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Angela Bassett Headshot

Angela Bassett

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

BIO

Angela Bassett is an award-winning actress known for her powerful performances on stage, television, and film. Born in New York City in 1958, Bassett grew up in Florida and attended Yale University, where she earned a B.A. in African American studies. After graduation, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.


Bassett made her Broadway debut in 1985 in August Wilson's play "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," which earned her critical acclaim and a Drama Desk Award nomination. She went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" and "The Mountaintop," for which she received a Tony Award nomination.

In addition to her stage work, Bassett has had a successful career in film and television. She made her film debut in 1986's "F/X" and went on to star in several other movies, including "Boyz n the Hood," "Malcolm X," and "What's Love Got to Do with It," for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Bassett has also had a successful career on television, starring in several popular shows, including "American Horror Story," "ER," and "9-1-1." She has received numerous awards and nominations for her television work, including several Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe win for her role in "American Horror Story."

In addition to her acting career, Bassett is also a producer and director. She produced and starred in the critically acclaimed film "Waiting to Exhale" and directed the television movie "Whitney," which chronicled the life of Whitney Houston.

Bassett is also known for her activism and philanthropy. She has been involved in several charitable organizations, including UNICEF and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In 2018, she was honored with the Icon Award at the Black Girls Rock! ceremony for her contributions to the entertainment industry and her dedication to empowering women and girls.

Throughout her career, Bassett has been praised for her powerful performances and her ability to bring complex characters to life. She has become a role model for aspiring actors and has inspired countless people with her talent, grace, and dedication to her craft.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Camae

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Lady Macbeth

[Broadway]
1988
Martha Pentecost

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Lady Percy

[Off-Broadway]
1986
Performer

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Angela Bassett, The Mountaintop

Videos

News

Photos: ROMEO & JULIET Opens From The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 12, 2026

The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Romeo & Juliet has officially opened. Learn more and check out photos from opening night here!
Black Joy Takes Center Stage at the Inaugural Black Broadway Nominee Soirée
by Cynthia L. Dorsey - Jun 8, 2026

It’s Tony Award season and all the pre- and post-show gatherings are happening in real time, celebrating an amazing Broadway season. Among the who's who events of the season was the Black Broadway Nominee Soirée, held on Friday, June 5, hosted by three-time Tony Award-winning producer Lamar Richardson and his wife, Zaire Julion-Richardson.
Isa Briones, Alex Brightman, Carrie Coon, & More Nominated for 2026 Astra TV Awards
by Josh Sharpe - May 27, 2026

Broadway alums Isa Briones, Alex Brightman, Carrie Coon, Daniel Radcliffe, and many more have received nominations at the 2026 Astra TV Awards. Take a look at the full list here.
Photos: Angela Bassett Visits Deborah Cox at TITANIQUE
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2026

Deborah Cox is currently starring in Titanique on Broadway and was recently paid a visit by her friend Angela Bassett. The pair spent time together in Cox's dressing room, and you can check out the photos here!
Photos: Angela Bassett Visits the Cast of SCHMIGADOON! on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - May 18, 2026

TV and film star Angela Bassett came to see Schmigadoon! on Broadway. See photos of Bassett with the company of the Tony-nominated musical, including director Christopher Gattelli and more.
Video: WILDWOOD Trailer Unveiled: New Look at Long-Awaited Animated Film
by Josh Sharpe - May 13, 2026

The first trailer is finally here for Wildwood, the long-awaited stop-motion adaptation of Colin Meloy's novel from celebrated animation studio, LAIKA. Check it out now.
Paul Anthony Kelly Joins Cast of AMERICAN HORROR STORY Season 13
by Josh Sharpe - May 12, 2026

Paul Anthony Kelly, who recently made his screen debut as JFK Jr. in Ryan Murphy’s limited series “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” has joined the cast of FX’s “American Horror Story.' 
Review: Matthew Lombardo's WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL Slays with Laughter
by R. Scott Reedy - Apr 14, 2026

Seven years ago, an already hot summer in Boston heated up even more during a pre-Broadway tryout of a truncated version of playwright Matthew Lombardo’s “Tea at Five” at the Huntington Theatre when its star, Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway, was fired after allegations that she physically and verbally assaulted crew members on the troubled production.
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Susan Egan to Become Disney Legends
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 26, 2026

Broadway's Lin-Manuel Miranda and Susan Egan are among those who will receive the Disney Legends Award at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event later this year.
Review: TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Capital One Hall
by Alexander C. Kafka - Mar 23, 2026

The touring production took a while to find its musical footing but eventually found its diva swagger.
Angela Bassett, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Among Honorees at Schomburg Center Gala
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 4, 2026

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will celebrate its 100th anniversary on April 30, 2026, with a major centennial gala. Honorees include Angela Bassett, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Edwidge Danticat, and more.
Cynthia Erivo Wins NAACP Image Award for WICKED: FOR GOOD - Full List of Winners
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 2, 2026

Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, Angela Bassett, and more took home awards this past weekend at the 57th NAACP Image Awards. Check out the full list of winners now.
Interview: John Holiday of AKHNATEN at La Opera
by Amanda Callas - Feb 26, 2026

Countertenor John Holiday stars as Akhnaten in LA Opera’s spectacular revival of the acclaimed Philip Glass opera, February 28 through March 22 - and I can’t wait to see it.
Photos: Jon M. Chu, Jennifer Hudson, & More Attend ABFF Honors Gala
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 17, 2026

On Monday, February 16, 2026, Jon M. Chu, Keke Palmer, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Hudson, and more gathered at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills for the 10th ABFF Honors. Check out photos from the eveni
Rachel Dratch, Stephanie Hsu, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Juliette Lewis & More Join THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW- Full Cast Announced
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 29, 2026

It's time to meet Broadway's new creatures of the night! Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the complete cast for Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, with direction by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton.
Photos: Angela Bassett Honors Laurence Fishburne, Winners Celebrated at 2026 Voice Arts Awards
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026

On January 18, The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences  announced the winners of the 2026 Voice Arts Awards at a star-studded ceremony that took place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Check out photos here!
BWW Q&A: Darilyn Burtley Talks TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Mesa Arts Center
by Joshua Wright - Jan 16, 2026

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.
Cynthia Erivo, Audra McDonald, & More Nominated for NAACP Image Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 12, 2026

The NAACP has announced the full list of “NAACP Image Awards” nominees, with nominees including Wicked: For Good, Cynthia Erivo, Audra McDonald, and more. Check out the full list here.
Award-Winning Show BLACK BASTARD Returns to LA LGBT Center for Exclusive Performance
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 12, 2026

Jon Joseph Gentry's acclaimed solo show BLACK BASTARD, celebrated for its dynamic storytelling and character portrayal, will be staged at the LA LGBT Center on January 23, 2026. The one-night-only event follows a successful run at the 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival and includes a post-show discussion with Gentry.
Angela Bassett to Receive 'Excellence in the Arts Award' at ABFF Honors
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 8, 2026

Actress, director, and executive producer Angela Bassett will receive the Excellence in the Arts Award from The 8th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Angela Bassett been in?

Angela Bassett has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Angela Bassett been in?

Angela Bassett has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Angela Bassett been nominated for?

and Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Mountaintop .

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