34 Facts About Angel Bassett

Early Life and Education

Angela Bassett's journey to stardom began with humble roots and a solid educational foundation. Here are some fascinating facts about her early years.

1. 01Angela Evelyn Bassett was born on August 16, 1958, in New York City.
2. 02Raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, she was primarily brought up by her social worker mother, Betty Jane.
3. 03Bassett attended Boca Ciega High School, where she was a member of the debate team, student government, and choir.
4. 04She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American studies from Yale University in 1980.
5. 05In 1983, she received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama, where she studied alongside future stars like Courtney B. Vance, her future husband.

Breakthrough Roles

Angela Bassett's career took off with some iconic roles that showcased her immense talent. These roles cemented her status as a Hollywood powerhouse.

6. 06Her first significant role was in the 1991 film "Boyz n the Hood," where she played Reva Devereaux.
7. 07Bassett's portrayal of Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
8. 08She played Betty Shabazz, Malcolm X's wife, in the 1992 film "Malcolm X" and again in the 1995 film "Panther."
9. 09In 1995, she starred alongside Whitney Houston in "Waiting to Exhale," a film that became a cultural phenomenon.
10. 10Bassett portrayed Rosa Parks in the 2002 television movie "The Rosa Parks Story," earning her an Emmy nomination.

Awards and Recognition

Angela Bassett's talent has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.

11. 11In 1994, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role as Tina Turner.
12. 12Bassett received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.
13. 13She has been nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, including for her roles in "American Horror Story" and "The Rosa Parks Story."
14. 14In 2019, she won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for "Black Panther."
15. 15Bassett was honored with the Black Girls Rock! Star Power Award in 2019.

Personal Life

Beyond the screen, Angela Bassett leads a rich and fulfilling personal life. Here are some intriguing details about her life off-camera.

16. 16Angela Bassett married actor Courtney B. Vance in 1997.
17. 17The couple has twins, a son named Slater Josiah Vance and a daughter named Bronwyn Golden Vance, born in 2006 via surrogate.
18. 18Bassett and Vance co-wrote a book titled "Friends: A Love Story," published in 2007.
19. 19She is an active supporter of programs for the arts, especially those that benefit youth.
20. 20Bassett is known for her dedication to fitness, often sharing her workout routines and healthy lifestyle tips.

Philanthropy and Activism

Angela Bassett is not just an actress; she is also a passionate advocate for various causes. Her philanthropic efforts are as impressive as her acting career.

21. 21She is a UNICEF ambassador, focusing on children's rights and education.
22. 22Bassett supports the Royal Theater Boys & Girls Club in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida.
23. 23She has been involved with the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention program.
24. 24Bassett is an advocate for diabetes awareness, inspired by her mother's struggle with the disease.
25. 25She has participated in numerous charity events, including the annual "Stand Up to Cancer" telethon.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Angela Bassett's life is full of interesting tidbits that fans might find surprising. Here are some fun facts about this talented actress.

26. 26She is a huge fan of the TV show "Game of Thrones."
27. 27Bassett has a passion for music and enjoys singing in her spare time.
28. 28She has voiced characters in several animated projects, including "BoJack Horseman" and "The Simpsons."
29. 29Bassett is known for her impressive physique and often performs her own stunts.
30. 30She has a star tattoo on her left shoulder, symbolizing her love for her family.

Recent Projects

Angela Bassett continues to captivate audiences with her recent work. Here are some highlights from her latest projects.

31. 31She stars as Athena Grant in the popular TV series "9-1-1," which premiered in 2018.
32. 32Bassett reprised her role as Queen Ramonda in the 2018 blockbuster "Black Panther" and its 2022 sequel "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
33. 33She lent her voice to the character of Dorothea Williams in the 2020 Pixar film "Soul."
34. 34Bassett is set to star in the upcoming film "Gunpowder Milkshake," an action thriller featuring an all-female cast.

Final Thoughts on Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days in Harlem to becoming a Hollywood icon, her story is filled with hard work, talent, and resilience. She's not just an actress; she's a director, producer, and an advocate for various causes. Her roles in films like "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "Black Panther" have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Beyond the screen, Angela's dedication to education and community service sets her apart. Her ability to balance a demanding career with personal commitments is truly commendable. Angela Bassett continues to break barriers and set new standards in the entertainment industry. Her legacy is a testament to what can be achieved with passion and perseverance. Keep an eye on her—there's no telling what she'll conquer next.