Gabrielle Union showcased her unparalleled red carpet style at the New York City screening of her upcoming film, Riff Raff, held at the Regal Essex Crossing movie theater on February 26, 2025. Sporting a stunning sheer chocolate brown maxidress, Union turned heads with its plunging scooped neckline and satin pink trim at the hem, blending elegance with contemporary fashion.
The playful yet sophisticated ensemble highlighted her commitment to dressing authentically. "I follow where my passion is," Union shared during her appearance, emphasizing her goal to express herself through her clothing choices. She accessorized her look with a chic choker necklace and pink satin platform heels, complementing the dress beautifully.
Her confidence on the red carpet reflects her belief in dressing for oneself, as she discussed with People saying, "I stopped caring about what other people thought ... I indulge whatever it is I’m feeling because the expression through clothes is going to be much more authentic if I dress the way I feel." This philosophy of authenticity has evidently shaped how she presents herself on such significant occasions.
Union's personal life also made headlines recently, particularly concerning her husband Dwyane Wade’s health. On his podcast, The Why With Dwyane Wade, Wade revealed he underwent surgery for cancer, where doctors removed 40% of his kidney after discovering it was cancerous. "Thank God I did do the surgery, right?" Wade reflected, describing the experience as one of the hardest moments he faced, admitting, "I think it was the first time my family, my dad, my kids, they saw me weak."
Union took the opportunity to provide insights on their family's emotional turmoil during this challenging time. Speaking on TODAY with Jenna & Friends, she conveyed the gravity of Wade's diagnosis, stating, "Obviously, him getting [Wade’s] diagnosis was traumatic for him, you know, being faced with your own mortality... You’re like, ‘Am I going to be here to see my family?’”
Union elaborated on the challenges of vulnerability within their marriage, saying, "That level of vulnerability...he needed us to be OK with his vulnerability. But more than just him, he needed to be OK with his vulnerability." Such intimate revelations shed light on the emotional intricacies of coping with significant health crises as a family.
Fortunately, there’s good news to share. During her interview with Access Hollywood at the premiere, Union shared the uplifting update about Wade’s health, declaring, "He’s cancer-free now." She praised him for his resilience, noting, "He was smart to delay talking about his diagnosis and the surgery for over a year to give us all a little time to make peace with it... but he’s brave. He’s doing well. We are proud of him…"
The actress expressed her gratitude for Wade's candidness, which she hopes will inspire and inform others facing similar struggles. "Hopefully, save other people,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of health awareness.
Another highlight of Union's visit to New York was her enthusiasm for working with fellow actress Jennifer Coolidge. At the premiere, she couldn't contain her excitement, stating, "It was awesome. Jennifer is a flipping legend, and we are lucky... because she is also our boss, she is also our executive producer." This camaraderie off-screen undoubtedly adds charm to their on-screen performances.
With anticipation building, Riff Raff is set to hit theaters on February 28, 2025, promising viewers both laughter and compelling storytelling. Union's dual focus on her fashion and family demonstrates her versatility as both an actress and individual. The red carpet might just be one of her platforms, but it’s her authentic voice and personal strength during tumultuous times with Wade's health issues where she truly shines.