Regina Hall has come a long way to becoming a critically acclaimed actress. The Washington D.C. native has graced many films with her presence over the years, and it’s evident that she is far from finished. Noticeably, much of her filmography proves that Hall is undoubtedly a staple in Black Hollywood. But some have adapted to the stigma that an acting career that doesn’t fully cross over into the mainstream with their white counterparts does not factor into a great success. However, Hall shared that Black movies have been where the money resides.
Regina Hall Was Introduced To The World In Best Man
Regina Hall’s life could have taken many turns. For one, she attended Fordham University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in English. However, a master’s degree would be in her future, and in 1997, she achieved a journalism master’s from New York University.The same year Regina Hall received her master’s degree, she shot her first national commercial. Growth was imminent for the actress because she soon appeared in the ABC soap opera Loving. This led to a small role in Fox’s crime drama, New York Undercover. But her first breakout role was right around the corner.
In 1999, Regina Hall made her official debut on the big screen. Then still relatively unknown, that was about to change with the actress’s portrayal of a stripper named “Candace Sparks,” aka “Candy.” The Best Man, produced by Spike Lee and written and directed by his cousin, Michael D. Lee, aligned Regina Hall with big named stars like Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, and Terrence Howard. While the actress didn’t have a significant role, her performance stuck with fans and critics through the years. But oddly enough, Regina Hall’s audition almost blocked her from being cast.
During an episode of Unsung Hollywood, Hall recalled a very “nervous” audition. But then, things got even more awkward and complicated because dancing, she says, is not her gift. But according to Regina Hall, a friend of hers, who was also a stripper, advised her to “stand in front of the camera and smack her butt” repeatedly instead. However, thanks to one of the film’s producers, Regina Hall was given a chance and a dance coach. Because of this, the actress transformed on screen.
Regina Hall Break Out Role Came From Playing Brenda In Scary Movie In 2000
As the saying goes, it was only up for Regina Hall. Next came another role alongside her The Best Man co-star, Sanaa Lathan, in Love & Basketball. This time, Hall played Lathan’s sister in the film. It would also not be the last time that the pair worked together.However, Regina Hall’s star rose even higher in her next role. The actress was cast in the popular parody film Scary Movie as “Brenda Meeks,” showing a lot more of her comedic side. And although Hall’s performance and funny side were highlighted, she admitted to not having a comedy background.
Instead, the Wayans brothers, the brainchildren behind the film franchise, helped free the comedic beast within Regina Hall. The actress shared with Entertainment Weekly that the experience was “so fun.” Additionally, the iconic role “opened a door for comedy, which helped my career.”Scary Movie proved to be an incredibly successful film, grossing over $275 million against a budget of $19 million. Following the victory, four more sequels were released in the franchise. Regina Hall’s last appearance in the franchise was in the fourth installment.
Regina Hall Is Black Hollywood Royalty
Moving on from Scary Movie, Regina Hall remained highly active in Hollywood. She was later cast in films like Think Like A Man, First Sunday, Law Abiding Citizen, and many more. Over a decade after her first film role, its sequel, The Best Man Holiday, was released, where she returned as”Candy.” In 2016, Regina Hall played “Angie” in the Ice Cube and Cedric The Entertainer-led film, Barbershop: The Next Cut. It was the third installment of the Barbershop franchise. The following year, she played in one of the year’s biggest and funniest films, Girl Trip.
Girls Trip Grossed Over $140 Million At The Box Office.
Girls Trip, starring Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tiffany Haddish, was a financial and critical hit. It was also comedian Tiffany Haddish’s breakout role. The film ripped the lid off female friendships, exposing that they can get as wild and act as crazy as their male counterparts. It went on to gross nearly $150 million worldwide and was the recipient of multiple award nominations and wins. Regina King was also honored at the 2019 Essence Black Woman In Hollywood Awards.
Regina Hall Doesn’t Mind Doing Black Movies.
Whereas some other actors or entertainers may shy away from continuing to do Black movies, Regina Hall welcomes the opportunity for more. While speaking with The Breakfast Club during an interview, she was tired of doing them. She responded by sharing that all her “checks cash the same.”Check out what the storied actress had to say below.
