How Stella Got Her Groove Back

Stella Payne

Winston Shakespeare

Delilah Abraham

Vanessa

Angela

Quincy Payne

Chantel (as Sicily)

Jack

Buddy

Nate

Dr. Shakespeare

Mrs. Shakespeare

Ms. Thang

Abby

Kennedy

Uncle Ollie

Minister

Dr. Steinberg

Judge Spencer Boyle

Leslie James

Kitchen Worker

Buffet Server

Upbeaters Band

Upbeaters Band

Upbeaters Band

Winston's Friend

Girl in Jamaica Commercial

Man in Commercial

Stella's Friend

Friend at Party #1

Friend at Party #2

(scenes deleted)

Moviegoer (uncredited)

Woman on the Gurney (uncredited)

Dreadlocked Man in Commercial (uncredited)

Isaac (uncredited)

Guy by pool / Pajama Party Guest (uncredited)

Taye Diggs was performing in the Broadway production of "Rent" when he learned that he had landed the male lead in this film. He celebrated by streaking through the theater where he was working.

Angela Bassett was planning her nuptials with then-fiancé Courtney B. Vance when cast in the lead role. The start of production kept being pushed back by producer Deborah Schindler which was a blessing and a curse for Bassett. The continued delay of production gave her ample time to get her body in perfect shape for the film but it also prevented her from being able to set a definite date for her wedding. Determined to get married in the fall of 1997, Bassett and Vance stood their ground and set a firm date for the ceremony, October 17, 1997, by that point Bassett had been filming for about a month on "Stella."

Originally cast as the old man who hits on Stella during her initial stay in Jamaica, all of Danny Glover's scenes were deleted from the final cut of the film. He's seen briefly in the film during the scene where Stella, submerged in a pool, is talking to Winston (who's standing poolside), and points out an older man who's been hitting on her during her stay. In a quick long shot, Glover can be seen in old age make-up holding a flower he intends to give to Stella.

While Stella and Winston argue in the restaurant, the level of wine in her glass keeps changing.

When Winston is going to show Stella the room he made her for building furniture it is dark, but when Winston opens the door you can easily see that there is sunlight coming through the doorway.

The airport is LAX but the story takes place in the San Francisco area.

Stella Payne: This from the guy who makes a midnight run to the video store and comes back with Booty Call and the Lion King!

Stella Payne: So how old are you anyway, young man?

Stella Payne: [eating breakfast] Something sure smells good.