Lela Rochon

Lela Rochon Fuqua (born Lela Rochon Staples on April 17, 1964) is an American actress. Born in Torrance, California, Rochon is best known for her portrayal of Robin Stokes in the 1995 romantic drama film Waiting to Exhale. She has also appeared in several other notable films, including Harlem Nights (1989), Boomerang (1992), The Chamber (1996), Gang Related (1997), Knock Off (1998), Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998), and Any Given Sunday (1999). Rochon graduated from Cerritos High School in 1982 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1986. She returned to her alma mater as the keynote speaker at the 2016 commencement ceremonies for the College of Arts and Humanities.