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Angela Bassett Headshot

Angela Bassett

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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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


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.
Review: BLACK NATIVITY at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
by Shanti M. Kennedy - Dec 4, 2025

West Coast Black Theatre presents 'Black Nativity' in their annual 'Christmas card to the Community.' The performance, infused with a fresh new energy, showcases captivating dancing and powerful singing that truly sets the stage for a memorable start to any holiday celebration.
Marlon Wayans & Skye P. Marshall to Unveil Golden Globes Nominees Next Week
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 3, 2025

Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall are set to present the nominees for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes on Monday, December 8, 2025. All 28 categories will be unveiled at 8:15 a.m. ET, with 11 exclusive categories revealed at 8:30 a.m. ET.
BLACK NATIVITY - REIMAGINED Comes to Westcoast Black Theatre This Month
by Stephi Wild - Nov 11, 2025

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe – once again – invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with “Black Nativity – Reimagined,” an inspirational gospel musical originally penned by poet/playwright Langston Hughes.
Review: An Ascendant THE MOUNTAINTOP from Front Porch Arts Collective
by R. Scott Reedy - Oct 8, 2025

Katori Hall’s thought-provoking drama, “The Mountaintop,” being presented by Front Porch Arts Collective in collaboration with Suffolk University’s Modern Theatre, where it is being staged through October 12.
The Unusual Suspects Theatre Co. Appoints Entertainment Executive as Board Chair
by Stephi Wild - Sep 24, 2025

The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company (USTC), now in their 32nd year serving Los Angeles youth, has appointed new executive board officers as of July 2025.
Photos: Inside the 77th Emmy Awards with Sarah Paulson, Martin Short, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 15, 2025

Walk the red carpet at the 77th Emmy Awards with Sarah Paulson, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Deirdre O'Connell, Michael Cyril Creighton, Kathy Bates, and more!
THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Sets Season 4 Premiere Date
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 6, 2025

Fresh off three Daytime Emmy nominations, The Jennifer Hudson Show is returning for its fourth season. Hosted by EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson, the new season of the nationally syndicated, one-hour show will premiere Monday, September 15. 
Viola Davis and Walter Murch to Receive Honorary Degrees From the AFI Conservatory
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 18, 2025

The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that it will confer a Doctorate of Fine Arts degree honoris causa for contributions of distinction to the art of the moving image upon trailblazing actress and producer Viola Davis and legendary film editor and sound designer Walter Murch.
ABC Unveils Fall 2025 Primetime Schedule: ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, SHIFTING GEARS, & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 13, 2025

ABC has announced its fall 2025 primetime schedule, including Dancing with the Stars, Abbott Elementary, Shifting Gears, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and more. Take a look at the full lineup here.
Video: Tom Cruise Stars in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE " THE FINAL RECKONING Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 7, 2025

Tom Cruise is back in the new trailer for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth installment in the fan-favorite action franchise. Watch it now!
Videos: NUMBER ONE ON THE CALL SHEET Sneak Peek Clips
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 28, 2025

​​​​​​​Ahead of the global premiere, Apple TV+ has shared a pair of sneak peeks from the new two-part documentary film event 'Number One on the Call Sheet,' featuring Denzel Washington and more. Watch them both here.
Photos: OTHELLO Brings Out Joe Biden, Jennifer Lopez and More on Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 24, 2025

The stars came out to celebrate at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where Shakespeare's Othello took its first official Broadway bow in the 21st century. Go inside opening night as President Joe Biden, Jennifer Lopez, Peter Dinklage, and more turned up on the red carpet! Check out photos here.
The Decemberists Unveil 2025 Summer Tour Dates
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 18, 2025

The Decemberists have announced a short North American Summer Tour. The band will play two Canadian festival dates - Ottawa Blues Festival and Halifax Jazz Festival before headlining a string of Northeast and Midwest shows.

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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Videos