Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist - Regina Hall

Episode Date: September 4, 2022

In 2017, Girls Trip the movie brought in a staggering $140 million at the box office. It was a star-making moment for Regina Hall, two decades in the making. She has played memorable roles in The Best Man, Scary Movie, Think Like A Man, and last year's Nine Perfect Strangers. Now she is starring in an acclaimed new movie Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul. in the same year she co-hosted those unforgettable Academy Awards. In this week's "Sunday Sitdown," Willie Geist sits down with the actress to talk about her latest role and the path that got her here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey guys, Willie Geist here with another episode of the Sunday Sit Down podcast. My thanks as always for clicking and listening along. I'm really excited to bring you my conversation today with the really smart and really funny Regina Hall. You know her, you love her maybe from Girls Trip, the movie that made over $100 million in 2017. She says it's the movie that changed her life. But has had a long career before that 20 years or so. She was in the best man movies. That's, That was her real breakout. She was in the scary movie, the parody of those screen movies and that whole franchise, huge hits as well. She's done a lot of good dramatic work recently, Nine Perfect Strangers, you may have seen. Black Monday is another one. She really can do it all. And if you didn't follow her career that closely, perhaps you saw her hosting the Oscars this year.

Yes, those Oscars. She co-hosted with Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes. And yes, we do get into the whole Will Smith, Chris Rock deal. what she was doing at the time, how she reacted when it happened, and some behind the scenes color about a prayer circle with her, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes. So you want to stick around to hear about that. Her latest movie is called Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul,

co-stars Sterling K. Brown of This Is Us fame. They're great together. She plays the First Lady, Miss Trinity Childs, of a mega church in the South. Sterling K. Brown plays the pastor. There's some scandal, some controversy around the church. The whole thing falls apart and they've got to rebuild it together. It's very, very funny, but it's also dark and dramatic.

At other times, she's great in this movie. So I think you'll love our conversation. I should say at the top, we got together in something called the chapel bar, which is in New York City. It's adjacent to a church. It was part of the church. There's still an operating church, and I think they must have sold off a little side room, a little side chapel.

So we're sitting in a, it's a bar, but you feel like you're, in a chapel, really high ceiling, really cool room. So it's called the chapel bar. And we were commenting about who might meet in that room as we sat down to talk. So I will step aside and turn over the conversation to the great Regina Hall right now on the Sunday Sit Down podcast. All right, Regina, thanks for doing this. Oh, no. I'm excited to do it.

It's good to meet you where the Illuminati meets apparently in this amazing chapel. I know. There's a lot of interesting art. There is. Maybe we should tell our viewers about what we're looking over there. Maybe we'll just keep that. Surprise. You got to come busy.

Pan over later, yeah. You don't see it in church. We'll just leave it at that. Speaking of church, congratulations on the movie. I just watched it this morning. It's amazing. Oh, thank you. It's funny.

It's tragic. It makes you think. It's a movie within a movie. There's so many levels and layers to it. How do you describe it to people? It's not exactly a comedy. It's not exactly a drama. but it's all those things that works.

Yeah. Yeah, it has a very like dromedy-esque feel, a bit of a mockumentary, because it's a documentary within a movie, right? And so, but it's a lot of fun. I mean, there are moments of gravity and levity. Yeah, well, it's super funny, and I think what you said about the movie

within the movie, the documentary is it almost lets your character, Trinity, show both sides of herself, right? So when she's in the documentary, she's funny, and just keeping a good face on and all that. She's trying. And then when you say cut or you say cut the cameras, okay, now here's the real story.

Right. And Anita doesn't cut, though. That's the problem. Oh, in the shooting movie. In the shooting the movie, in the making of the documentary. Yes. The problem was

is that they couldn't control it in the way that they needed to. They couldn't control the narrative. And so that, well, therein lies the problem. Right? Right. So you had some experience with maybe not exactly this kind of church. You had family down south when you were growing up. So you sat in some pews. I don't know if they were at these mega churches with these big money making machines that they'd become. But where did you

go to sort of learn about and to tap into who Trinity is? Well, I definitely have, you know, have visited several megachurches and attended them for stents. They're also really accessible online because there's so many right now. For Trinity, I really studied the first ladies, to be honest. I went, there's like a lot, there's a lot of shows where there are first ladies talking, interviews, talking about what it's like and kind of their role, which most people don't really think about. You know, people kind of judge it, especially when they're scandal.

