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Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett is an American actress known for her powerful and versatile performances in film, television, and theater. She was born on August 16, 1958, in New York City, USA. Throughout her career, Angela Bassett has received critical acclaim and several prestigious awards for her roles, often portraying strong and iconic characters. Here's a biography of Angela Bassett:
Early Life and Education:
Angela Evelyn Bassett was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. She attended Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American studies. Later, she pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama from the Yale School of Drama.
Stage Career:
Angela Bassett began her acting career on stage and gained recognition for her work in theater. She was a member of the Yale Repertory Theatre, where she appeared in various productions.
Breakthrough Film Role:
Angela Bassett's breakthrough role came in the biographical film "What's Love Got to Do with It" (1993), where she portrayed the legendary singer Tina Turner. Her performance as Tina Turner earned her widespread praise and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Notable Film Roles:
Angela Bassett's film career continued to flourish with memorable roles in movies such as "Waiting to Exhale" (1995), "Strange Days" (1995), "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" (1998), "The Score" (2001), and "Notorious" (2009), where she portrayed Voletta Wallace, the mother of rapper Notorious B.I.G.
Television Success:
In addition to her film work, Angela Bassett has been highly successful in television. She gained critical acclaim for her role as Rosa Parks in the TV movie "The Rosa Parks Story" (2002) and has appeared in TV series like "American Horror Story," "ER," "Alias," and "9-1-1," where she portrays Athena Grant.
Voice Acting:
Angela Bassett has also lent her distinctive voice to animated projects and voiced characters in films such as "Meet the Robinsons" (2007) and "BoJack Horseman" (2014-2020).
Awards and Recognitions:
Angela Bassett has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including Golden Globe, Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
Personal Life:
Angela Bassett is married to actor Courtney B. Vance, and they have twin children, a son named Slater and a daughter named Bronwyn.
Activism:
Bassett is actively involved in various charitable causes and has supported organizations focusing on health, education, and the arts.
Angela Bassett's exceptional talent, powerful presence, and dedication to her craft have solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most respected and accomplished actresses. Her performances continue to inspire audiences and fellow actors alike.
Personal Information
1. Middle Name: Angela Bassett's middle name is "Evelyn."
2. Yale Drama School: Angela Bassett attended the prestigious Yale School of Drama, where she honed her acting skills and earned her Master of Fine Arts degree.
3. Historical Role: For her role as Rosa Parks in the TV movie "The Rosa Parks Story" (2002), Angela Bassett received an Image Award and an Emmy Award nomination.
4. Iconic Portrayal: Her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biographical film "What's Love Got to Do with It" (1993) is widely regarded as one of her most iconic performances and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
5. First Academy Award Presenter: Angela Bassett made history as the first African-American woman to present the Academy Award for Best Actor. She did so at the 71st Academy Awards in 1999.
6. Athletic Training: To prepare for her physically demanding role as Tina Turner, Angela Bassett underwent intensive training, including weightlifting and aerobics.
7. Shared Screen with Whitney Houston: Angela Bassett co-starred with Whitney Houston in the film "Waiting to Exhale" (1995). The two actresses developed a close friendship during the production.
8. Tackling Historical Figures: Besides Tina Turner and Rosa Parks, Angela Bassett has portrayed other historical figures, including Betty Shabazz (wife of Malcolm X) in the film "Malcolm X" (1992) and Katherine Jackson (mother of the Jackson family) in the miniseries "The Jacksons: An American Dream" (1992).
9. Animated Role: Angela Bassett provided the voice of the character "Shenzi" in the animated classic "The Lion King" (1994), which was later reprised by Florence Kasumba in the 2019 live-action adaptation.
10. "Black Panther": Angela Bassett portrayed Queen Ramonda, the mother of T'Challa/Black Panther, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Black Panther" (2018) and its sequels.
11. Golden Globe Nomination: For her role as Katherine Jackson in "The Jacksons: An American Dream," Angela Bassett received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television.
12. Philanthropy: Angela Bassett is an advocate for women's health and supports organizations that promote breast cancer awareness and research.
Angela Bassett's talent, versatility, and significant contributions to the entertainment industry have made her an influential figure and an inspiration to many aspiring actors and actresses.
