History of Angela Bassett in Timeline
Angela Bassett is a highly acclaimed American actress with a career spanning several decades. She has received numerous awards including a Primetime Emmy, two Golden Globes, and an Academy Honorary Award. She has earned two Academy Award nominations and has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. Her significant contributions to film and television have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
August 16, 1958: Angela Bassett's Birth
On August 16, 1958, Angela Evelyn Bassett was born. She would later become an accomplished American actress known for her work in film and television.
1970: Attending Disston Middle School
In 1970, after graduating from Jordan Park Elementary School, Angela Bassett started attending Disston Middle School for seventh grade. She was bused to the school, a year before St. Petersburg formally established busing to integrate its public schools.
1980: Graduation from Yale University
In 1980, Angela Bassett graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies.
1983: Master of Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama
In 1983, Angela Bassett obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama, continuing her education in acting.
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, under the direction of Lloyd Richards.
1985: Performance in 'Black Girl'
In 1985, Angela Bassett had one of her first New York performances 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 made-for-TV movie "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, under the direction of 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).
1986: Courtney B. Vance Graduation
In 1986, Courtney B. Vance, Angela Bassett's future husband, graduated from Yale's drama school. They met while she was studying there.
1988: Move 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 television shows "A Man Called Hawk" and "227".
1991: Performance in 'Boyz n the Hood'
In 1991, Angela Bassett gained industry attention for her performance in the film "Boyz n the Hood".
1992: Portrayal of Betty Shabazz in 'Malcolm X'
In 1992, Angela Bassett portrayed Betty Shabazz in the film "Malcolm X", earning an NAACP Image Award for her performance. During production Spike Lee showed Basset a tape of the assassination.
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 establishing her presence in the film industry.
1993: Breakthrough Role in 'What's Love Got to Do with It'
In 1993, Angela Bassett achieved her breakthrough role portraying singer Tina Turner in the biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It". Her performance 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 as Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do with It," winning a Golden Globe and receiving an Academy Award nomination. She met with Tina Turner twice, who advised her on details of her interpretation, from wigs and outfits to dancing styles.
1995: Starring in Multiple Movies
In 1995, Angela Bassett starred in three films: "Vampire in Brooklyn," "Strange Days," and "Waiting to Exhale." Each film brought varying reviews, but expanded her portfolio.
1995: Starring in 'Waiting to Exhale' and 'Vampire in Brooklyn'
In 1995, Angela Bassett starred in two notable films: "Waiting to Exhale" and "Vampire in Brooklyn", showcasing her versatility as an actress.
1997: Marriage to Courtney B. Vance
In 1997, Angela Bassett married actor Courtney B. Vance.
1997: Starring in 'Contact'
In 1997, Angela Bassett starred as the President's advisor in the film "Contact".
1998: Starring in 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back'
In 1998, Angela Bassett starred in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back", receiving praise for her portrayal of Stella, a 40-year-old woman who falls in love with a younger man.
1999: Starring in 'Music of the Heart'
In 1999, Angela Bassett starred in "Music of the Heart", adding to her diverse filmography.
2000: Starring in Multiple Films
In 2000, Angela Bassett appeared in "Supernova", "Whispers: An Elephant's Tale", and "Boesman and Lena".
2000: Turning Down Lead 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. The role was later won by Halle Berry, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2001: Appearing in 'The Score'
In 2001, Angela Bassett appeared in the film "The Score", playing a character in a relationship with Robert De Niro's character. Also that year she starred in the television film "Ruby's Bucket of Blood".
2001: Views on Roles
In 2001, Angela Bassett expressed her preference for portraying strong and intelligent African-American women, stating that she likes to project an image of self-assurance.
2002: Acting in 'Sunshine State' and 'The Rosa Parks Story'
In 2002, Angela Bassett acted in both "Sunshine State" and "The Rosa Parks Story". Her portrayal of Rosa Parks earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.
2002: Portrayal of Rosa Parks in 'The Rosa Parks Story'
In 2002, Angela Bassett's portrayal of Rosa Parks in the television film "The Rosa Parks Story" garnered her a nomination for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress.
2003: Reading Slave Narratives and Appearing 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'. 'Mr. 3000' was a comedy co-starring Bernie Mac. Bassett found the role easier than her previous, more intense ones.
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 she also appeared in the television film 'Time Bomb'. Bassett enjoyed the story of 'Akeelah and the Bee' and described working with Keke Palmer as wonderful.
2006: Starring in 'Fences' at Pasadena Playhouse
In 2006, Angela Bassett starred in August Wilson's play "Fences" alongside Laurence Fishburne at the Pasadena Playhouse in California, revisiting Wilson's work after decades.
2007: Voice role in 'Meet the Robinsons'
In 2007, Angela Bassett lent her voice to the film 'Meet the Robinsons'. Bassett took on the role as it was a character she had never played before and because the movie had something positive to say 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', 'ER', and 'Meet the Browns'
In 2008, Angela Bassett appeared in the film 'Gospel Hill' and 'Of Boys and Men', also having a role in 'Nothing But the Truth'. She joined the cast of 'ER' as Dr. Catherine Banfield and played Brenda in 'Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns'.
2009: Role in 'Notorious'
In 2009, Angela Bassett acted in the movie 'Notorious' as Voletta Wallace.
2009: Final season of 'ER'
In 2009, Angela Bassett continued her role as Dr. Catherine Banfield in the final season of 'ER'.
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'. Bassett prepared for the role by conversing with Wallace and practicing her Jamaican accent. Bassett received positive reviews for her performance.
2010: Voice role as Michelle Obama and cast in 'Green Lantern'
In 2010, Angela Bassett voiced Michelle Obama on 'The Simpsons' and was cast as Amanda Waller in the film 'Green Lantern'. Bassett found working on 'Green Lantern' fun, though she was taken out of her element with the computer-generated effects.