People say, well, why did she do this and why did she stay? But, you know, they really do have found that all of them have a quiet strength. and that they are incredibly vital to the pastor and the ministry in a way that the public doesn't see, because the pastor is, he is the face of the congregation and the personality of the congregation. And she is probably the backbone. Yeah, I don't think people realize when they see those televangelists or they see pastors on TV that there's somebody at his right hand. At all times. who helps run the whole thing.

So you studied some game film, who put it that one. You watched? You watched? I watched a lot. I talked to a few also and just asked them about how they felt, you know, and a lot of them. You know, they end up, for lack of a better word, having to take a back seat to the congregation. Because their husband has to meet the needs of the congregation. So if someone needs counseling, you know, pastoral counseling, or if someone.

someone, you know, their family needs something. The wife seems to hold the space that allows him to do things kind of for everyone else first. Right. Sometimes that goes astray. Well, as we see in this movie sometimes. In this case, it definitely went astray. In this case, it does. And your partner here is Sterling Kay Brown. Yes, he plays my husband. A wonderful actor, obviously, who people love. Did you know him well beforehand? Because you watch him. the chemistry in the movie and there's so many scenes when it's just the two of you, you gotta have that. We got lucky. I had never,

I did not know Sterling at all. I had seen him high and by. And then they were like, what do you think of Sterling K. Brown? And I said, you know, I didn't know how funny Sterling was. Right. And I was like, huh? And then we met on a Zoom. And when I tell you, it was instantaneous. Like, just adored him.

We had so much fun. And so by the time we were on set, it was so organic. like, I don't know. It was like, I mean, Trinity and, and Lee Curtis, they're meant for each other, for sure. God put them together. They're really almost meant for each other.

Yes, yes, with a little twist in there. Yeah, he's obviously incredibly charming as a pastor has to be. But for his character and for yours, there is a, there's a darkness there, right? And that gives the complexity to those characters and to that, movie. So how did you want to approach a character in Trinity who, as I said, was very funny in the film, but also, boy, she was going through stuff. Yeah. You know, I think the biggest thing is, you know, Sterling and I both, you know, just approach these characters with deep compassion. You know, we know that we know the stereotypes of the megachurch, but like, you know, what are the human

qualities that we really do see? They, they are trying. They do love God. And they do love their church. Where it went askew, I'm not sure. And that's not in the movie. But I do believe that they started off smaller. And somehow, I mean, one of my favorite things is when they're showing all their things in the car and they point to the stay humble. And it's like, but there's a truth to that because you couldn't point to it if you didn't. And you believe that.

But at the same time, there are moments where you have deep compassion for them. and their struggle and their disappointments, you know? And you do see that Trinity loves the stuff as much as her husband, but they both are trying. I mean, even Sterling's mistakes in his conversation with a gentleman. You know, there is, you know, there's an honesty to certain parts of them. Yeah, the Bugatti, the closet, a whole plot up, all just blessings from God. Yeah, blessings from God.

Stay humble. That is such a good moment hanging from the mirror. Stay humble. And they pointed to it. Yes, they did. It's very important. You got to stay humble. So we should, without giving too much away, we should sort of back up for people who are watching and just explain the story a little bit about what happens.

They got a big successful megachurch. Yes. They have a huge successful megachurch. And the movie is about the couple who, I mean, they've reached every height you can reach for a church. but there's a scandal that has occurred around Pastor Lee Curtis, and they are opening up their church, reopening their church, Easter Sunday. And Pastor Lee Curtis, Sterling K. Brown, has decided he wants to document the opening. And so he has Anita Bonnet, a documentary film crew, to show the big comeback.

It's showtime, as he says. And they're humbled, to say the least, standing on in the street asking people to haunt for Jesus, right? You know, so many people haunt. Yeah? They didn't realize it was us. It was down south, and they just instinctively hunked. Oh, so those are real honks? Those are real honks.

Those are real honks. Oh, wow. Yeah. At one time, we had too many hans, and we had to edit the hanks out. That might have been when they noticed it was you. I don't think so. They just laying on the horn for Regina. You know what?

