shortage of iconic roles, but when asked which character she would love to revisit, the answer took fans back to the 1990s. It’s not a superhero blockbuster or a historical biopic; it’s an iconic character from a defining ’90s film.

Waiting to Exhale’s Angela Bassett on why she wants to return as Bernadine Harris

Angela Bassett shared that if given the chance, she’d relive her breakout role of Bernadine Harris in the 1995 romantic drama Waiting to Exhale. The film, directed by Forest Whitaker and based on Terry McMillan’s bestselling novel, starred Bassett alongside Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon. Together, they brought to life the story of four women navigating love, heartbreak, and friendship.

“Maybe Waiting to Exhale, so I can see where we are now,” Bassett explained to Parade. She reflected on how much life had changed since the original film and imagined what her character’s journey might look like today. Bassett believes Harris, who famously torched her cheating husband’s luxury car in the original film, would still be thriving decades later, but with more wisdom and maturity.

“We’re still fabulous, but more mature, [with] more experiences and wisdom,” she said. “We’ve gone through [everything from] the young children and the teenage kids, and the husbands, the lovers, the indiscretions. Where [have] we landed now? That might be interesting.”

The actress also pictured her character finding new love after years of challenges. “[Bernadine] probably met someone to spend some time with. I hope so. I think so,” Bassett added, offering a hopeful glimpse into the character’s possible future.

Beyond her reflections on a potential sequel, Bassett used the interview to highlight a cause close to her heart. She is partnering with GSK’s Sideline RSV campaign to raise awareness about the serious and highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus, especially as the U.S. enters peak cold and flu season. For Bassett, that bright future could even include a long-awaited return to the world of Waiting to Exhale.