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Angela Bassett

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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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.

Angela Bassett Photos

Angela Bassett 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


Angela Bassett Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Angela Bassett, The Mountaintop

Angela Bassett Videos

Angela Bassett News


Daytime Talk Show TAMRON HALL Renewed for a Sixth Season


Tamron Hall, the nationally syndicated Emmy® Award-winning daytime talk show has been is renewed for a sixth season. The daily eponymous series, hosted and executive produced by two-time Emmy winner Tamron Hall, delivered a strong surge in viewership this season. Tamron Hall has become the second longest-running talk show produced by Disney, known for informative and entertaining moments that capture the cultural zeitgeist.

Biko's Manna & Mfundo Comes to Arena Stage This Week


The viral sensations Biko’s Manna & Mfundo last seen on The Jennifer Hudson Show in their world premiere solo concert will be appearing at Arena Stages’ Kogod Cradle Theater on April 3rd and 4th at 7:30pm for DC Jazz Fest.

Matthew Jordan Smith Honors The Late Aretha Franklin With New Coffee Table Book


Celebrity photographer Matthew Jordan Smith releases ARETHA COOL: THE INTIMATE PORTRAITS, a coffee table book honoring Aretha Franklin. The 256-page book showcases her musical genius and cultural influence from 2005 to 2018. The photographs illustrate the musical genius of The Queen of Soul.

The Decemberists Drop 'Joan In The Garden' From New Album 'As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again'


Discover the latest from The Decemberists as they announce their new album, AS IT EVER WAS, SO IT WILL BE AGAIN, and release a new song, JOAN IN THE GARDEN. The band has appeared on The Simpsons, collaborated with Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda, and released their own crowd-funded board game Illimat.

THE COLOR PURPLE, Colman Domingo, and More Take Home NAACP Image Awards - Full List of Winners!


The 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced during a ceremony on Saturday, March 16th. See the full list of winners here!

Angela Bassett Is Looking For Her Next Broadway Role: 'Theatre Is My First Love'


Angela Bassett is ready to return to the stage. On a new episode of Tamron Hall, the Black Panther actress revealed that she is currently reading new plays to land on her next Broadway role. Watch the video now!

Everything New On Max This March: What's Coming & Going


Discover the latest additions coming to Max this March. Stay updated on the newest releases and must-watch shows. Plus, find out what titles are leaving in March. Get ready to stream your favorites!

Video: Millie Bobby Brown Reigns In New DAMSEL Trailer With Angela Bassett & More


Millie Bobby Brown stars in the new DAMSEL trailer. Get a sneak peek at the upcoming film with this exciting preview, including Joining Brown is Ray Winstone, Nick Robinson, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Brooke Carter, with Angela Bassett and Robin Wright. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the film was written by Dan Mazeau. Watch the video!

Video: Angela Bassett Narrates National Geographic's QUEENS Series; Watch the Trailer


Set to Billie Eilish's hit electropop track “you should see me in a crown,” the trailer introduces viewers to six iconic worlds ruled by the fierce and formidable matriarchs of the animal QUEENdom, setting the stage for a series that transcends everything viewers know about natural history programming. Watch the video!

The Decemberists Release New Single 'Burial Ground'; Announce North American Tour


The Decemberists will head out on an expansive North American tour with both spring and summer legs. The tour kicks off on April 30th in Kingston, NY at the Ulster Performing Arts Center and wraps up in August on the West Coast. Highlights include the Brooklyn Paramount Theater on May 3rd, the Salt Shed in Chicago on May 21st.

Black Theatre Coalition To Host Inaugural BUILDING THE CHANGE Gala On February 12


Co-founders T. Oliver Reid, Warren Adams, and Reginald “Reggie” Van Lee, along with Board Members Aaliytha Stevens and Naila McKenzie, have announced that the Black Theatre Coalition will host its Inaugural Gala on Monday, February 12, 2024 in New York City at the Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor).

Bryan Terrell Clark and Valisia LeKae to Join The New York Pops for HITSVILLE: CELEBRATING MOTOWN


 The New York Pops will celebrate the hits of Motown on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall joined by guest artists Bryan Terrell Clark and Valisia LeKae.

THE COLOR PURPLE Tops NAACP Image Award Nominations - Full List of Nominees!


The NAACP Image Award Nominations have been announced, with The Color Purple leading with a total of 16 nominations, with nods for Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, and more. Check out the full list of nominations now!

Photos: Inside the Golden Globes With Emma Stone, Taylor Swift & More


Golden Globes attendees included Emma Stone, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Jason Segel, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Margot Robbie, Martin Short, Meryl Streep, Billie Eillish, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Charles Melton, Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, and more. Check out photos from the red carpet, ceremony, winner's room, and more.

Jonathan Bailey, Jon Batiste & More to Present at Golden Globes


Presenters for the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards include: Amanda Seyfried, America Ferrera, Andra Day, Angela Bassett, Annette Bening, Ben Affleck, Daniel Kaluuya, Don Cheadle, Dua Lipa, Elizabeth Banks, Florence Pugh, Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias, Gabriel Macht, George Lopez, Hailee Steinfeld, Hunter Schafer, Issa Rae, and more.

Photos: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Angela Bassett & More Visit BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB


See photos of Lin-Manuel Miranda and more at Buena Vista Social Club.

Review: TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Rolls into Broadway at The Hobbby Center


The show is a jukebox musical that tells the story of Tina’s career and incorporates some of her biggest hits to do so. It was created under the executive production of Tina Turner herself and her second husband, Erwin Bach. Tina Turner passed away last year, so this show is a fitting celebration of the woman who broke every single rule in music and cemented her legacy as an icon. She was simply the best, and this musical seems to know that.

Costume Designers Guild Awards Announces Awards Timeline & Location


The awards timeline and location have been announced for the 26th Costume Designers Guild Awards. Celebrating excellence in film, television, short form costume design, and costume illustration, the annual CDGA ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Neuehouse Hollywood. 

Angela Bassett Joins Robert De Niro & More in ZERO DAY on Netflix


Angela Bassett, Dan Stevens, Matthew Modine, Bill Camp and McKinley Belcher III have been cast in the conspiracy thriller ZERO DAY, coming soon to Netflix. Additional actors joining the limited series are Gaby Hoffman, Clark Gregg and Mark Ivanir.

Millie Bobby Brown's DAMSEL Gets Netflix Release Date


Netflix has announced the premiere date for Millie Bobby Brown’s DAMSEL. The cast includes Millie Bobby Brown, Ray Winstone, Nick Robinson, Shohreh Aghdashloo, with Angela Bassett and Robin Wright. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the film was written by Dan Mazeau. Watch the video teaser trailer video now!

Angela Bassett 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?

Angela Bassett has been nominated for the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for her performance in The Mountaintop.

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