Angela Bassett, an extraordinary and talented individual, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide with her unforgettable presence on stages, screens, and in theaters. Born on August 16, 1958, in New York City, Angela Evelyn Bassett was the daughter of Betty Jane (Gilbert),a dedicated social worker, and Daniel Benjamin Bassett, a preacher's son.
Angela and her sister, D'nette, spent their childhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, with their mother, who, as a single parent, emphasized the importance of education for her children. With the support of an academic scholarship, Angela was able to attend Yale University, where she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American studies in 1980.
In 1983, Angela continued her academic pursuits, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama. It was during her time at Yale that she met her future husband, Courtney B. Vance, who would also graduate from the Drama School in 1986.
Angela's early career in television saw her appear in small roles on The Cosby Show in 1984 and Spenser: For Hire in 1985. However, it wasn't until 1990 that she began to receive more significant television roles. Her breakthrough role, though, came in 1993 when she played the iconic Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It. Despite having never seen Tina Turner perform before taking on the role, Angela's portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