Traffic time? They just come by. They see a sign. what I've heard is that in Atlanta, roadside ministries are not uncommon. And so, you know, they look, they saw the sign, you know. I don't know that Trinity wanted a roadside ministry. You notice all these ideas, are Lee Curtis's ideas. And she definitely supports her husband in his, in every mission that he has in terms of getting

the church back up. There's something I picked up on, I'm curious if this was intentional, but the smile and the laugh are there in good times and bad. Yeah. So you give a little laugh because we have to keep a brave face up and things are bad. And then you have some genuine laughs too, right? Is that just about, this is for the church, I'm the first lady? Yes, yeah.

That was the mask of the first lady. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You know, so she'd lose it maybe for a second when the camera was there. But as soon as the awareness comes back, she resumes. Actually, she even has a higher pitch and an accent when she's first lady. lady.

You know. It's a performance in a lot of ways. Yeah. Yeah. Do you think there's a commentary in here, Regina, about those kind of mega-churches or people who profit off the gospel and have fancy cars and wardrobes and they preach in arenas and everything like that? Is there something in this film about that?

I think it's a discussion. You know, I think the film shows a lot of things. And I think that there's many discussions that can be. had. I mean, you know, every institution is worthy of critique and needs evolution at some point. And so, you know, the church, which is made of just, you know, of people, anointed or not, there's still people. And so I think, yeah, I think there's a lot of discussions about, that the church could have, about things that people or persons have been indoctrinated to believe and what is genuinely true. and then what have we been taught to be true?

And do they match? Do they coincide? Hey, guys, thanks for listening to the Sunday Sit Down podcast. Stick around to hear more from Regina Hall right after the break. Welcome back now more of my conversation with Regina Hall. Did it make you think about your own faith? I know you grew up going to church. I did too.

I was in the choir at my church. Of course. Did it make you stop and think a little bit about what you were taught growing up and maybe how your views have changed as you got older? I actually did that probably my whole life, you know, even loving the church and even loving so many things about it. There were questions that I just always had. You know, there were things that resonated, you know, as incomplete.

Yeah. As incomplete. And so it was great because that leads you to further, you know, exploration or spiritual study or whatever you want or, you know. And I think that's actually imperative for faith. Because it is, you know, your relationship with God is such an individual relationship. Although, you know, I don't know that many people,

I don't know that every person necessarily approaches it that way. Right. They just receive it without sort of evaluating it and criticizing and growing through it. Well, that's one of the things that... I mean, you can see that with Trinity, which is what I loved. When she did begin to do that, you know, she calls her mother. And you see in that conversation with her mother, the question she asks her, what it goes right back to. And, of course, then that is what she makes her decision by what that definition is, according to the church,

not really her own fundamental belief system. Do you think Trinity is the hero of this movie? That thought crossed my mind a couple of times as I watched it. I don't know if she's the hero. She's not the victim. No. You know, but I guess by the end she takes some stance, you know. And maybe even in her world, that is still heroic.

Yeah, because she's bottled up and swallowed so much for so long. Oh, my goodness. I mean, the thing he has her other. doing it's you know why why that like that guy and you know we had our devout five it's like they didn't bring it much more but um but yeah yeah she does it against her own yeah but you do understand by the end why she does it i wish i could say more of it there's a scene at the end that people are going to be blown away by it's your performance is incredible it's congratulations on it's i was we were talking about your youth and

and growing up in D.C. and all of that. We were just saying a minute ago about you had aspirations to be a journalist. I know. And by the way, I want to thank you because I've read a number of interviews where you've talked about how important the press is and how journalism is important, and that means a lot. So thank you for sending that out as a public signal. What was it about journalism that so interest you?

I was in school and I read a book. I wonder you know this book. I don't remember the author, but it's called Democracy in America. De Tocqueville. Yes. Alexis Tocqueville. That that book really resonated with me. That if you do not have the press, if you do not have journalism, a free press, then you cannot have, you cannot maintain democracy.

And especially what's going on right now, it couldn't be more evident. And I think reading that, you're like, oh, you start, you, you, I don't know, for me, I don't know, something about that book impressed upon me, like, oh, it's not, it's vital. And I don't know that people understand how vital it is. Even now, because just like, I guess, in a spiritual conversation, I guess in journalism, you'd say you have to have discernment. If you are not, if you, you know, we used to have news sources for the most part, right, that you'd be like, oh, I know this is a good news source. And then, I mean, not to talk about any publication, but like you knew the National Enquirer might be shaky. Sure. Right.

