Sherri Shepherd Stars as 9/11's Last Survivor Rescued

Twenty-seven hours trapped beneath twisted steel and concrete sounds impossible to survive, but Genelle Guzman-McMillan did just that after the Twin Towers collapsed on September 11, 2001.

Now Lifetime is sharing her remarkable story in "Angel in the Rubble," premiering this September to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Emmy-winning host Sherri Shepherd will portray Guzman-McMillan, the last survivor rescued from the World Trade Center debris.

Guzman-McMillan was working as a New York City transit employee when Tower One collapsed around her. Buried deep in the rubble, she spent more than a day fighting to stay alive in the darkness.

During those terrifying hours, she reflected on her life and the faith she had drifted away from. She prayed for another chance, promising to change if she survived.

Then a man named Paul found her among the debris. He stayed with her, offering comfort and hope until emergency crews could reach her and pull her to safety.

When Guzman-McMillan later tried to find Paul to thank him, nobody could confirm his identity. No rescue worker by that name had been at the site that day.

Why This Inspires

Guzman-McMillan came to believe the mysterious figure was an angel sent to guide her toward the renewed life she promised while trapped beneath the rubble. Her story became a beacon of hope during one of America's darkest moments.

The film comes from Robin Roberts Presents, the fourth project under the Good Morning America anchor's production banner. Roberts continues her mission of bringing powerful true stories of resilience to audiences nationwide.

Shepherd, who hosts the syndicated talk show "Sherri," will also executive produce alongside Roberts. The screenplay is based on Guzman-McMillan's memoir of the same name.

The timing feels especially meaningful as the nation approaches a quarter century since that tragic day. Stories like Guzman-McMillan's remind us that even in our darkest moments, hope and human connection can pull us through.