March 2011: Signed up for lead role in 'Identity' pilot
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', which opened on Broadway. The play depicts the night before Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.
2011: Supporting Role in 'Green Lantern'
In 2011, Angela Bassett appeared in a supporting role in the action film "Green Lantern".
2011: Role 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, with some critics noting the nuances of hostility and hurt she brought to the role.
June 2012: Appearance at Obama's campaign office
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: Reported role in 'Olympus Has Fallen'
In June 2012, Angela Bassett was reported to have a role in the film 'Olympus Has Fallen', prior to the start of filming.
2012: Appearance 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: Attended 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'. Bassett had previously played Shabazz in 'Malcolm X' and 'Panther'. Bassett was surprised by Coretta's initial resistance to Martin Luther King Jr.'s advances.
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 Secret Service director as a bold choice. She also appeared in the film Black Nativity.
July 13, 2013: Initiated as honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta
On July 13, 2013, Angela Bassett was initiated as an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
2013: Role as Marie Laveau in 'American Horror Story: Coven'
In 2013, Angela Bassett appeared in 'American Horror Story: Coven' as Marie Laveau. Bassett's performance earned her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.
2013: Supporting Role in 'Olympus Has Fallen'
In 2013, Angela Bassett played 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 based on the life of Whitney Houston.
June 11, 2014: Death of Ruby Dee
On June 11, 2014, Ruby Dee died from natural causes. Angela Bassett had worked with Dee on 'Betty and Coretta'.
June 2014: Yaya DaCosta cast 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 film, 'Whitney'.
September 20, 2014: Attendance at Ruby Dee's memorial
On September 20, 2014, Angela Bassett was reported to attend the Riverside Church memorial for Ruby Dee, with whom she had worked on 'Betty and Coretta'.
2014: Emmy Nomination for 'American Horror Story'
In 2014, Angela Bassett received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her performance in a season of the FX horror anthology series "American Horror Story".
2015: Second Emmy Nomination for 'American Horror Story'
In 2015, Angela Bassett earned her second Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work in "American Horror Story".
2015: Role as Ambassador Maureen Crane in 'Survivor'
In 2015, Angela Bassett portrayed United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Maureen Crane in the film 'Survivor'. Her appearance in the film received a negative review.
March 2016: Appeared in 'London Has Fallen'
In March 2016, Angela Bassett appeared in 'London Has Fallen', reprising her role as Lynne Jacobs. Bassett noted that it was the very first sequel she had ever done.
June 2016: Tribute to Orlando nightclub 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: Directed episode of '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: Supporting Role in 'London Has Fallen'
In 2016, Angela Bassett continued her work in action films with a supporting role in "London Has Fallen".
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. Bassett also spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
March 2017: Appeared in 'Underground'
In March 2017, Angela Bassett appeared in "Ache", an episode of the television series 'Underground'. Her character was written with Angela in mind.
May 2017: Appeared 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 in the series after being impressed by her previous work and related her character's evolution in that feature to Catherine.
January 2018: Joined '9-1-1' as an executive producer and actress
In January 2018, Angela Bassett joined the Fox first responder procedural drama '9–1–1' as an executive producer and actress, playing officer 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: Starring in and Producing '9-1-1'
In 2018, Angela Bassett began producing and starring as Athena Grant in the Fox drama series "9-1-1", where she plays an LAPD patrol sergeant.
2018: Playing Queen Ramonda in 'Black Panther'
In 2018, Angela Bassett played the role of Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Black Panther".
2018: Received honorary doctorate from Yale University
In 2018, Angela Bassett received a Doctorate of Fine Arts (honorary doctorate) from Yale University.
2019: Joined the Cast of Gunpowder Milkshake
In 2019, Angela Bassett joined the cast of the film "Gunpowder Milkshake".
2019: Playing Queen Ramonda in 'Avengers: Endgame'
In 2019, Angela Bassett reprised her role as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Avengers: Endgame".
November 3, 2020: Tweeted after Hillary Clinton's defeat
After Hillary Clinton was defeated in the general election, Angela Bassett tweeted on November 3, 2020, expressing hope for the future.
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 garnered her Best Supporting Actress awards at the 80th Golden Globe Awards and at the 28th Critics' Choice Awards and a nomination for an Academy Award.
December 2022: Named in The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Power 100
In December 2022, Angela Bassett was named as part of The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Power 100.
2022: Received honorary doctorate from Old Dominion University
In 2022, Angela Bassett received a Doctorate of Humane Letters (honorary doctorate) from Old Dominion University.
2022: Playing Queen Ramonda in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'
In 2022, Angela Bassett returned as Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever", earning her another Golden Globe and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
2022: Reflecting on Post-'Tina Turner' Career
In 2022, Angela Bassett revealed in an interview on "Today with Hoda & Jenna" that she received no acting calls for about a year and a half after portraying Tina Turner.
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 from '9-1-1', Athena Grant, made an appearance in an episode of its spin-off, '9-1-1: Lone Star'.
2023: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2023, Angela Bassett was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. That same year, she received an Academy Honorary Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the film industry.
2023: Named as one of Time's Women of the Year
In 2023, Time named Angela Bassett among its honorees for Women of the Year.
January 9, 2024: Received an Academy Honorary Award
On January 9, 2024, Angela Bassett was given an Academy Honorary Award, also known as an honorary Oscar, at The Governors Awards presentation, recognizing her lifetime achievement in the film industry.
March 2024: Appeared in Damsel
In March 2024, Angela Bassett appeared alongside Millie Bobby Brown in the Netflix film "Damsel", which was released to mixed reviews.
2025: Starring in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
In 2025, Angela Bassett is set to star in "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning".
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