Although they had some stuff in there that we later found out. They got a couple right. They had a couple right. For every alien abduction. There was a true story. And so, but then you would say, oh, for the most part, I know that I can trust this. Yeah. State this, this channel or this paper, right?

And then if you didn't, you'd cross-reference it. And now there's so much information because you have social media. Yeah. that people read it and they're applying the same principles. Oh, I read it, therefore it must be true. And so now that you see that the information is no longer as factual as we've known it to be for like decades and decades, well, you have the same behavior and no one's checking or just reading and then they're telling and spreading. And then there's the difference between news and entertainment news.

And then when you fall under entertainment news, people don't realize you know that they're not held. They're not held to the same level of accountability as a news station. Yeah. I know I'm getting kind of whatever. No, I hear you. Well, yeah, you know. It's fun for us. Well, people also now can just seek out the information.

They want to be true. Right. And find that point of view. And now they go, see, I was right about that. And then you find it once and it's automatically like sent to you and report. repeat it to you and you do think, ah, see, and I know it. So it's, it's really tough, but that book, that book. I would encourage everyone to read that book. It's amazing. And you're, we, people should know you were not a casual, this wasn't a passing interest for you. You went to grad school,

you went to NYU, got your master's in journalism. My team is here. And if they come, and everyone will know when they come in my room, all I play is in MSNBC. It's so embarrassing. Oh, is that right? All they do, yeah, the news is on constantly because we had to watch. watch the news for, you know, homework. Like you had to watch, I mean, you watch the news. But I also grew up watching Ted Cople. I love Nightline. You know what I mean? But, yeah, so the news plays in my, I mean, but I don't find the news morbid. So it's different. Like, for me, it's not, it's neither good nor bad. It's information. And I like knowing. That's a good way to look at it. So how did we get from, I got a master's degree in journalism to I'm going to be an activist.

Where did that turn come? My father passed away suddenly in my first trimester at NYU. NYU has trimesters. You say trimester and people think you're pregnant. Right. Good clarification. Yes, good clarification. First trimester at NYU.

And I had a friend who, you know, it was like if you need to earn some extra money, you could do commercials. And that's how I was introduced to it. And I was really bad. I didn't get any commercials at the time. I had to go. Then I was like, oh, I finished. But my father's death, I was young.

You know, I was, you know, 23. And I don't think at that age you think about, like, the brevity of life. You don't, it's not something. And so it was sobering and painful. But it sort of redirected my journey. You thought, what do I really want out of this life? Yeah. Yeah.

And I was also, it was great because I enjoyed it. And it was such a bright spot in a really, in a really challenging time. Not all the nose. I mean, that was kind of hard because, you know, I had a ton, like, so many nose. So many nose. It's like crazy. I mean, I still get a lot of nose. You don't get a lot of nose.

I do get a lot of nose. I mean, maybe not a lot. But I get some nose. I still get some nose. Do they know your Regina Hall or no? Well, now that they see this. and they see you. I'm going to be like,

did you see this? And now that's going to change you all. There you go. Play the tape. Yeah, let's put it in. So let's talk about a yes, though, which was Best Man, right? Yes. So was that was your first big film?

That was my first big film. Studio film. Yes. And is the story true that you may not have been fully prepared for your audition in that you kind of just had one move that you went with?

I had one move. That was it. I had a move because of the, one of the girls in my acting class, what used to be an exotic dancer, and I said, I need to learn a dance. And she said, you don't have to know anything. You have to do this one move, and that's it.

And I said, that's it? She said, oh, yeah. And why did I listen to her? Why did I? Danielle, that was her name. Now I got to call you out. And she said, that's it. And I did that, and they stopped the music.

So it wasn't even, like, impressive. It wasn't like they even wanted to keep watching it. And the producer said, can you do anything else? And I said, yes. And then I just got my clothes and said, thank you. Oh, you walked out? Yes, I said, thank. Yeah, because I was like, well, I'm not going to get it.

Right, you thought. And then I was like, it won't matter. I haven't gotten anything. So it won't be shocking to them. Like, at least you got closer. And so, yeah, then they called and said, we really liked her, but she left, which she, yeah. And then they said, well, she can't really dame. So they hired a choreographer and said, which is sort of the job, was dancing.

Which was, yeah. Yeah. And if they got a choreographer and said, if the choreographer says she can do it, we want her. Well, they must have really liked you to bring you back for that. Yeah, to get a choreographer. What was that first big studio experience like for you after hearing all those noes just to be on the set and to feel, okay, this is what it's like to make a movie? You know, you're so excited. I didn't even know who was in the movie.

So you have to remember, this is the point where you don't get anything. Like, you don't get the whole script. Right. You just get your sides and you're trying to guess what the movie's about. from the sides. But once, like, it's nice. It was innocent. It was like I had a honey wagon,

and I thought I had the biggest trailer in the world. My friends came to set, and they were like, you really made it? And then, of course, now I'm like, wow, I really hadn't. But it was really fun. It was just a warm set.

My co-stars were really kind and really warm to me. That made a huge difference. And Malcolm Lee, my director, Everyone was really warm and supportive and I didn't know about matching. My hands were going all over the place and they were like, you know, we have to edit.

So, yeah, it was a learning experience. But Harold, who played my boyfriend now husband, husband in the meetup, we got married in the franchise. He was lovely. And we actually went to the same school. Oh, was that right? And had the same, yeah, we didn't know that. To NYU or before that?

No, because I didn't study acting at N1. Right, right. Oh, after. Right, after. Okay. I went back to school for acting. And then from there, you start booking some pretty good jobs. I mean, really successful movies. What was that like, like, what did that feel like that kind of momentum after again

hearing all the nose to go, okay, I think I've got something going here. Maybe I can do this for a living. It was good. It was good. It was that, and then it was. Scary movies in there. Love and basketball. Love and basketball was second.

It was the same producer as the best man. And then I got scary movie. And I was like, oh, and she's really this. And he was like, Regina, that doesn't sound good. He's like, I don't know. You play some really, you know, you're getting a really classy career. And Brenda sounds, and I was telling about the role. And I was like, but she's so fun and I love her.

And he was like, I don't think you should do it. But of course, I did it. And yeah, she's wild. And those movies have made like a billion dollars combined. I think you made the right call. I think so. I think so. Stick around for more of my conversation.

with Regina Hall right after a quick break. Welcome back now to the rest of my conversation with Regina Hall. Was there any project or was it a series of them? You know, it really is a series. For me, I never had a role that was like, some people have a role that changes their life. You know, I had that, but like 20 years later, so I don't know that it was like, so it was more of a,

It was just steady. Yeah. It was the steadiness of it. And then it was like, oh, but each role showed a different side of me. So it helped. But people, you know, they remember certain things. But I would say it was a combination. And then I would say after Girls Trip and then the combination of that and support the

girls, there was a shift. Well, Girls Trip, obviously made over $100 million. It was like this complete phenomenon. Yeah. What was it about that movie, do you think, that was just so special and so touched in her with so many people? I just think, you know, it was a combination of, like, raunchy fun from women. You know, there was a little raunchiness, but really heartfelt friendship, you know. And each character's journey, I think a lot of people saw themselves and, you know, differently in each woman.

And I think men were surprised that it was a little bit. it, you know, a little bit racier than they would have thought or that they'd seen women on screen, but it still was honest. But, you know, and it came at a really good timing. I mean, we had seen comedies with women before that at work that were amazing, which was like bridesmaids. We just hadn't seen one in a while. And so I think it came at a really wonderful time with, and it was unexpected. And so I think because it was unexpected, we had great word of mouth.

And the movie was able to. to continue and stay popular and resonate with, like, you know, different types of people, different cultures, you know. I think it went a little more across the war than people had anticipated. I mean, certainly me. I was like, we're coming out in the summer. This is the worst idea ever. We're kind of bombed, so it was great.

What is that like if you have that expectation and a movie just explodes in that way? Are you, like, every weekend, seeing those numbers that, oh, my gosh. Yeah. It was really surprising because I do remember we came out the same day as Dunkirk. And I was like, whose bright idea was it to go against Chris Nolan? Who decided? I remember, I was like, this is, but it was great to see it. It was, you know, it was, it was, I felt wonderful when I saw women say, you know, I really loved it.

