Lela Rochon, born Lela Rochon Staples on April 17, 1964, in Torrance, California, is an American actress and producer. She is best known for her starring role as Robin Stokes in the 1995 romantic drama film "Waiting to Exhale."

Her early life was marked by her athletic prowess in high school, where she excelled in track and basketball. She graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills, with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism in 1986.

Her career began with appearances in commercials, including the Budweiser/Bud Light Spuds MacKenzie TV spots, and guest roles in popular TV shows like "The Cosby Show" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Her breakthrough came with "Waiting to Exhale," which established her as a sought-after actress in Hollywood. She has also appeared in films such as "Harlem Nights," "Boomerang," "The Chamber," "Gang Related," and "Any Given Sunday."

She is married to director Antoine Fuqua, and they have two children together. Rochon continues to work in the entertainment industry, with recent appearances in TV series like "Alone Together" and "David Makes Man."

Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her versatility and powerful acting, earning her a place among People magazine's "50 most beautiful people in the world" and Black Men Magazine's "10 Sexiest Women of the Year."