Angela Bassett Bio
Angela Evelyn Bassett (born August 16, 1958) is an American actress. Known for her work in film and television since the 1980s, she has received various accolades, including an Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards. In 2023, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and she received an Academy Honorary Award in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Angela Bassett was born in New York City, New York, to Betty Jane and Daniel Benjamin Bassett. Her mother was a social worker and civil servant, while her father was a preacher’s son. After her parents divorced when she was young, Bassett and her sister were sent to live with their aunt in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At the age of four, she returned to live with her mother in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bassett attended Boca Ciega High School, where she was a cheerleader and excelled academically. She graduated from Yale University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama in 1983. During her time at Yale, she met her future husband, Courtney B. Vance.
Path to Hollywood
After graduating, Angela Bassett worked various jobs to support herself while pursuing acting opportunities in New York City. She made her stage debut in 1985 and appeared in several plays, including works by August Wilson. Her television debut came in 1985 with a role in the film Doubletake. Bassett’s film debut was in F/X (1986), and she moved to Los Angeles in 1988 to further her acting career. Her early roles included guest appearances on television shows like A Man Called Hawk and 227. Bassett gained recognition for her performances in films such as Boyz n the Hood (1991) and Malcolm X (1992), where she portrayed Betty Shabazz, earning her an NAACP Image Award.
Angela Bassett Career
Early Career (1982–1990)
Angela Bassett’s career began in the early 1980s with stage performances and television roles. She gained significant attention for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993), which earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This role marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as a leading actress in Hollywood. Other notable films from this period include Waiting to Exhale (1995) and How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998).
Breakthrough (1991–2000)
In the 1990s, Angela Bassett solidified her status as a prominent actress with powerful performances in critically acclaimed films. Her role in Malcolm X was particularly significant, as it showcased her ability to portray complex characters. She also starred in several successful films, including Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) and Music of the Heart (1999). Bassett’s work during this decade earned her multiple award nominations and solidified her reputation as a talented actress.
Notable Works and Milestones
Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including Black Panther (2018) and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), further expanded her audience and demonstrated her versatility as an actress. Her performance in the latter earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first actor to receive an Oscar nomination for a role in a Marvel film.
Angela Bassett Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Angela Bassett has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances. She has been nominated for two Academy Awards, nine Emmy Awards, and has won two Golden Globe Awards, among other accolades.
Angela Bassett Awards Won
Angela Bassett has received several prestigious awards, including an Academy Honorary Award in 2024, recognizing her lifetime achievements in the film industry. She has also won a Screen Actors Guild Award and multiple Critics’ Choice Awards, highlighting her contributions to cinema.
Angela Bassett Family
Angela Bassett is married to actor Courtney B. Vance, whom she met at Yale School of Drama. The couple has been married since 1997 and has twins who were carried by a surrogate.
Personal Life
Angela Bassett is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of the arts and youth programs. She is an active ambassador for UNICEF and participates in various charitable events. Bassett is also a member of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ and has been involved in political activism, supporting candidates like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
