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 with a career spanning several decades. She has received numerous awards, including an Emmy, two Golden Globes, and an Honorary Academy Award. She has also been nominated for two Academy Awards. Bassett was recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2023, highlighting her significant impact and enduring presence in film and television.
1984: Performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
In 1984, Angela Bassett appeared in August Wilson's play "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at the Yale Repertory Theatre.
1985: Appearance in Black Girl at Second Stage Theatre
In 1985, Angela Bassett had one of her first New York performances, appearing in J. E. Franklin's "Black Girl" at Second Stage Theatre.
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.
1986: Film Debut in F/X
In 1986, Angela Bassett made her film debut as a news reporter in the film "F/X", leading her to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
1988: Moves to Los Angeles for Acting Jobs
In 1988, Angela Bassett moved to Los Angeles to pursue more acting opportunities.
1989: Guest Spots on A Man Called Hawk and 227
In 1989, Angela Bassett had early guest spots on television shows "A Man Called Hawk" and "227".
1991: Early Performance in Boyz n the Hood
In 1991, Angela Bassett earned industry attention for her performance in the film "Boyz n the Hood".
1991: Starring in Boyz n the Hood
In 1991, Angela Bassett starred in the film "Boyz n the Hood", marking an early success in her film career.
1992: Portrayal of Betty Shabazz in Malcolm X
In 1992, Angela Bassett gained public recognition for her portrayal of Betty Shabazz in the film "Malcolm X", earning an NAACP Image Award for her performance.
1992: Starring as Katherine Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream
In 1992, Angela Bassett starred as Katherine Jackson in the miniseries "The Jacksons: An American Dream".
1992: Starring in Malcolm X
In 1992, Angela Bassett starred in the film "Malcolm X", further solidifying her presence in the film industry.
1993: Breakthrough Role in What's Love Got to Do with It
In 1993, Angela Bassett had her breakthrough role portraying singer Tina Turner in the biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It". The role earned her a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
1993: Starring in What's Love Got to Do with It
In 1993, Angela Bassett starred in "What's Love Got to Do with It", portraying Tina Turner. She won a Golden Globe for her performance but did not receive acting calls for a year and a half after the role.
1995: Starring in Waiting to Exhale
In 1995, Angela Bassett starred in the film "Waiting to Exhale", adding to her list of successful film roles.
1995: Starring in Three Films with Varying Reviews
In 1995, Angela Bassett starred in three films: "Vampire in Brooklyn", "Strange Days", and "Waiting to Exhale", which received varying reviews.
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 again with Terry McMillan. She played Stella, a 40-year-old who falls for a younger man.
1999: Starred in Music of the Heart
In 1999, Angela Bassett starred in "Music of the Heart", collaborating with Wes Craven.
2000: Appeared in Three Films
In 2000, Angela Bassett appeared in three films: "Supernova", "Whispers: An Elephant's Tale", and "Boesman and Lena". She also turned down the lead role in "Monster's Ball" due to its sexual content.
2001: Appeared in The Score and Ruby's Bucket of Blood
In 2001, Angela Bassett appeared in the film "The Score", playing a character in a relationship with Robert De Niro's character. She also had a role in the television film "Ruby's Bucket of Blood" that year.
2001: Bassett discusses role choices
In 2001, Angela Bassett expressed her preference for portraying strong, self-assured African-American women and her refusal to accept roles she considers demeaning to her image.
2002: Acted in Sunshine State and The Rosa Parks Story
In 2002, Angela Bassett acted in the films "Sunshine State" and "The Rosa Parks Story". Her portrayal of Rosa Parks earned her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress.
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", which led to a nomination for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress.
2003: Reading from WPA Slave Narratives and Appearance in Masked and Anonymous
In 2003, Angela Bassett read from the WPA slave narratives in "Unchained Memories." She also appeared in the film "Masked and Anonymous", playing a mistress.
2004: Roles in The Lazarus Child and Mr. 3000
In 2004, Angela Bassett had roles in the films "The Lazarus Child" and "Mr. 3000". She described her role in "Mr. 3000" as much easier compared to more intense roles.
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" and also appeared in the television film "Time Bomb", with her role in the latter seen as an extended cameo.
2006: Starring in Fences at Pasadena Playhouse
In 2006, Angela Bassett starred in "Fences" at the Pasadena Playhouse in California, collaborating with Laurence Fishburne.
2007: Voice role in Meet the Robinsons
In 2007, Angela Bassett voiced a character in the film Meet the Robinsons, marking a departure from her previous roles and aligning with her desire to participate in a well-written movie promoting positive family values.
2007: Donation 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 ER
In 2008, Angela Bassett appeared in the film Gospel Hill, and portrayed Rieta Cole in Of Boys and Men. Bassett also had a role in Nothing But the Truth in 2008. She also played Brenda in Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns. Additionally, Bassett joined the regular cast of ER for its final season.
2009: Final season of ER
In 2009, Angela Bassett appeared in the final season of ER, portraying Dr. Catherine Banfield. Her 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, the mother of The Notorious B.I.G., in the film Notorious. She prepared for the role by conversing with Wallace to perfect her Jamaican accent and was praised for her performance.
2009: Supporting Role in Notorious
In 2009, Angela Bassett took on a supporting role in the drama "Notorious".
2009: Broadway Debut in The Mountaintop
In 2009, the play The Mountaintop originally debuted in London's West End.
2010: Voice Role in The Simpsons and Green Lantern Casting
In 2010, Angela Bassett voiced First Lady Michelle Obama in an episode of The Simpsons. She was also cast as Amanda Waller in the film Green Lantern, which she found enjoyable despite the challenges of working with computer-generated effects.
