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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


Harlem Stage’s 2025 Gala Raises $825,000 for the Performing Arts Organization
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025

Harlem Stage’s 2025 Gala's theme was “Watch Your Step…There’s Glass All Over the Floor,” which honored ‘breakers of the glass ceiling.’ Learn more about the event here!
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.
NUMBER ONE ON THE CALL SHEET Honored by the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 28, 2025

Apple TV+’s upcoming “Number One on the Call Sheet” was awarded the highly coveted Spotlight Honor at the 18th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon on February 27 at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel.
Video: Cynthia Erivo, Denzel Washington & More in NUMBER ONE ON THE CALL SHEET Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 27, 2025

Apple TV+ has revealed the trailer for the highly anticipated two-part documentary film event “Number One on the Call Sheet,' which features Cynthia Erivo, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, and more. Watch the trailer now.
THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Renewed for Fourth Season
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 20, 2025

Warner Bros. Television Group’s Daytime Emmy-nominated talk show “The Jennifer Hudson Show” has been renewed for a fourth season (2025-2026) by the Fox Television Stations.
Blair Underwood and Nicole Beharie to Star in THE MOUNTAINTOP Benefit Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 11, 2025

Signature Theatre will present a benefit reading of Pulitzer Prize winner and Signature Premiere Resident Katori Hall’s acclaimed 2009 play The Mountaintop. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, & More Star in ZERO DAY Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 22, 2025

Netflix has released the official trailer for the highly anticipated limited series Zero Day, which premieres globally on Netflix February 20, 2025. Watch the new trailer now.
THE PIANO LESSON, WICKED & More Receive NAACP Image Awards Nominations
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 7, 2025

NAACP has announced the full list of “56th NAACP Image Awards” nominees, with Wicked and The Piano Lesson nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture and Wicked's Cynthia Erivo nominated for Entertainer of the Year.
Video: Robert De Niro Stars in ZERO DAY Teaser Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 23, 2024

Netflix has released the first official teaser for the highly anticipated limited series Zero Day, which will also air live during the Netflix Christmas Day NFL games on December 25, 2024. Watch it now!
Zoe Saldaña to Be Honored With the Spotlight Award at The Costume Designers Guild Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 20, 2024

The Costume Designers Guild has announced that award-winning actress Zoe Saldaña will be honored with the Spotlight Award at the 27th CDGA (Costume Designers Guild Awards).
Photos: Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, & More in First-Look Photos for ZERO DAY
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 20, 2024

Netflix has released first-look photos for Zero Day, the forthcoming limited series starring Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, Dan Stevens and more. Take a look at the new images here.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
I'VE BEEN ROBBED!!! - THE HALLOWEEN EDITION Comes To The Green Room 42
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 9, 2024

The Green Room 42 will present 'I've Been ROBBED!!! - The Halloween Edition' on Saturday, October 26th at 7:00pm.
Meet the Cast of LEFT ON TENTH, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2024

Delia Ephron’s new play Left on Tenth, starring Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award winner Julianna Margulies and Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award winner Peter Gallagher, is beginning Broadway previews tonight, September 6. Meet the cast of Left on Tenth here!
Ariana DeBose, Angela Bassett, & More to Guest on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Season 3
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 11, 2024

The highly anticipated third season of the Daytime Emmy nominated series “The Jennifer Hudson Show” is set to return, bringing a renewed focus on positivity, joy, and inspiration to daytime television.
Denzel Washington Reveals Next August Wilson Adaptation
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 11, 2024

In a new interview, producers Denzel Washington and Todd Black shed some light on their ambitions to adapt the whole of Wilson's American Century Cycle. With three already under their belts, they revealed the next play making the jump from stage to screen.

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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