Angela Bassett

August 16, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Angela Evelyn Basset, born August 16, 1958, is an actress, director, and producer. She is the recipient of numerous awards and has received nominations for the Oscars and the Emmy Awards. Basset ventured into the acting scene in the 1980s and she has been going strong since. She is known for her notable roles in “The Rosa Parks Story,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and “Malcolm X.” In 2006, she acted as the mother of Akeelah in “Akeelah and the Bee.” Basset has won many awards, including a Golden Globe award as “Best Actress” for the movie “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” We will help you celebrate this amazing and super talented actress right here!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Angela Evelyn Bassett

Birth date:

August 16, 1958

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Leo

Height:

5' 4"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$25 million

Background

Angela Evelyn Bassett is an extraordinary black woman doing great things in the movie industry. Born August 16, 1958, in New York City, this award-winning actress is loved by millions across the globe. She is the daughter of Daniel Bassett and Betty Jane. She graduated from Jordan Park Elementary School, Disston Middle School, and Azalea Middle School. Her interest in entertainment was evident from childhood as she and her sister put on shows or performed popular hits for their family. She completed her high school at Boca Ciega High School, where she was a cheerleader and a debate team member. In 1980, Bassett received a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American studies from Yale University, and in 1983, she got a Master of Fine Arts degree from the same university. After her university studies, Bassett worked in a beauty salon as a receptionist and photo researcher for “U.S. News & World Report.’” In 1985 she had her first theatre performance when she featured in “Black Girl” at Second Stage Theatre.

Bassett made her first film appearance in 1985 for the movie “Doubletake” where she acted like a prostitute. In 1988 she moved to Los Angeles to secure more acting jobs. She landed roles in films like “Boyz in the Hood” and “Malcolm X.” In 1992, she acted as Katherine Jackson in the movie “The Jacksons: American Dream,” based on the family history of the famous musician, Michael Jackson. In 1993, Bassett was an Academy Award nominee for best actress for her role in the movie “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” That same year she also got nominated in the same category for the Golden Globes Awards and she won the award. In 2006, she acted as Tanya Anderson in “Akeelah and the Bee” as the mother of the film’s lead, Akeelah, performed by Keke Palmer. In 2020, Bassett provided her voice for Dorothea Williams’s character in the animated movie “Soul.” Bassett has done quite well for herself in Hollywood and she has received the recognition she deserves through nominations and awards.

Bassett married fellow actor Courtney B. Vance in 1997, who she had dated while she was at Yale University. The couple was blessed with twins named Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah from a surrogate mother.

Career timeline

1992

The Actress Lands a Major Role

Bassett plays the role of "Betty Shabazz" in the renowned Malcolm X film.

1993

The Academy Award Nomination

Bassett lands a role as ‘Tina Turner’ in the Academy Award-nominated movie, "What's Love Got to Do with It."

2002

The Enactment of Rosa Park

Bassett acts as the protagonist in the film; "The Rosa Parks Story."

2013

The Honorary Membership in a Sorority

Bassett is given honorary membership in Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Why We Love Angela Bassett

She has not aged a day!
Basset still looks as young as ever! You can never guess she is over 60. We love how ageless she looks and how well she carries herself.
Bassett is fashionable
She is a style icon in Hollywood. Whenever Bassett walks in, she commands the room. We are in awe of how outstanding she is!
She loves children
Bassett frequently attends events for children in foster homes and those with diabetes. We love how passionate she is about children

5 Surprising Facts

She is an Ivy League graduate
Bassett went to Yale University, where she studied African-American studies.
She set a Golden Globe record
Bassett is the first African-American woman to win "Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical or Comedy" at the Golden Globe Awards.
She loves modeling
Bassett has modeled for brands like Amazon, Snapdeal, and Myntra.
She does not like her neck
Bassett has been quoted as saying: “We all have parts we do not find attractive; for me, I don’t like my neck.”
She’s a Yale honorary degree holder
Bassett received an honorary degree as a Doctor of Fine Arts from Yale University.