And like mothers and daughters, you know, like that it was not. like that it was cross-generational, like that my mom, you know, I was really happy that my aunts and my mom loved it. But then I was like, wait, my aunt and my mom, like, wait. Did you, did you, did, wait? Which part did you like, mom? Yeah. Is it the, like, please, I don't want to know.

But yeah, I think it was that, that felt really good to have girls, girls and women like it and women. And we can safely say that there will be another. It's not there. yet, but there's something coming, right? Yeah, it's in the oven. Good. You make a lot of people happy with that news. I know, I know.

It's, yeah, everyone's really excited for it. So many of your movies are iconic and explain and show the black experience and talk about black culture. Do you think about that when you're making a movie, or is that just a nice byproduct of the work you do? Well, obviously, you know, the black audience have, they've supported me, like, from the beginning. So, you know, it's like deep, deep in my subconscious. But I don't know that I think about it directly, you know, any character, whoever it is. I always really think about. And, I mean, I am black, so I don't know that I think about it because it's...

Well, it's your experience. It's right. And it's also the experience of the world in the story. Yeah. And so I just think about, like, well, where can I expand what's on paper to make the character, you know, feel rich. So whether it's in a black film or if it's in like a breaking news in Yuba County or even nine perfect strangers. Yeah. It's, you know, it's the person, the person. So where do we have a deeper expansion of the person?

Does it feel special when someone comes up and says, thank you for telling my story or telling our story? I haven't seen it up on a screen before. Yeah. No, it's wonderful. I mean, I think anytime, any time, any person, Everybody says anything nice, it's rewarding. You know what I mean? People, you know, there's but so much time in a day. Somebody taking out the time to watch, you know, your project when there's like so many they could watch and then taking out another moment to say it's wonderful or say something celebratory about your work. I mean, that's like, that's not a given.

That's, you know, that doesn't, like that, you feel that deeply. Because if they don't do it, you don't, like, you know, why are you here? Why are you bothering? You've got your own production company, taking the reins of your career, right? Controlling some production. This film, by the way, Jordan Peel, Daniel Kaluga's production company is involved there. Is that cool for you to put your stamp on a project that's when you do it with your production company and say, I've got some say and what this is going to look like and he's going to be in it and all that?

Well, it's nice because, you know, in and of itself, you know, it's a collaborative process, right? So anytime you feel like, you know, there's something you can offer to make something better or make something whatever, you know what I mean, more authentic, whatever the word you want to use is. And then someone like listens and you feel valued in that. Yes, it's really great. And it's great to like be like to see your little logo. You know, the vanity part is like, oh, look. Like, you know, because for so long, that part is just a dream.

It's not like you're like, oh, I want a production company and you get it. You know, you've got to really go get it. And so it was really great to do it and to actually see it and say, oh, wow, that was something. And now we've got another one in the can and we've got, you know, more coming. So it's exciting. We've got to earn that too. You've got to have the clout that your stamp on a project means something. That's a lot of 20, 25 years of work, right?

to get there. You had another incredible validation of your career when you were asked to host the Oscars this year. What was that phone call like when they said, would you come and host the Oscars? That was really scary. It was scary. It's wonderful, but it's also terrifying.

You're like, oh, my gosh, that's a, you know, especially when you're doing it with two amazing women who are stand-ups, you know, and I'm not a stand-up, you know. And so you're like, wow, okay, we each are going to go do it. But they were wonderful and gracious and kind. So I was really fortunate to be able to have both of them. And all three of us are so different, you know what I mean? So figuring out, well, what works for each of us and combining them together.

That was a fun process. I mean, it was, you know, scary because we're like, well, if it bombs, it's live. Like, this is it, you know? So you don't know what, well, obviously you don't know what to expect, right? We got the unexpected. Yes. But it was a lot of fun. What was it like to step out there that first time and know, like, the world's watching.

It's the three of us. We're dressed up. We're ready to go. No matter how much you rehearse, I imagine that's like a moment. Once you're there, yeah. You do the carpet and you're like, wow, this is the carpet. And then it's kind of like surreal because you watch the Oscars, you know, so many times. And then you go backstage.

