History of Angela Bassett in Timeline
Angela Bassett is a highly acclaimed American actress with a career spanning decades. She's earned numerous awards, including an Emmy, two Golden Globes, and an Honorary Academy Award, and has been nominated for two competitive Academy Awards. Her influence was further recognized in 2023 when Time magazine named her one of the world's 100 most influential people. Bassett is known for her extensive work in both film and television since the 1980s.
August 16, 1958: Angela Bassett's Birth
On August 16, 1958, Angela Evelyn Bassett was born. She is an American actress known for her extensive work in film and television.
1970: Beginning at Disston Middle School
In 1970, Angela Bassett started attending Disston Middle School for seventh grade, a year before St. Petersburg formally established busing to integrate its public schools, marking a significant point in her early education.
1980: Graduation from Yale University with a BA
In 1980, Angela Bassett graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American Studies, a significant achievement in her academic career.
1983: Obtaining MFA from Yale School of Drama
In 1983, Angela Bassett obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama, further solidifying her education in acting.
1984: Performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
In 1984, Angela Bassett appeared in August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at the Yale Repertory Theatre, directed by Lloyd Richards. This was one of her early roles in professional theater.
1985: First Television Appearance in Doubletake
In 1985, Angela Bassett made her first television appearance as a prostitute in the television film "Doubletake", marking the beginning of her television career.
1985: Performance in Black Girl at Second Stage Theatre
In 1985, Angela Bassett made one of her first New York performances in J. E. Franklin's "Black Girl" at Second Stage Theatre, marking an early stage in her acting career.
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, marking another significant stage performance.
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 Vance's graduation from Yale
In 1986, Courtney B. Vance, Angela Bassett's future husband, graduated from the Yale School of Drama, where the two had met, marking an important year in their relationship's timeline.
1988: Move to Los Angeles for Acting Jobs
In 1988, Angela Bassett moved to Los Angeles to pursue more acting jobs, signifying a pivotal decision in her career.
1989: Guest Spots on A Man Called Hawk and 227
In 1989, Angela Bassett had early guest spots on "A Man Called Hawk" and "227", gaining experience in television roles.
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", which contributed to her early recognition.
1991: Starring in Boyz n the Hood
In 1991, Angela Bassett starred in "Boyz n the Hood", marking one of her earlier successes in film.
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 and garnering public recognition.
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 "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 had her breakthrough role portraying Tina Turner in the biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It". This performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, marking a significant career milestone.
1995: Starring in Waiting to Exhale and Vampire in Brooklyn
In 1995, Angela Bassett starred in both "Waiting to Exhale" and "Vampire in Brooklyn", showcasing her versatility in different film genres.
1995: Starring in Three Films
In 1995, Angela Bassett starred in three films: "Vampire in Brooklyn", "Strange Days", and "Waiting to Exhale", each receiving varying reviews and showcasing different aspects of her acting range.
1997: Marriage to Courtney B. Vance
In 1997, Angela Bassett married actor Courtney B. Vance.
1997: Role 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", collaborating again with Terry McMillan. Bassett played Stella, a 40-year-old who falls in love with a younger man, receiving praise for her performance.
1999: Starring in Music of the Heart
In 1999, Angela Bassett starred in "Music of the Heart", collaborating again with Wes Craven. Bassett's performance garnered attention for her chemistry with Meryl Streep.
2000: Turning Down Role in Monster's Ball and Film Appearances
In 2000, Angela Bassett turned down the lead role in "Monster's Ball". That year she appeared in the films "Supernova", "Whispers: An Elephant's Tale", and "Boesman and Lena".
2001: Appearance in The Score and Ruby's Bucket of Blood
In 2001, Angela Bassett appeared in "The Score", forming 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's views on roles
In 2001, Angela Bassett expressed her preference for portraying strong, self-assured African-American women and her decision to avoid roles that demean her image or her people.
2002: Acting in Sunshine State and The Rosa Parks Story
In 2002, Angela Bassett acted in "Sunshine State" and "The Rosa Parks Story", where she played Rosa Parks. Her portrayal of Rosa Parks was highly praised, leading to a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
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 a nomination for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress.
2003: Reading 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", a comedy co-starring Bernie Mac. Bassett described "Mr. 3000" as being much easier to act in compared to her more intense roles.
2005: Starred in 'His Girl Friday'
In 2005, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance co-starred in a production of 'His Girl Friday' at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2006: Akeelah and the Bee and Time Bomb
In 2006, Angela Bassett portrayed Tanya Anderson in "Akeelah and the Bee". She also appeared in the television film "Time Bomb", seen as an "extended cameo".
2006: Starring in Fences at the Pasadena Playhouse
In 2006, Angela Bassett starred in August Wilson's "Fences" at the Pasadena Playhouse in California, alongside Laurence Fishburne, marking a return to Wilson's work after several decades.
2007: Voicing a Character in Meet the Robinsons
In 2007, Angela Bassett voiced a character in the film Meet the Robinsons. She chose the role because it was different from her previous roles and delivered a positive message about families.
2007: Donation to Barack Obama's campaign
In early 2007, Angela Bassett donated $2,300 to Barack Obama's presidential primary campaign.
