News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Angela Bassett Headshot

Angela Bassett

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

Get Angela Bassett Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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


I'VE BEEN ROBBED!!! - THE HALLOWEEN EDITION Comes To The Green Room 42

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

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

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

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.
76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards - Night One Winners List

The Television Academy and executive producer Bob Bain has announced the night one winners for the 76th Creative Arts Emmy® Awards.
Video: Disney Celebrates 85 Years of Marvel with New Brand Spot

In celebration of 85 years of Marvel, The Walt Disney Company released a new brand spot that takes a look back at Marvel storytelling through the years as well as gives a sneak peek at what’s to come with new clips from upcoming projects that are debuting as part of this spot.
Jamie Lee Curtis Receives Honorary Degree at AFI Conservatory Commencement

The American Film Institute (AFI) conferred a Doctorate of Fine Arts degree honoris causa for contributions of distinction to the art of the moving image upon Jamie Lee Curtis during the AFI Conservatory’s Class of 2024 commencement ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. 
Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon to be Honored at York Theatre Company Gala

The York Theatre Company will honor Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon at their Gala Evening. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
The Walt Disney Company Receives 183 Record-Breaking Emmy Award Nominations

The Walt Disney Company has received 183 record-breaking nominations for the 76th Primetime Emmy® Awards across its content brands and studios, including ABC, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, FX, and more.
THE BEAR, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, & More Receive 2024 Astra TV Awards Nominations; See the Full List

With 15 nominations, FX’s The Bear was the most nominated series this year, followed by Max’s Hacks and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building with 13 each. ABC’s Abbott Elementary and CBS’s Ghosts are tied for third place, with 11 nominations each.
I'VE BEEN ROBBED!!! - A Night Dedicated To Riggory & Robbery Comes to The Green Room 42

The Green Room 42 will present 'I've Been ROBBED!!! - A Night Dedicated to Riggory & Robbery' on Sunday, August 11th at 9:30pm.
Videos: Watch The Decemberists Perform Songs From New Album on CBS Saturday Morning

On Saturday, The Decemberists performed songs from the album on CBS Saturday Morning, including Burial Ground, All I Want is You, and Long White Veil. Watch the performances now!
Three LA Artists Featured In 2024 PlayGround Free-Play Festival

Discover the diverse new works at PlayGround's Free-Play Festival, featuring 11 productions from acclaimed theatre artists, including three from Los Angeles. Runs August 9-25 at Potrero Stage and simulcast.
PlayGround's Free-Play Festival to Return in August at Potrero Stage

PlayGround's Free-Play Festival will return in Augus at Potrero Stage, featuring 11 diverse productions by theatre artists nationwide. Enjoy a variety of performances from dance to ensemble plays. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Decemberists Release New Album 'As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again'

The Decemberists have released their long awaited new album As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again via YABB Records (Thirty Tigers). As It Ever Was, So it Will Be Again is the band’s 9th studio album after a 6 year hiatus. The remarkable double album is produced by lead-singer Colin Meloy and Tucker Martine and features guest appearances from The Shins’ James Mercer and REM’s Mike Mills. Listen to the album now!
 North Carolina Black Repertory Reveals Program For International Black Theatre Festival

 North Carolina Black Repertory Company has announced the mainstage program for its 18th biennial International Black Theatre Festival, taking place July 29-August 3 in Winston-Salem, NC.
BLACK BASTARD Comes to Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre in June

This June, writer/performer Jon Joseph Gentry transports audiences to 1990s Houston with his solo show 'Black Bastard.' Portraying over 10 vividly-rendered characters, Gentry guides viewers through a prismatic coming-of-age tale brimming with humor, heart, and stylistic flair.
The Decemberists Release New Single 'Oh No!' Off New Album 'As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again'

The Decemberists have released a new single, “Oh No!” The track, which appears on their forthcoming new album is chock full of The Decemberists most defining characteristics - vibrant storytelling, rich musicality and a cleverness that’s become signature to Meloy’s lyricism. Listen to the single!
Luke Forbes and Denise Hunt To Lead Cast Of MCBEE U.S. Premiere

Luke Forbes from Amazon Prime's HARLEM and Denise Hunt from HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK headline the cast for the US premiere of McBEE.
Courtney B. Vance Kicks Off Give Black Alliance's 2024 #TheCouchConversations

Give Black Alliance, formerly known as New England Blacks in Philanthropy, is kicking off its 2024 #TheCouchConversations webinar series with a session entitled The Right to Be Here featuring co-authors Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith.

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?

Angela Bassett has been nominated for the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for her role in The Mountaintop.

Get Angela Bassett Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos