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Angela Bassett

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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


Cynthia Erivo Wins NAACP Image Award for WICKED: FOR GOOD - Full List of Winners
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 2, 2026

Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, Angela Bassett, and more took home awards this past weekend at the 57th NAACP Image Awards. Check out the full list of winners now.
Interview: John Holiday of AKHNATEN at LA Opera
by Amanda Callas - Mar 2, 2026

I talk with John Holiday about his upcoming LA Opera star performance in Akhnaten, his creative process, and his widely anticipated upcoming album Over My Head, releasing this July.
Interview: John Holiday of AKHNATEN at La Opera
by Amanda Callas - Feb 26, 2026

Countertenor John Holiday stars as Akhnaten in LA Opera’s spectacular revival of the acclaimed Philip Glass opera, February 28 through March 22 - and I can’t wait to see it.
Photos: Jon M. Chu, Jennifer Hudson, & More Attend ABFF Honors Gala
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 17, 2026

On Monday, February 16, 2026, Jon M. Chu, Keke Palmer, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Hudson, and more gathered at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills for the 10th ABFF Honors. Check out photos from the eveni
Rachel Dratch, Stephanie Hsu, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Juliette Lewis & More Join THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW- Full Cast Announced
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 29, 2026

It's time to meet Broadway's new creatures of the night! Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the complete cast for Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, with direction by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton.
Photos: Angela Bassett Honors Laurence Fishburne, Winners Celebrated at 2026 Voice Arts Awards
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026

On January 18, The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences  announced the winners of the 2026 Voice Arts Awards at a star-studded ceremony that took place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Check out photos here!
BWW Q&A: Darilyn Burtley Talks TINA " THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Mesa Arts Center
by Joshua Wright - Jan 16, 2026

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.
Cynthia Erivo, Audra McDonald, & More Nominated for NAACP Image Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 12, 2026

The NAACP has announced the full list of “NAACP Image Awards” nominees, with nominees including Wicked: For Good, Cynthia Erivo, Audra McDonald, and more. Check out the full list here.
Award-Winning Show BLACK BASTARD Returns to LA LGBT Center for Exclusive Performance
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 12, 2026

Jon Joseph Gentry's acclaimed solo show BLACK BASTARD, celebrated for its dynamic storytelling and character portrayal, will be staged at the LA LGBT Center on January 23, 2026. The one-night-only event follows a successful run at the 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival and includes a post-show discussion with Gentry.
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.
The Amours Join WAITING TO EXHALE Concert Program
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 8, 2025

The Amours have been added to Waiting To Exhale In Concert Live to Film at Brooklyn's Kings Theatre, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the iconic film originally released by 20th Century Fox.
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.
Andra Day, Sheléa, & More To Headline WAITING TO EXHALE Concert Program at Kings Theatre
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025

The premiere of Waiting To Exhale In Concert Live to Film at Brooklyn's Kings Theatre will take place in December in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the film, originally released by 20th Century Fox. The lineup includes performances by Andra Day, Sheléa, Deborah Cox and Tamar Braxton.
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.
Ariana Grande Joins Season 13 of AMERICAN HORROR STORY
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 31, 2025

Ariana Grande will star in the forthcoming 13th season of Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story, alongside Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, and Leslie Grossman.
Review: An Ascendant THE MOUNTAINTOP from Front Porch Arts Collective
by R. Scott Reedy - Oct 9, 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. 

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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