And this year, the Beyonce, Vichie. okay. So I was like now we've got to follow Beyonce. So we're already starting. We're not going great. But I do remember Amy Schumer was like, can we pray? And we held hands and we set a prayer. And the door went up and that was kind of it.

We should have prayed harder. I mean, I think we should have prayed a little harder. Can you imagine it without the prayer? But yeah. And then we went out And then we had fun. At that point, you just let it go and you just, what works, works.

And you're like, we're just going to go have fun. You were so good. The bit where you were calling the actors backstage for testing, to me, that was what I will remember. That was so good. Since you brought it up, what was it like to be there when the moment happened? What was going on backstage? What were you guys doing?

Ironically, in Regina Hall fashion, I had literally gone to my trailer. And so I had missed the commotion, to be honest. And so I did not really know. I will say it was an impromptu night as a whole. When I did my bit and the guys walked on stage, that wasn't scripted. Oh, really? Yeah, it was a really fun, interactive night. So as a whole, I don't know that if you were in the audience,

that anyone knew what was happening or not happening. So unfortunately, or fortunately, I don't know. I was in a whole other thing. I had gone back in my trail. I had a break for a second. I was going to change clothes. And so then I heard. By the way, I felt that way on TV too. Yeah. This must be part of the show and part of the bit. Yeah. So what was your reaction afterward? Well, there are two people and two men who I really respect greatly. I love their work. And I've worked with Chris and he's great. And, you know, I've met Will several times. And he's great. And he's great and obviously I've worked in No Jada. So, you know, it was just, it wasn't a, it wasn't a highest moment for anyone, I don't think. I don't think for him. I don't think for anyone, you know,

I think we were all surprised. And, you know, my, my prayers go to everyone involved in the situation, because I'm sure it can't be easy, you know, and, and, um, just glad he laughed at my job. I had, you know, it didn't, but I still had a great time. I still feel like all the actors, you know, that we celebrated that night felt great. And, like, you know, I still, I still feel really proud of the night as a whole. And, you know, life happens. You should be. You were great.

Thank you. That's not an easy job. You were really good. As is your movie. Congratulations. Thank you. I'm glad you loved it. It's so nice to talk to you.

Yeah, I know. Thanks for watching you, from watching you all the time. Well, if you got the MSNBC on, you've seen too much. I see, I see you all the time. So, look. Okay, we're getting nods. We're getting nods. No, they're getting nods because they're inside.

They look exhausted by it. They are exhausted. You know why? Because they're like, we come at 4 a.m. it's on. I was like, oh, you guys are in time for Morning Joe. And we got four hours for you now of Morning Joe. Oh, yeah. So we move, so we're on at 6 a.m.

out west. You can watch it a decent hour. Well, if they came at night, they get Rachel. I mean, they get it all day. They get it all day. You just lock it in. I can't. I want to change it.

And then I don't know. Something happens and I can't. It's like I feel like I won't be aware of something. Right. It does feel that way in the last few years. If I turn off the TV or don't look at my phone, something. Like, yeah, something happens. And it could be a moment.

And maybe the moment isn't, like, gigantic, but it's going to lead to something. That could then be gigantic. Right. So then I'm stuck. You're putting the pieces together. I'm putting the pieces together. Well, you've just cut an advertisement for MSNBC.

Thank you. I know. You can't afford to turn it off. You can't afford to turn it off. So, yeah, I keep it on. But I know because they're always, they don't say anything. They're so nice about it. My team is so nice.

But it was on this morning. Oh, you had it on here. Yeah. Oh, no, I have it on everywhere. Okay. I have it on everywhere. The only time I take a break is for forensic files. So they've got to see the news or murder.

That's fair. Those are their options. Those are the two channels. Yeah, that's it. Yeah, we're going to HLN. That's so true. Well, thank you for watching and thank you for this conversation. It's so much fun.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. My big thanks again to Regina for a great conversation. You can check out Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul, in a theater near you or streaming on Peacock. And my thanks as always to all of. of you for listening this week. If you want to hear more of our conversations with my guests every week, be sure to click follow so you never miss an episode. And don't forget to tune in to Sunday

today on your television set every weekend on NBC. I'm Willie Geist. We'll see you right back here next week on the Sunday Sit Down podcast.