Lela Rochon is an American actress known for her compelling performances in both film and television. Born in 1964, she has built a dynamic career that spans decades, highlighted by notable roles and critical acclaim. Her body of work and background reflect both her talent and determination.
Lela Rochon, born Lela Rochon Staples on April 17, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, comes from a culturally rich background. Her mother, Zelma Staples, worked as a nurse, while her father, Samuel Staples, was a graphic artist and businessman. Though commonly cited as being of Haitian descent, Rochon has not publicly confirmed this heritage in detail.
She attended Cerritos High School in California and later pursued higher education at California State University, Dominguez Hills. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism with minors in Sociology and Theatre. During college, she began appearing in television commercials, which kickstarted her acting career. Between 1986 and 1988, she gained exposure by featuring in approximately thirty national ads, including high-profile Bud Light commercials with the character Spuds MacKenzie.
Lela Rochon made her on-screen debut as an extra in the 1984 film Breakin'. Although uncredited, this appearance marked her first step into the film industry. That same year, she appeared in its sequel, Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.
Her early roles included parts in A Bunny’s Tale (1985), Foxtrap (1986), and Stewardess School (1986). In 1998, she appeared in the action film Knock Off alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme. More recent film credits include Supremacy (2014) and Reversion (2015).
Rochon’s breakout role came in 1995 with the highly acclaimed film Waiting to Exhale, where she portrayed Robin Stokes. The film was a critical and commercial success, and her performance earned nominations for several accolades, including an MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.
| Net Worth 2021: | 10 million |
