Lena Waithe guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! and kissed Halle Berry during her monologue

By Olivia harvey

May 23, 2019

By Olivia harvey

May 23, 2019

When the cat’s away, the guest host will play. On Wednesday, May 22nd, Jimmy Kimmel and Normal Lear produced a live remake special of All in the Family and The Jeffersons. The special project took him away from his usual post at Jimmy Kimmel Live!, so he hired a guest host for the night: Lena Waithe. She admitted during her monologue that she felt a bit nervous about filling in for the beloved late-night host.

“I could use some words of encouragement,” Waithe told co-host Guillermo. Guillermo recommended Waithe push the “Berry Button” to receive some “berry important” help. Waithe took his advice, and Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry appeared.

How do we get a Berry Button installed in our house?

“I need some inspiration,” Waithe told Berry. “Like that [2002] Oscars speech you gave, that got me hyped. I need you to give me some of that Halle Berry juice.” The lights dimmed, and Berry took a power stance.

"Lena, you know I know you, right? We've worked together," Berry said. "So I know that you are a force of nature. You are a beautiful African American queen. Lena, tonight you are a writer, an actor, a producer and tonight you are a late-night comedian. You about to slay this show! And you are already winning, girl, because you are dressed way better than Jimmy ever was."

But that wasn’t all. Berry also gave her a kiss for good luck.

So… fun show tonight! 😘❤️ @LenaWaithe @HalleBerry #Kimmel pic.twitter.com/f8KzlYtFkG

— Jimmy Kimmel Live (@JimmyKimmelLive) May 23, 2019

“Now you’re good,” Berry said before disappearing back into the night. And everyone proceeded to freak out.

Lena really got a kiss from the goddess that is Halle Berry pic.twitter.com/Cp2H0yYuab

— marquez/ Where’s Ye when you need him? (@snohsidepiece) May 23, 2019