March 2011: Lead Role in ABC pilot Identity
In March 2011, Angela Bassett signed up for a lead role in the ABC pilot Identity.
October 13, 2011: Broadway debut in The Mountaintop
On October 13, 2011, The Mountaintop production opened on Broadway.
2011: Role in Green Lantern
In 2011, Angela Bassett appeared in the action film "Green Lantern" in a supporting role.
2011: Appearance in Jumping the Broom
In 2011, Angela Bassett appeared in the film Jumping the Broom, playing the matriarch of a wealthy family. Her performance received mixed reviews.
June 2012: Appearance at Obama's campaign office
In June 2012, Angela Bassett appeared at the St. Petersburg office of Barack Obama's re-election campaign, emphasizing the importance of participation.
June 2012: Reported role in Olympus Has Fallen
In June 2012, Angela Bassett was reported to have a role in the film Olympus Has Fallen, the month before filming began.
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.
January 21, 2013: Attendance at Barack Obama's second inauguration
On January 21, 2013, Angela Bassett attended the second inauguration of Barack Obama.
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. The film received mixed reviews and some controversy.
March 22, 2013: Release of Olympus Has Fallen
On March 22, 2013, Angela Bassett appeared as Secret Service director Lynne Jacobs in the action thriller Olympus Has Fallen. Bassett also appeared in Black Nativity, and sang for the first time on film.
2013: Role as Marie Laveau in American Horror Story: Coven
In 2013, Angela Bassett appeared in American Horror Story: Coven as Marie Laveau, a voodoo witch. Her performance earned her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.
2013: Role in Olympus Has Fallen
In 2013, Angela Bassett played a 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 based on the life of Whitney Houston.
June 2014: Casting of Yaya DaCosta in Whitney
In early June 2014, it was announced that Yaya DaCosta would play Whitney Houston in the film Whitney, directed by Angela Bassett.
2014: Emmy Nomination for American Horror Story
In 2014, Angela Bassett received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her performance in the FX horror anthology series "American Horror Story".
2015: Emmy Nomination for American Horror Story
In 2015, Angela Bassett earned another Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role in "American Horror Story".
2015: Portrayal of Maureen Crane in Survivor
In 2015, Angela Bassett portrayed United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Maureen Crane in the film Survivor. The film received negative reviews.
March 2016: Appearance in London Has Fallen
In March 2016, Angela Bassett reprised her role as Lynne Jacobs in London Has Fallen. Bassett noted it was the first sequel she has ever done.
June 2016: Tribute to Orlando Shooting Victims
In June 2016, Angela Bassett participated in a Human Rights Campaign video paying 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.
2016: Role in London Has Fallen
In 2016, Angela Bassett continued her presence in action films with a role in "London Has Fallen".
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton and Speech at DNC
In 2016, Angela Bassett endorsed Hillary Clinton for president and spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, introducing survivors of the Charleston church shooting.
March 2017: Appearance in Underground
In March 2017, Angela Bassett appeared in an episode of the television series Underground, with her character specifically written for her.
May 2017: Appearance in Master of None
In May 2017, Angela Bassett appeared in an episode of Master of None, portraying Denise's mother Catherine. Lena Waithe wanted Bassett after being impressed by her previous work.
January 2018: Joining 9-1-1 as Lead and Executive Producer
In January 2018, Angela Bassett joined the Fox first responder procedural drama 9–1–1, as both a lead actress playing officer Athena Grant and an executive producer.
February 2018: Starring in Black Panther as Queen Ramonda
In February 2018, Angela Bassett starred as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Black Panther. The role was reprised the following year.
July 2018: Portrayal of 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: Voice Role in Bumblebee
In December 2018, Angela Bassett voiced the Decepticon villain 'Shatter' in the Transformers live-action film Bumblebee.
2018: Starring as Athena Grant in 9-1-1
In 2018, Angela Bassett began producing and starring as LAPD patrol sergeant Athena Grant in the Fox/ABC drama series "9-1-1".
2018: Role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther
In 2018, Angela Bassett played the role of Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Black Panther".
2019: Joining the Cast of Gunpowder Milkshake
In 2019, Angela Bassett joined the cast of the film Gunpowder Milkshake.
2019: Role as Queen Ramonda in Avengers: Endgame
In 2019, Angela Bassett reprised her role as Queen Ramonda in the film "Avengers: Endgame".
December 25, 2020: Release of Soul on Disney+
On December 25, 2020, Angela Bassett voiced Dorothea Williams in the Pixar animated film Soul, which was released on Disney+.
October 1, 2021: Premiere of Disney Enchantment
On October 1, 2021, Angela Bassett became the narrator of the Magic Kingdom nighttime spectacular, Disney Enchantment.
November 2022: Release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In November 2022, Angela Bassett reprised her role as Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, earning her Best Supporting Actress awards at the Golden Globe Awards and Critics' Choice Awards, along with an Academy Award nomination.
2022: Role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In 2022, Angela Bassett played Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," earning her another Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
2022: Reflection on Post-Tina Turner Career
In 2022, Angela Bassett reflected on her career after playing Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do with It" (1993), noting that she did not receive acting calls for about a year and a half afterward, as mentioned during an interview on Today with Hoda & Jenna.
2022: Oscar nomination for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In 2022, Angela Bassett's Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marked the first time an actor was Oscar-nominated for a role in a Marvel film.
2022: Appearance in 9-1-1: Lone Star
In 2022, Angela Bassett's character Athena Grant from 9-1-1 made an appearance in an episode of its spin-off, 9-1-1: Lone Star.
January 9, 2024: 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: Release of Damsel on Netflix
In March 2024, Angela Bassett appeared alongside Millie Bobby Brown in the Netflix film Damsel, which was released to mixed reviews.
May 2025: Release of 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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