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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

Angela Bassett Videos

Angela Bassett News


Video: Showtime Debuts HEIST 88 Trailer Starring Courtney B. Vance

It reunites Vance with Keesha Sharp, who was in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and Bentley Green, who starred alongside Vance in the drama series 61st Street. HEIST 88 also stars Keith David (The Nice Things), Xavier Clyde (City on Fire), Nican Robinson (Beef) and Precious Way (Days of our Lives). Watch the video!

New Federal Theatre To Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration in October

Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre (NFT), led by Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Dyke, will hold a 53rd Anniversary Celebration October 2, 2023 at Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street.  

Annual Black Theatre Day to Celebrate The Legacy of the African Grove Theatre & More

Join the annual Black Theatre Day celebration on Sunday, Sept. 17 to honor the legacy of the African Grove Theatre and support Black theatres worldwide. Discover the history and impact of Black theatre and the careers it has launched.

Showtime Sets Premiere for HEIST 88 Starring Courtney B. Vance

The series reunites Vance with Keesha Sharp, who portrayed Dale Cochran in The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, and Bentley Green, who starred alongside Vance in the drama series 61st Street. HEIST 88 also stars Keith David (The Nice Things), Xavier Clyde (City on Fire), Nican Robinson (Beef) and Precious Way (Days of our Lives).

Interview: Samantha Wynette Miller Cooking Up a STEW While Dealing With a DEAR DEAD DRUG LORD

Next up at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Center Theatre Group (in association with IAMA Theatre Company) present Alexis Scheer’s Our Dear Dead Drug Lord opening August 27, 2023 (already in previews). CTG’s associate artistic director directs the cast of Ashley Brooke, Aliyah Camacho, Samantha Wynette Miller, Coral Peña, Lilian Rebelo and Juan Francisco Villa. The very busy Samantha squeezed some time from her preview rehearsals to answer a few of my queries.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld, August 16th, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 16, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours: 

Interview: Pier Lamia Porter And Malaikia Sims-Winfrey of A TRIBUTE TO TINA TURNER AND THE WOMEN SHE INSPIRED VOL. 2 at 54 Below

Pier Lamia Porter and Malaikia Sims-Winfrey chat with Broadway World about upcoming shows, the work of a concert producer, and the importance of representation.

AFI Celebrates The Commencement Of The AFI Conservatory Class Of 2023

Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) celebrated the commencement of the AFI Conservatory Class of 2023 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The event was a culmination of two years of intense study at AFI's MFA program, ranked one of the top film schools in the nation.

Review: TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Pulsates at Segerstrom Center

Now at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa through July 23, 2023, the musical is mostly engaging and passionately performed. But a chaotic, sped-through first act only provides brief vignettes of a challenging life. The better second act focuses on Ms. Turner's comeback, concluding with a mini rock concert that made the visit worthwhile.

Review: THE MOUNTAINTOP at Geffen Playhouse

As the depiction of a chance encounter between two very different people, THE MOUNTAINTOP has some interesting observations to make. But the second the stakes change and Camae proves to be something other than who she first presented herself to be, the play springs a leak and stumbles to its hagiographic and predictable conclusion.

Scoop: Coming Up on the Season Finale of 9-1-1 on FOX - Monday, May 15, 2023

Get all the scoop on 9-1-1, airing on FOX on Monday, May 15, 2023! A series of freeway car accidents leads to a catastrophic overpass collapse that endangers the lives of civilians and members of the 118 in the all-new “Pay It Forward” sixth season finale episode of 9-1-1. Watch a video preview now!

Scoop: Coming Up on a New Episode of 9-1-1 on FOX - Monday, May 8, 2023

Get all the scoop on 9-1-1, airing on FOX on Monday, May 8, 2023! Athena and the 118 race to rescue when a wedding proposal tragically intersects with a bank robbery, and then when a princess bride is literally STUCK on her way to the altar. Watch a video clip now!

9-1-1 Moves to ABC After FOX Cancellation

The series stars Angela Bassett as Athena Grant, Peter Krause as Bobby Nash, Jennifer Love Hewitt as Maddie Kendall, Oliver Stark as Evan “Buck” Buckley, Kenneth Choi as Howie “Chimney” Han, Aisha Hinds as Henrietta “Hen” Wilson, Ryan Guzman as Eddie Diaz, Corinne Massiah as May Grant, Marcanthonee Jon Reis as Harry Grant, and more.

Selah Theatre Project to Present AKEELAH & THE BEE in May

In Partnership with Laurel Ridge Community College, Selah Theatre Project will present AKEELAH & THE BEE. Akeelah, an 11-year-old girl living in South Los Angeles, discovers she has a talent for spelling, which she hopes will take her to the National Spelling Bee.

Scoop: Coming Up on a New Episode of 9-1-1 on FOX - Monday, May 1, 2023

Get all the scoop on 9-1-1, airing on FOX on Monday, May 1, 2023! The 118 race to rescue two roommates desperately trying to find a needle in a haystack at a landfill, and help a woman whose nightmare dream suddenly becomes a painful reality. Watch a video clip now!

Scoop: Coming Up on a New Episode of 9-1-1 on FOX - Monday, April 17, 2023

Get all the scoop on 9-1-1, airing on FOX on Monday, April 17, 2023! The 118 race to the rescue at emergencies at a commercial bakery and a bodybuilding competition; Bobby’s annual performance reviews sends Chimney to the firefighter academy where he runs into a familiar face. Watch a video preview of the upcoming episode now!

Lea Michele, Angela Bassett, Suzan-Lori Parks & More Named TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2023

TIME has announced the 2023 TIME100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Among those on this year's list are Suzan-Lori Parks, Lea Michele, Angela Bassett and more. 

THE MOUNTAINTOP By Katori Hall Announced At Vagabond Players

Vagabond Players continues its 107th season with Katori Hall's acclaimed drama, THE MOUNTAINTOP, directed by Dwight R. B. Cook.

Deborah Cox, Peppermint, Cheyenne Jackson & More Join Center Theatre Group's 2023 Gala

Additional performers have joined the lineup for the 2023 Gala, “Light Up Los Angeles,” which is planned for April 15, 2023 at The Music Center. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Scoop: Coming Up on a New Episode of 9-1-1 on FOX - Monday, April 10, 2023

Get all the scoop on 9-1-1, airing on FOX on Monday, April 10, 2023! The 118 race to the rescues with emergencies at a spin class; in a hair salon and to a husband and wife in a compromising position; Buck discovers new cognitive abilities post lightning strike; and more. Watch the new video preview now!

Angela Bassett FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Angela Bassett has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

Angela Bassett has not appeared in the West End

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Mountaintop .

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