Angela Bassett Birthday (Date, Age, How Old)

Background

Angela Evelyn Bassett stands out as an exceptional black woman making significant contributions to the film industry. She was born in New York City on August 16, 1958, and has garnered the admiration of millions around the world as an award-winning actress. Angela is the daughter of Daniel Bassett and Betty Jane. Her academic journey took her through Jordan Park Elementary School, Disston Middle School, and Azalea Middle School. From a young age, she displayed a passion for entertainment, as she and her sister entertained their family with performances of popular songs. She completed her secondary education at Boca Ciega High School, where she participated as a cheerleader and was an active member of the debate team. In 1980, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American studies from Yale University, later attaining a Master of Fine Arts degree from the same institution in 1983. After graduating, Bassett took on roles as a receptionist in a beauty salon and as a photo researcher for “U.S. News & World Report.” Her debut theatre performance occurred in 1985 with the play “Black Girl” at the Second Stage Theatre.

Her film career began with her first role in the 1985 movie “Doubletake,” where she portrayed a prostitute. In pursuit of more acting opportunities, she relocated to Los Angeles in 1988. Her portfolio expanded with roles in noteworthy films such as “Boyz in the Hood” and “Malcolm X.” In 1992, she portrayed Katherine Jackson in the film “The Jacksons: American Dream,” which details the family history of the renowned musician Michael Jackson. The following year, in 1993, Bassett received an Academy Award nomination for best actress forher portrayal in the film “What’s Love Got to Do with It” garnered her a nomination for the Golden Globe Awards the same year, which she subsequently won. In 2006, she took on the role of Tanya Anderson, the mother of Akeelah, the film’s lead played by Keke Palmer, in “Akeelah and the Bee.” In 2020, Bassett lent her voice to the character Dorothea Williams for the animated film “Soul.” Having achieved significant success in Hollywood, Bassett has garnered well-deserved recognition through numerous nominations and accolades.

In 1997, Bassett tied the knot with fellow actor Courtney B. Vance, whom she had been dating during her time at Yale University. Their family was enriched with the arrival of twins, Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah, born via a surrogate mother.