Angela Bassett

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Birthday:

16 August 1958, New York City, New York, USA

Birth Name:

Angela Evelyn Bassett

Height:

163 cm

Captivating, gifted, and sensational, Angela Bassett's presence has been felt in theaters, stages, and television screens throughout the world. Angela Evelyn Bassett was born on August 16, 1958 in New York City, to Betty Jane (Gilbert), a social worker, and Daniel Benjamin Bassett, a preacher's son. Bassett and her sister D'nette grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida with their mother. As a single mother, Betty stressed the importance of education for her children. With the assistance of an academic scholarship, Bassett matriculated into Yale University. In 1980, she received her B.A. in African-American studies from Yale University. In 1983, she earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the Yale School of Drama. It was at Yale that Bassett met her husband, Courtney B. Vance, a 1986 graduate of the Drama School.Bassett first appeared in small roles on The Cosby Show (1984) and Spenser: For Hire (1985), but it was not until 1990 that a spate of television roles brought her notice. Her breakthrough role, though, was playing Tina Turner, whom she had never seen perform before taking the role, in What's Love Got to Do with It (1993). Bassett's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golded Globe Award for Best Actress. Show less «

I would have to say honestly I was very pleased to be in a film whether it was good or bad with De Niro, Norton and Brando even if I don't h...Show more »

I would have to say honestly I was very pleased to be in a film whether it was good or bad with De Niro, Norton and Brando even if I don't have any scenes with them, I thought it was pretty good company to keep. Show less «

This is a career about images. It's celluloid; they last for ever. I'm a black woman from America. My people were slaves in America, and eve...Show more »

This is a career about images. It's celluloid; they last for ever. I'm a black woman from America. My people were slaves in America, and even though we're free on paper and in law, I'm not going to allow you to enslave me on film, in celluloid, for all to see. Show less «

I really believe that what I do as an actress is my God-given talent. This is my calling, not my career.

God made a way out of no way.

When I was in school, my mother stressed education. I am so glad she did. I graduated from Yale College and Yale University with my master's...Show more »

When I was in school, my mother stressed education. I am so glad she did. I graduated from Yale College and Yale University with my master's and I didn't do it by missing school. Show less «

Drink a bunch of water and get facials regularly. I take care of my skin.

The first time I acted was in high school in Florida, and when I heard that applause I felt so alive and felt that electricity go up my spin...Show more »

The first time I acted was in high school in Florida, and when I heard that applause I felt so alive and felt that electricity go up my spine. Show less «

Film is forever.

The three things I said when I came out of school were I want to work consistently, I want to do good work and I want to be paid fairly, and...Show more »

The three things I said when I came out of school were I want to work consistently, I want to do good work and I want to be paid fairly, and that's happened. But I didn't become an actress for the money. I do it for other reasons. Show less «

I can give you the King's English and then I can take it to the street, but do both or do one and don't do one knowing only the street. That...Show more »

I can give you the King's English and then I can take it to the street, but do both or do one and don't do one knowing only the street. That's going to hold you back because what comes out is going to impress people, and it will impress them negatively. Show less «

My mom was always pretty supportive. She saw me do plays and she'd always act out the parts I did. My aunt, who played a big part in my life...Show more »

My mom was always pretty supportive. She saw me do plays and she'd always act out the parts I did. My aunt, who played a big part in my life, was a little bit more reserved, because if they don't see you on TV every week they think you must be starving. Show less «

I'm thinking about directing, but I know it's a lot of work and I appreciate what directors do and I would like to be good at it. The opport...Show more »

I'm thinking about directing, but I know it's a lot of work and I appreciate what directors do and I would like to be good at it. The opportunity has presented itself four to five times, and I usually said no because of the script. Show less «

I like the nice guys. I like when they show the stories, the human element behind it all.

I guess I'm breaking out a little of what's comfortable and easy.

I am content that the work that I've done is wonderful.