History of Lela Rochon in Timeline

Lela Rochon Fuqua is an American actress known for her role as Robin Stokes in the 1995 film "Waiting to Exhale." She has also appeared in films such as "Harlem Nights," "Boomerang," "The Chamber," and "Any Given Sunday." Her career has focused primarily on film acting.

April 17, 1964: Birth of Lela Rochon

Lela Rochon was born on April 17, 1964, in Torrance, California.

1982: Graduation from Cerritos High School

Lela Rochon graduated from Cerritos High School in California in 1982.

1982: Marriage to Adolfo Quiñones

Lela Rochon married dancer and actor Adolfo "Shabba Doo" Quiñones in 1982.

1984: Meeting Future Husband on Set of "Breakin'"

While working as an extra on the set of the movie "Breakin'" in 1984, Lela Rochon met Adolfo Quiñones, known as Shabba Doo, who would become her first husband.

1985: Television Debut in "A Bunny's Tale"

Rochon made her television debut in the 1985 made-for-television movie "A Bunny's Tale."

1986: Start of Budweiser "Spudettes" Campaign

Lela Rochon began appearing as one of the "Spudettes" in Budweiser's Spuds MacKenzie advertising campaign in 1986, a role she would continue for two years.

1986: Graduation from California State University, Dominguez Hills

Rochon earned her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1986.

1987: Divorce from Adolfo Quiñones

Rochon's marriage to Adolfo Quiñones ended in divorce in 1987.

1987: Role in "The Wild Pair"

She appeared in the film "The Wild Pair" in 1987, which starred Beau Bridges and Bubba Smith.

1988: Conclusion of Budweiser "Spudettes" Campaign

Lela Rochon's time as a "Spudette" in the Budweiser Spuds MacKenzie commercials ended in 1988.

1989: Debut in "Harlem Nights"

Lela Rochon made her film debut in Eddie Murphy's "Harlem Nights" in 1989, playing the character "Sunshine."

1992: Appearance in "Boomerang"

Rochon furthered her career with a role in the romantic comedy "Boomerang" in 1992, once again working alongside Eddie Murphy.

1995: Breakthrough Role in "Waiting to Exhale"

In 1995, Lela Rochon gained widespread recognition for her role as Robin Stokes in the romantic drama film "Waiting to Exhale."

1996: Lead Role in "The Chamber"

Lela Rochon starred in the crime thriller "The Chamber" in 1996.

1997: Starring in "Gang Related"

Rochon appeared in the crime thriller "Gang Related" in 1997, sharing the screen with Jim Belushi and Tupac Shakur.

1998: Roles in "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" and "Knock Off"

In 1998, she had notable roles in the romantic drama "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" and the action film "Knock Off."

1999: Marriage to Antoine Fuqua

Lela Rochon married film director Antoine Fuqua in 1999.

1999: Appearance in "Any Given Sunday"

Rochon acted in Oliver Stone's film "Any Given Sunday" in 1999.

2001: Miscarriage

Lela Rochon experienced a miscarriage in 2001.

2001: Starring Role in "The Division"

Lela Rochon joined the cast of the Lifetime crime drama series "The Division" in 2001, playing one of the lead roles for a season.

2004: Appearance in "First Daughter"

Rochon co-starred with Katie Holmes in the romantic comedy "First Daughter" in 2004.

2009: Cameo in "Brooklyn's Finest"

She had a cameo appearance in her husband Antoine Fuqua's crime drama "Brooklyn's Finest" in 2009.

2013: Lead Role in "Let The Church Say Amen"

Lela Rochon starred in Regina King's directorial debut, "Let The Church Say Amen," in 2013.

2014: Role in "Supremacy"

She acted in the film "Supremacy" alongside Danny Glover and Derek Luke in 2014.

2015: Performance in "Reversion"

Rochon played the mother of Aja Naomi King's character in the 2015 film "Reversion."

2016: Keynote Speaker at CSUDH Commencement

Lela Rochon returned to her alma mater, California State University, Dominguez Hills, to deliver the keynote address at the College of Arts and Humanities commencement ceremony in 2016.