Lela Rochon in 2025; Whitney Houston in 2010.Photo:Jun Sato/WireImage;Johnny Nunez/Getty
Jun Sato/WireImage;Johnny Nunez/Getty
Lela Rochon is sharing some memories from her time with the lateWhitney Houston.
While speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, Calif., on Feb. 22, the actress reminisced about working with the legendary singer on the set of the 1995 rom-comWaiting to Exhale, which also starredAngela BassettandLoretta Devine.
“Joy,” Rochan, 60, says when thinking of one word to describe Houston.
“Whitney was always happy. Whitney was always laughing,” she adds. “When she got serious, it was always very deep and serious. Because, you know, when you’re a songstress and a songwriter, you feel very deeply, you love very deeply. And she really loved people and she loved the world, and I wish the world had loved her more.”
Houston died in 2012at the age of 48.
Loretta Devine, Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett and Lela Rochon in ’s ‘Waiting To Exhale’ in 1995.Randee St Nicholas/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
While speaking aboutWaiting to Exhale’s legacy at the event, Rochon revealed to PEOPLE why she believes the film was able to capture such magic between the four leading ladies.
“I think because we really loved each other. I think because we were friends. I think because we instantly connected,” she says.
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And when asked how she feels about being a part of a movie that still resonates with audiences after 30 years?
“I’m just glad I’m here to see it [the film’s legacy]. It’s wonderful. You know, when you’re making something, it feels magical, but you never know what’s going on in the world or how it would do. But the fact that it’s transcending time is amazing,” she explains.
Lela Rochon at the NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 22, 2025.Johnny Nunez/Getty
Johnny Nunez/Getty
Rochon stars inThe Family Businessspinoff,The Family Business: New Orleans,on BET+. The crime drama follows a separate branch of the Duncan family as they navigate the criminal underworld of a new city.
The Family Business: New Orleanspremiered Jan. 23 and streams on BET+.
source: people.com
