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Lela Rochon (born Lela Rochon Staples; April 17, 1964) is an American actress who is best known for her role as Robin Stokes in the movie Waiting to Exhale. In 1996, Lela was chosen by People (USA) magazine as one of the "50 most beautiful people in the world". Rochon was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Zelma, a nurse practitioner, and Samuel Staples, a business owner and graphic artist. She graduated Cerritos High School in Cerritos, California. She attended California State University, Dominguez Hills where she earned a BA in Broadcast Journalism, with minors in... MORE

Lela Rochon (born Lela Rochon Staples; April 17, 1964) is an American actress who is best known for her role as Robin Stokes in the movie Waiting to Exhale. In 1996, Lela was chosen by People (USA) magazine as one of the "50 most beautiful people in the world". Rochon was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Zelma, a nurse practitioner, and Samuel Staples, a business owner and graphic artist. She graduated Cerritos High School in Cerritos, California. She attended California State University, Dominguez Hills where she earned a BA in Broadcast Journalism, with minors in Sociology and Theatre. From 1984–1986, she was married to dancer Adolfo Quinones. In 1998, she and director Antoine Fuqua were engaged and they married on April 9, 1999. After a miscarriage, daughter Asia Rochon Fuqua was born on July 28, 2002, followed by son Brando in May 2004. Fuqua has son Zachary from a previous relationship. From 1986–1988, while in college, Rochon was one of the "Spudettes" featured in over 30 national spots for the Spuds Mckenzie Budweiser/Bud Light TV commercials. She also appeared in the 1985 TV film, A Bunny's Tale (starring Kirstie Alley and Delta Burke) based on Gloria LESS