Career Timeline of Angela Bassett: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Angela Bassett, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Angela Bassett is a highly acclaimed American actress recognized for her extensive career in film and television since the 1980s. She has earned numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, along with two Academy Award nominations. Her influence was further cemented when Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023, the same year she received an Academy Honorary Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
1984: Performance in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
In 1984, Angela Bassett performed in August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at the Yale Repertory Theatre, under the direction of Lloyd Richards.
1985: Performance in "Black Girl" at Second Stage Theatre
In 1985, Angela Bassett appeared in J. E. Franklin's "Black Girl" at Second Stage Theatre, marking one of her first New York performances.
1985: First Television Appearance in "Doubletake"
In 1985, Angela Bassett made her first television appearance as a prostitute in the television film "Doubletake".
1986: Performance in "Joe Turner's Come and Gone"
In 1986, Angela Bassett appeared in August Wilson's play "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" at the Yale Repertory Theatre, directed by Lloyd Richards.
1986: Film Debut in "F/X"
In 1986, Angela Bassett made her film debut as a news reporter in "F/X", which required her to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
1988: Moved to Los Angeles
In 1988, Angela Bassett moved to Los Angeles to pursue more acting opportunities.
1989: Guest Spots on Television
In 1989, Angela Bassett had early guest spots on "A Man Called Hawk" and "227".
1991: Industry Attention for "Boyz n the Hood"
In 1991, Angela Bassett gained industry attention for her performance in the film "Boyz n the Hood".
1991: Starred in "Boyz n the Hood"
In 1991, Angela Bassett starred in the film "Boyz n the Hood", marking one of her early successful film roles.
1992: Starred in "The Jacksons: An American Dream"
In 1992, Angela Bassett starred as Katherine Jackson in the miniseries "The Jacksons: An American Dream".
1992: Starred in Malcolm X
In 1992, Angela Bassett starred in "Malcolm X", for her portrayal of Betty Shabazz she earned an NAACP Image Award.
1993: Starred in "What's Love Got to Do with It"
In 1993, Angela Bassett had her breakthrough role portraying Tina Turner in the biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It". She won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for the role in 1993.
1995: Starred in "Waiting to Exhale" and "Vampire in Brooklyn"
In 1995, Angela Bassett starred in "Waiting to Exhale" and "Vampire in Brooklyn".
1995: Starred in Multiple Films
In 1995, Angela Bassett starred in three films: "Vampire in Brooklyn", "Strange Days", and "Waiting to Exhale".
1997: Starred in Contact
In 1997, Angela Bassett starred as the President's advisor in the film "Contact".
1998: Starred in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back"
In 1998, Angela Bassett starred in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back", collaborating with Terry McMillan. She played Stella, a woman who falls in love with a younger man.
1999: Starred in "Music of the Heart"
In 1999, Angela Bassett starred in "Music of the Heart", adding to her diverse filmography.
2000: Starred in "Supernova", "Whispers: An Elephant's Tale" and "Boesman and Lena"
In 2000, Angela Bassett appeared in three films: "Supernova", "Whispers: An Elephant's Tale", and "Boesman and Lena".
2000: Turned Down Role in "Monster's Ball"
In 2000, Angela Bassett turned down the lead role in "Monster's Ball" due to the script's sexual content.
2001: Relationship with Robert De Niro's Character in The Score
In 2001, Angela Bassett appeared in the film "The Score", where her character was in a relationship with Robert De Niro's character. She also had a role in the television film "Ruby's Bucket of Blood" in 2001.
2001: Discussed role choices and image
In 2001, Angela Bassett discussed her preference for playing strong, self-assured African-American women and her conscious decision to turn down roles that she viewed as demeaning to her image, emphasizing the importance of her representation as a black woman in America.
2002: Portrayal of Rosa Parks in "The Rosa Parks Story"
In 2002, Angela Bassett portrayed Rosa Parks in the television film "The Rosa Parks Story", earning her an Emmy Award nomination.
2002: Starred in Sunshine State and The Rosa Parks Story
In 2002, Angela Bassett starred in "Sunshine State" and "The Rosa Parks Story". For her role as Rosa Parks, Bassett received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress.
2003: Appeared in Unchained Memories and Masked and Anonymous
In 2003, Angela Bassett read from the WPA slave narratives in "Unchained Memories" and appeared in the film "Masked and Anonymous", playing a mistress.
2004: Roles in 'The Lazarus Child' and 'Mr. 3000'
In 2004, Angela Bassett starred in the films 'The Lazarus Child' and 'Mr. 3000'. In 'Mr. 3000', a comedy co-starring Bernie Mac, Bassett found the role less demanding than her previous intense roles. She also appeared in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' in an uncredited voice role in 2005.
