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  Angela Bassett Biography

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Academy Award nominated, Emmy Award nominated and Golden Globe winning actress, Angela Evelyn Basset was born in 1958 at the Bronx. She and her sister were raised solely by their mother who was also a social worker. The Basset family though originally was from the Bronx, moved to St. Petersburg, Florida and spent most of their lives in housing projects. Even at a very young age, Angela was already a performer. She and her sister often perform for the family. In high school, at Boca Ciega High School, she was a very active student, participating in school drama, choir, debate and even in cheerleading.

After high school, in 1980 she attended Yale University and got her degree in African American Studies. In 1983 she then had earned from Yale School Drama her Master of Fine Arts Degree. At Yale she met her husband. Despite her degree, she fist worked as a receptionist and photo researcher before working in the theatre.

Her first performance was in 1985 at Second Stage Theatre in Black Girl by J.E. Franklin. Also in 1985, she had her first appearance in the television movie Doubletake. This was followed by her first film debut in F/X in 1986. Then in 1991 she moved to Los Angeles and appeared in the critically and commercially hit Boyz ‘n the Hood. Here she gained fame and recognition. In 1992 she appeared in another critically acclaimed film Malcolm X where she played the role of Betty Shabbz, the wife of Malcolm X. Her portrayal earned her Image Award.

By the end of 1992, she landed the role of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It. She went through rigorous audition just to win the role which once she landed demanded that she gain the figure of Tina Turner. She then had a lengthy no-sugar diet and weight training. For the role itself, she memorized song and dance routines to be able to be like Tina Turner. The film, released in 1993, earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress performance and a nomination from the Academy Awards of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for Best Actress. She became the fist African American to win in Golden Globe Awards’ Best Actress for Musical or Comedy.

In 1995, she starred in Waiting to Exhale, Vampire in Brooklyn and Strange Days. In 1988 she appeared in How Stella Got Her Groove Back. At present she is one of UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassadors.