Angela Bassett

Angela Evelyn Bassett was born on August 16, 1958, in New York City, New York, USA. She was raised by her mother in St. Petersburg, Florida, after her parents' separation. Bassett developed an interest in acting from a young age and pursued drama studies at Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American studies in 1980 and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1983.

Angela Bassett's breakthrough role came with her portrayal of singer Tina Turner in the biographical film 'What's Love Got to Do with It' (1993). For this role, Bassett underwent intense physical training to portray the singer accurately. Her performance was highly acclaimed, and she received nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, winning the latter. This role established Bassett as a leading actress in Hollywood.

On February 16, 1998, Angela Bassett won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role as Stella Payne in the film 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back' (1998). This romantic comedy-drama film was based on the best-selling novel by Terry McMillan and showcased Bassett's versatility as an actress. Her performance was praised for its depth and charisma.

On November 11, 2002, Angela Bassett played the lead role in the television film 'The Rosa Parks Story', portraying the civil rights icon. This film was notable for its depiction of Rosa Parks' historic refusal to give up her bus seat, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Bassett's performance was met with critical acclaim and showcased her ability to embody strong, historical figures challengesin involving fight against racial injustice.

Angela Bassett joined the cast of the critically acclaimed FX horror anthology series 'American Horror Story' for its third season titled 'Coven', which premiered on November 14, 2013. She portrayed Marie Laveau, a Voodoo queen with a complex and powerful presence. Her performance was widely praised, marking her as a standout performer in the series. This role contributed to her reputation as a versatile and fearless actress.

Angela Bassett starred as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film 'Black Panther', which was released on February 16, 2018. The film was directed by Ryan Coogler and became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its representation of African culture and strong performances. It grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Bassett's portrayal of the regal and wise queen mother added depth and gravitas to the film's powerful narrative.

On August 14, 2020, Angela Bassett received an Emmy nomination for her voice performance as the narrator of the Disney+ series 'The Imagineering Story'. This nomination was significant as it marked one of the few times a voice performance in a documentary series was recognized by the Television Academy, highlighting Bassett's impact and talent beyond traditional acting roles. Her work continues to resonate across diverse media platforms.

In May 2021, Angela Bassett signed a groundbreaking $25 million deal with Netflix to produce and star in several films and series. This deal underscored her status as a powerful force in the entertainment industry and reflected Netflix's commitment to diverse and high-quality content. As part of the agreement, Bassett would take on creative roles behind the scenes, shaping stories that resonate with global audiences.

Angela Bassett reprised her role as Queen Ramonda in the sequel 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', which was released on November 11, 2022. The film was a highly anticipated follow-up to its groundbreaking predecessor and addressed themes of leadership and legacy in the wake of actor Chadwick Boseman's passing. Bassett's powerful performance was a focal point of the film, earning her critical acclaim and award season buzz.

On October 8, 2023, Angela Bassett was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrated her illustrious career in film and television, highlighting her contributions to the arts. Bassett's induction was attended by fellow actors, directors, and fans who have been inspired by her performances over the decades. Her legacy as an actress and cultural icon was further cemented by this acknowledgment.