2005: Starred in His Girl Friday
In the summer of 2005, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance starred together in a production of "His Girl Friday" at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2006: Role in 'Akeelah and the Bee' and 'Time Bomb'
In 2006, Angela Bassett portrayed Tanya Anderson in 'Akeelah and the Bee', admiring the story's focus on dreams and support. She also appeared in the television film 'Time Bomb', in what was described as an "extended cameo" by Variety.
2006: Starred in "Fences" at Pasadena Playhouse
In 2006, Angela Bassett starred in "Fences" alongside Laurence Fishburne at the Pasadena Playhouse in California.
2007: Voice role in 'Meet the Robinsons'
In 2007, Angela Bassett provided her voice for the film 'Meet the Robinsons'. She chose the role to play a new type of character and to be part of a positive film about families.
2007: Donated to Barack Obama's presidential campaign
In early 2007, Angela Bassett donated $2,300 to the presidential primary campaign of Barack Obama.
2008: Roles in 'Gospel Hill', 'Of Boys and Men', 'Nothing But the Truth', 'Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns' and joining 'ER'
In 2008, Angela Bassett appeared in 'Gospel Hill', 'Of Boys and Men' as Rieta Cole, 'Nothing But the Truth', and 'Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns' as Brenda. She also joined the regular cast of 'ER'.
2009: Final Season of 'ER'
In 2008-2009, Angela Bassett was part of the final season of ER, playing Dr. Catherine Banfield. Bassett's husband Courtney Vance played her television husband on ER as Russell Banfield.
2009: Portrayal of Voletta Wallace in 'Notorious'
In 2009, Angela Bassett portrayed Voletta Wallace in the film 'Notorious', the mother of The Notorious B.I.G.. Bassett practiced Wallace's Jamaican accent and received positive reviews for her performance.
2009: Starred in 'Notorious'
In 2009, Angela Bassett portrayed Voletta Wallace in the film 'Notorious'. Bassett conversed with Wallace to prepare for the role and practiced her Jamaican accent, earning positive reviews for her performance in the film.
2009: Supporting Role in "Notorious"
In 2009, Angela Bassett took on a supporting role in the drama film "Notorious".
2010: Voice of Michelle Obama on 'The Simpsons' and role in 'Green Lantern'
In 2010, Angela Bassett voiced First Lady Michelle Obama on 'The Simpsons' and was cast as Amanda Waller in the film 'Green Lantern'. She enjoyed working on 'Green Lantern' despite it being a new experience with computer-generated effects.
March 2011: Lead role in ABC pilot 'Identity'
In March 2011, it was reported that Angela Bassett had signed up for a lead role in the ABC pilot 'Identity'.
October 13, 2011: Broadway Debut in 'The Mountaintop'
On October 13, 2011, Angela Bassett co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson in 'The Mountaintop' on Broadway. The play is a fictionalized depiction of the night before Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.
2011: Role in 'Jumping the Broom'
In 2011, Angela Bassett appeared in the film 'Jumping the Broom', playing the matriarch of a wealthy family. While some critics found her performance fierce and somewhat overwhelming, others praised her presence.
2011: Supporting Role in "Green Lantern"
In 2011, Angela Bassett played a supporting role in the action film "Green Lantern".
June 2012: Supported Barack Obama's re-election campaign
In June 2012, Angela Bassett made an appearance at the St. Petersburg office of Barack Obama's campaign, emphasizing the importance of active participation in the election.
June 2012: Cast in Olympus Has Fallen
In June 2012, it was reported that Angela Bassett would have a role in the film 'Olympus Has Fallen', as Lynne Jacobs. Filming started the month after.
2012: Appearances in 'This Means War' and 'I Ain't Scared Of You'
In 2012, Angela Bassett was featured in the film 'This Means War' and appeared as herself in 'I Ain't Scared Of You'. Her limited presence in promotional material for 'This Means War' was attributed to her small role.
February 2, 2013: Portrayal of Coretta Scott King in 'Betty and Coretta'
On February 2, 2013, Angela Bassett portrayed Coretta Scott King in the television film 'Betty and Coretta'. She researched King and was surprised by her initial reluctance towards Martin Luther King Jr.'s advances. The film received mixed reviews.
March 22, 2013: Release of 'Olympus Has Fallen'
On March 22, 2013, the film 'Olympus Has Fallen' was released, featuring Angela Bassett as Secret Service director Lynne Jacobs. Bassett considered the casting of a female African-American in the role as a bold choice and enjoyed working with Morgan Freeman and director Antoine Fuqua.
2013: Role in 'American Horror Story: Coven' and 'Black Nativity'
In 2013, Angela Bassett appeared in 'American Horror Story: Coven' as Marie Laveau, earning an Emmy nomination, and in the film 'Black Nativity', where she sang, despite exaggerating her singing ability to get the role.
2013: Supporting Role in "Olympus Has Fallen"
In 2013, Angela Bassett appeared in a supporting role in the action film "Olympus Has Fallen".
