Angela Bassett: Why Keke Palmer Should Play Her + ‘Waiting to Exhale’ 30 Years Later

Angela Bassett stops by The Jennifer Hudson Show on Monday, January 12, to open up about motherhood, sharing how she earns “cool points” with her kids, what life feels like as an empty nester, and why she’s embracing this next chapter with zero mom guilt. She also reflects on the enduring 30-year legacy of Waiting to Exhale, revealing what it was really like on set and why the film continues to resonate with audiences today. Plus, Angela reveals who she’d want to play her in a movie about her life and why Keke Palmer feels like the perfect match.

Angela also talks about the continued success of 9-1-1 and why this season feels bigger and more emotional than ever, including what it was like taking the show to outer space and how the experience pushed her out of her comfort zone. She opens up about a special moment with Jennifer, including why she was a little nervous to sing together and the family roots that made the duet so meaningful.

Angela Bassett is back in 9-1-1 for Season 9, which premiered on ABC on October 9, 2025, with episodes streaming on Hulu, featuring her character Athena Grant facing new challenges, including a dramatic space mission alongside Hen, following the cliffhanger loss of Bobby, as the team deals with intense new emergencies. See more photos and video clip inside…