2008: Film Appearances and Joining ER Cast
In 2008, Angela Bassett appeared in the film Gospel Hill, where her performance was praised. She also starred in Of Boys and Men. Additionally, Bassett had a role in Nothing But the Truth. In 2008, Bassett joined the regular cast of ER for its final season, portraying Dr. Catherine Banfield.
2009: Final Season of ER
From 2008 to 2009, Angela Bassett was part of the regular cast in the final season of the television show ER as Dr. Catherine 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 and practicing her Jamaican accent, earning positive reviews for her performance.
2009: Supporting role in Notorious
In 2009, Angela Bassett took on a supporting role in the drama "Notorious".
2010: Voice Role in The Simpsons and Casting in Green Lantern
In 2010, Angela Bassett voiced First Lady Michelle Obama in The Simpsons episode "Stealing First Base." She was also cast as Amanda Waller in the superhero film Green Lantern, released in 2011.
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, Angela Bassett co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson in Katori Hall's critically acclaimed play The Mountaintop, which opened on Broadway.
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.
2011: Supporting role in Green Lantern
In 2011, Angela Bassett played a supporting role in the action film "Green Lantern".
June 2012: Campaign appearance for Barack Obama
In June 2012, Angela Bassett made an appearance at Barack Obama's campaign office in St. Petersburg, emphasizing the importance of active participation in the election.
June 2012: Role in Olympus Has Fallen Announced
In June 2012, it was reported that Angela Bassett would have a role in the film Olympus Has Fallen.
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. She also 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.
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.
July 13, 2013: Initiation 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 on FX's American Horror Story: Coven as Marie Laveau. Her 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 Announced
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 her previously on Betty and Coretta.
June 2014: Yaya DaCosta Cast as Whitney Houston
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 attended 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 the FX horror anthology series "American Horror Story".
2015: Second Emmy Nomination for American Horror Story
In 2015, Angela Bassett earned a second Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work in "American Horror Story".
2015: Role in Survivor
In 2015, Angela Bassett portrayed United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Maureen Crane in the film Survivor. Her performance received a negative review.
March 2016: Reprising Role in London Has Fallen
In March 2016, Angela Bassett appeared in London Has Fallen, reprising her role as Lynne Jacobs.
June 2016: Participation in Human Rights Campaign Video
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.
2016: Supporting role in London Has Fallen
In 2016, Angela Bassett continued in a supporting role in the action film "London Has Fallen".
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President
In 2016, Angela Bassett endorsed Hillary Clinton for president and spoke at the Democratic National Convention.
March 2017: Appearance in Underground
In March 2017, Angela Bassett appeared in the "Ache" episode of the television series Underground.
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.
January 2018: Joining 9-1-1 as Star and Executive Producer
In January 2018, Angela Bassett joined the Fox first responder procedural drama 9–1–1 as both a star and an executive producer, playing officer Athena Grant.
February 2018: Starring in Black Panther
In February 2018, Angela Bassett starred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Black Panther as Queen Ramonda.
July 2018: Role in Mission: Impossible – Fallout
In July 2018, Angela Bassett portrayed CIA Director Erika Sloane in the action spy film Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
December 2018: Voicing 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/ABC drama series "9-1-1".
2018: Queen Ramonda in Black Panther
In 2018, Angela Bassett played Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Black Panther".
2018: Doctorate from Yale University
In 2018, Angela Bassett received a Doctorate of Fine Arts from Yale University.
2019: Joining the Cast of Gunpowder Milkshake
In 2019, Angela Bassett joined the cast of Gunpowder Milkshake.
2019: 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: Tweet Following Clinton's Defeat
Following Hillary Clinton's defeat in the 2016 election, Angela Bassett tweeted a message on November 3, 2020, expressing hope for the future.
December 25, 2020: Release of 'Soul'
On December 25, 2020, Angela Bassett voiced the character 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 for the 'Disney Enchantment' nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom.
November 2022: Reprising Ramonda in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'
In November 2022, Angela Bassett reprised her role as Ramonda in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'.
December 2022: Named in The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Power 100
In December 2022, Angela Bassett was included in The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Power 100.
2022: 9-1-1: Lone Star Appearance
In 2022, Angela Basset's character from 9-1-1, Athena Grant, appeared in an episode of its spin-off, 9-1-1: Lone Star.
2022: Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In 2022, Angela Bassett played Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever", winning another Golden Globe and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
2022: Doctorate from Old Dominion University
In 2022, Angela Bassett received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Old Dominion University.
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 nominated for a role in a Marvel film.
2022: Reflection on career post-Tina Turner role
In 2022, Angela Bassett reflected that after portraying Tina Turner, she did not receive acting calls for about a year and a half, during an interview on "Today with Hoda & Jenna", indicating a challenging period in her career despite the role's success.
2023: Recognition as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2023, Angela Bassett was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. She also received an Academy Honorary Award in 2023.
2023: Named one of Time's Women of the Year
In 2023, Time Magazine recognized Angela Bassett as one of its Women of the Year.
January 9, 2024: Academy Honorary Award
On January 9, 2024, Angela Bassett was awarded an Academy Honorary Award at The Governors Awards presentation, recognizing her lifetime achievement in the film industry.
March 2024: Release of 'Damsel'
In March 2024, Angela Bassett appeared alongside Millie Bobby Brown in the Netflix film 'Damsel', which was released to mixed reviews.
May 2025: Starring 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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