Whitney Houston’s turn as Julia Biggs still feels like magic — tender, grounded, and powered by that unmistakable voice. After "The Preacher’s Wife," she continued her reign as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, releasing music, touring, and producing. Her soundtrack for the film is still the best-selling gospel album in history.

Houston passed away in 2012, but her legacy has only grown. New generations are discovering her catalog through films, biopics, Broadway tributes, and TikTok edits. It proves that nobody can touch Houston's talent, influence, or impact.

Denzel Washington as a fine, charming angel? Call it a cultural reset. Already a powerhouse, he continued stacking classics post-1996 from "Training Day," "Remember the Titans," "American Gangster," "Fences," "Equalizer," and the list goes on.

He’s now an Academy Award-winning icon, a producer, director, and mentor shaping the next generation of Black storytellers.

In 2024 and 2025, he continued building major cinematic universes, proving he’s in his “decades into his career but still eating everyone up” era.

As the tired preacher trying to keep his community afloat, Courtney B. Vance carried the emotional core of the movie. Since then, he’s been booked and brilliantly busy.

He’s won Emmys, racked up Tony nominations, and delivered knockout performances in "The People v. O.J. Simpson," "Lovecraft Country," "Genius: Aretha," and more.

Married to the legendary Angela Bassett, he remains one-half of Hollywood’s favorite power couple.

Jenifer Lewis was essentially playing herself — a grand, charismatic auntie figure with vocals to spare. After the film, Lewis became the Mother of Black Hollywood (truly, the title fits).

She went on to "The Princess and the Frog,"
and so much more. And let's not forget her unforgettable run as Ruby Johnson on
"black-ish." She continues touring, speaking, and releasing bestselling memoirs, all while reading people down with love and comedic precision.

Loretta Devine blessed "The Preacher’s Wife" the way she blesses every project, and that's by making everything instantly better.

Since then, she’s solidified her status as one of the most beloved character actresses of our time.

Her resume includes "Waiting to Exhale," "Grey’s Anatomy," "P-Valley," "Family Reunion," "Boston Public," voice work, theater, and more awards than she has shelf space for.

The Devine-aissance stays thriving.

Gregory Hines, a tap legend and scene-stealer, brought heart and warmth to the role of Joe. Before and after the film, he remained one of the greatest dancers, actors, and choreographers of his generation.

Hines passed away in 2003, but his legacy lives on in Broadway history, dance culture, and the many artists who cite him as the blueprint. His work in "The Preacher’s Wife" remains one of his most tender performances.

Cissy Houston’s cameo as the stern but soulful Mrs. Havergal felt like a nod to her extraordinary gospel career. After the film, she continued touring, recording, and inspiring generations through the famous Drinkard Singers and her own vocal lineage.

She passed away in Newark on October 7, 2024, at the age of 91, as she was in hospice care for Alzheimer's Disease.

Justin Pierre Edmund played Jeremiah, the adorable son of Julia and Henry. After the film, he appeared in a few TV projects but eventually stepped back from acting.

There's no photo here, because today, Edmund lives a private life outside of Hollywood. He's believed to be working in marketing and social media, but fans of the film will always remember him as the sweet, wide-eyed glue of the Biggs family.