Regina Hall, known for her work in the Scary Movie franchise and Girls Trip, recently opened up about the moment that changed her career path. The actress shared how a visit from director Spike Lee to her college class inspired her to pursue work in film.
Hall, now 55, spoke with Marc Myers about her journey in the entertainment industry. She recalled that acting was not something she thought about as a child. Growing up in the 1970s, she enjoyed watching television but never saw it as a realistic goal.
A Director’s Visit Sparked Something New
During her time at Fordham University, Hall majored in communications. One day, Spike Lee came to speak to her filmmaking class. The experience left a strong impression on her.
A friend and I were so inspired we decided to write a screenplay for a short, but we soon realized funding was harder than we thought.
That moment of inspiration pushed Hall and her friend to try their hand at writing. Even though they could not get the funding for their project, the spark had been lit. Hall would later go on to build a successful acting career that includes comedies, dramas, and everything in between.
From Comedy to Drama and Back Again
Hall first gained widespread recognition for her role as Brenda Meeks in the Scary Movie series. She appeared in four of the five films in the franchise. Her work in comedy continued with movies like Girls Trip and Think Like a Man.
But Hall has also shown her range in dramatic roles. She starred in Support the Girls, a film that earned critical praise. More recently, she appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson‘s One Battle After Another, a serious role that showed a different side of her talent. She is also set to return as Brenda Meeks in Scary Movie 6, which is scheduled for release.
Her New Series ‘The Five Star Weekend’
Hall currently stars in The Five Star Weekend, a drama series now streaming on Peacock. The show is based on Elin Hilderbrand‘s bestselling novel. It follows Hollis Shaw, played by Jennifer Garner, a food influencer who hosts a weekend gathering at her Nantucket home after her husband dies.
Hall plays Dru-Ann Jones, Hollis’s college friend and a successful sports agent. Dru-Ann is described as ambitious with high-end tastes. The cast also includes Chloë Sevigny, Gemma Chan, D’Arcy Carden, and Timothy Olyphant.
The series premiered on July 9, 2026, with all eight episodes available to stream. Viewers can watch it on Peacock starting at 6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT.
Childhood Memories and Tough Audiences
In her interview, Hall also shared personal stories from her early life. She grew up with brothers who teased her and called her Dogface, a term she now sees as a form of affection. They were her first audience and also her toughest critics.
They were my first audience and my toughest.
Hall recalled a painful moment from her teenage years. A close friend named Kate had brain cancer. Before her surgery, Kate stayed over at Hall’s house. After the operation, Kate went into a coma and died. Hall said she still gets emotional thinking about it.
Finding Her Path After College
After graduating from Fordham, Hall did not know what to do next. Her parents gave her three choices: get a job, go back to school, or move back home. She chose to enroll in NYU’s graduate journalism program.
During her first semester, her father had a massive stroke and died. Around that same time, a friend suggested she take acting jobs in TV commercials for extra money. But Hall could not make the auditions because of her classwork and thesis.
After finishing her master’s degree, she started calling talent agencies. That decision eventually led to her first acting roles and the start of her career in Hollywood.
What Critics Are Saying About ‘The Five Star Weekend’
Reviews for The Five Star Weekend have been mixed. The Hollywood Reporter called it a “pretty and polished” series that is easy to watch but not very memorable. The review noted that the show has a strong cast but lacks depth.
Still, critics have pointed out standout performances. Chloë Sevigny received praise for her role as the childhood friend Tatum. Hall’s performance as Dru-Ann also adds weight to the series.
A Cast That Became Close Friends
The cast of The Five Star Weekend had never worked together before. In fact, none of the five main actresses had even met prior to filming. But they quickly formed a strong bond on set.
D’Arcy Carden told PEOPLE that there was “not one bad day” during production. The group would sit together in a circle during breaks and talk deeply. They even had to turn off their microphones at times so their private conversations would not be recorded.
Gemma Chan added that it was rare for five women to come together so easily. The cast’s genuine friendship shows on screen and adds to the show’s appeal.
Hall’s Lasting Impact on Co-Stars
Hall’s co-stars have spoken highly of her. In interviews, they described her as smart, funny, and business-minded.
Regina has a real business mindset, and she’s a real entrepreneur. And she’s so smart. Regina’s the whole package.
That respect among the cast members helped create a positive working environment. It also made the filming experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
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What’s Available to Watch Now
The Five Star Weekend is available in full on Peacock. All eight episodes dropped on July 9, 2026. The series is part of Peacock’s summer lineup and offers a mix of drama, friendship, and emotional moments.
For fans of Regina Hall, this series is just one of several projects she has coming up. She is also set to return for Scary Movie 6, which brings back many original cast members.
Also Read: Jana Nayagan Release Date Confirmed: Vijay’s Final Film to Hit Theatres on July 23
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