May 2014: Directorial Debut with Whitney
In May 2014, it was announced that Angela Bassett would make her directorial debut with 'Whitney', a TV film about Whitney Houston.
June 2014: Casting Yaya DaCosta as Whitney Houston in 'Whitney'
In early June 2014, it was announced that Yaya DaCosta would play Whitney Houston in Angela Bassett's directorial debut, 'Whitney'. Bobbi Kristina Brown criticized Bassett for not casting her.
2014: Emmy Nomination for American Horror Story
In 2014, Angela Bassett received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in the FX horror anthology series "American Horror Story".
2015: Second Emmy Nomination for American Horror Story
In 2015, Angela Bassett earned another Emmy Award nomination for her role in "American Horror Story".
2015: Role in 'Survivor'
In 2015, Angela Bassett portrayed Ambassador Maureen Crane in the film 'Survivor'. One review critiqued her brief appearance as if it were a celebrity cameo.
March 2016: Reprising role in 'London Has Fallen'
In March 2016, Angela Bassett reprised her role as Lynne Jacobs in 'London Has Fallen', noting it was her first sequel.
June 2016: Tribute to Orlando shooting victims
In June 2016, Angela Bassett participated in a Human Rights Campaign video tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting.
October 19, 2016: Directing 'American Horror Story: Roanoke'
On October 19, 2016, Angela Bassett directed an episode of 'American Horror Story: Roanoke', marking the third time a woman has directed the show. She also appeared in American Horror Story: Roanoke.
2016: Endorsed Hillary Clinton for president
In 2016, Angela Bassett endorsed Hillary Clinton for president during the United States presidential election, stating that "Clinton would make a great president."
2016: Supporting Role in "London Has Fallen"
In 2016, Angela Bassett had a supporting role in the action film "London Has Fallen".
March 2017: Appearance in 'Underground'
In March 2017, Angela Bassett appeared in an episode of 'Underground'. Her character was written specifically for her.
May 2017: Appearance in 'Master of None'
In May 2017, Angela Bassett appeared in an episode of 'Master of None', portraying Catherine, Denise's mother. Lena Waithe sought Bassett for the role, which significantly influenced the series.
January 2018: Joining '9-1-1'
In January 2018, Angela Bassett joined the Fox drama '9-1-1' as both an actress and executive producer, playing Athena Grant.
February 2018: Starred in Black Panther
In February 2018, Angela Bassett starred as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film "Black Panther".
July 2018: Portrayed CIA Director Erika Sloane in Mission: Impossible – Fallout
In July 2018, Angela Bassett portrayed CIA Director Erika Sloane in the action spy film "Mission: Impossible – Fallout".
December 2018: Voiced Shatter in Bumblebee
In December 2018, Angela Bassett voiced the Decepticon villain 'Shatter' in the Transformers live-action film "Bumblebee".
2018: Starred in "9-1-1"
In 2018, Angela Bassett began producing and starring as Athena Grant in the Fox drama series "9-1-1".
2018: Played Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther"
In 2018, Angela Bassett played the role of Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Black Panther".
2019: Joined the Cast of Gunpowder Milkshake
In 2019, Angela Bassett joined the cast of "Gunpowder Milkshake".
2019: Role in "Avengers: Endgame"
In 2019, Angela Bassett reprised her role as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Avengers: Endgame".
December 25, 2020: Voice of Dorothea Williams in Soul
On December 25, 2020, Angela Bassett provided the voice of Dorothea Williams in the Pixar animated film "Soul", which was released on Disney+.
October 1, 2021: Narrator of Disney Enchantment
On October 1, 2021, Angela Bassett became the narrator of the Magic Kingdom nighttime spectacular "Disney Enchantment".
November 2022: Reprised Role as Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In November 2022, Angela Bassett reprised her role as Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever". Her performance led to multiple awards and nominations.
2022: Oscar Nomination for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In 2022, Angela Bassett received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever", marking the first time an actor was Oscar-nominated for a role in a Marvel film.
2022: Reflected on Lack of Acting Calls after Tina Turner Role
In 2022, Angela Bassett said that after portraying Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do with It", she did not receive acting calls for about a year and a half.
2022: Role in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"
In 2022, Angela Bassett starred in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" as Queen Ramonda, for which she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
2022: Appearing in 9-1-1: Lone Star
In 2022, Angela Bassett's character from '9-1-1', Athena Grant, appeared in an episode of its spin-off, '9-1-1: Lone Star'.
January 9, 2024: Received an Academy Honorary Award
On January 9, 2024, Angela Bassett was given an Academy Honorary Award at The Governors Awards presentation, recognizing her lifetime achievement in the film industry.
March 2024: Appeared in Netflix film Damsel
In March 2024, Angela Bassett appeared alongside Millie Bobby Brown in the Netflix film "Damsel".
May 2025: Starred as the President in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
In May 2025, Angela Bassett starred as the President of the United States in "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning".
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