Bassett was born in New York City on August 16, 1958 then relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida, as a child. She and her sister D'nette were raised by their social worker mother, Betty. As a young child, her interest in entertainment developed, as she and her sister would often put on shows, reading poems or performing popular music for their family. At "Boca Ciega High School", Bassett was a member of the debate team, student government, drama club, choir, and was a cheerleader.
Bassett attended Yale University and received her B.A. in African-American studies in 1980. In 1983, she earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the Yale School of Drama. At Yale, Bassett met her future husband Courtney B. Vance, a 1986 graduate of the drama school. After graduation, Bassett worked as a receptionist for a beauty salon and as a photo researcher.
In 1985 she made her first appearance on television as a prostitute in the TV movie Doubletake (1985). However, she made her official film debut as a news reporter in F/X (1986). Bassett has said "I really believe that what I do as an actress is my God-given talent. This is my calling...not my career." Bassett moved to Los Angeles and gained recognition in the films Boyz n the Hood (1991) and Malcolm X (1992). For her portrayal of Betty Shabazz she earned an Image Award.
Later that year, she won the role of Tina Turner in the feature film What's Love Got to Do with It. Bassett went through a lengthy and intense audition and broke her finger during a scene, but was given the role over actors Robin Givens and Halle Berry. To gain Turner's well-sculpted figure, Bassett went on a no-sugar diet and weight-trained four hours a day, six days a week. She had to memorize numerous song lyrics and full dance routines to portray the singing legend during her performances.
Angela Bassett starred in three movies in 1995 that were released with varied reactions from critics; Vampire in Brooklyn, Strange Days, and Waiting to Exhale (where she worked with author Terry McMillan). In Strange Days, Bassett plays Lornette "Mace" Mason who is regarded as the savior/heroine in the film often saving the male main character in gutsy, raw fist fights or fiery car chases. Bassett's Mace is also one of the few black female science-fiction characters in film. Bernadine, Bassett's character in Waiting to Exhale, was betrayed by her husband and in revenge she set fire to his entire wardrobe and vehicle, then she sold what was left for one dollar. Bassett's performance in the film was so popular that her scenes are often referenced in novels, and there are still social groups that gather to watch Waiting to Exhale.
It can be argued that Angela Bassett's first truly leading role, where the film solely depended on her star power and charisma, was in 1998's How Stella Got Her Groove Back where she once again collaborated with McMillan. She played Stella in the film about a 40-year-old professional woman falling in love with a 20-year-old Jamaican man. Bassett appears in nearly every scene in the film, showing off her toned figure in jogging suits or two-piece swim-suits, but more notably displaying her leading lady status. She unsurprisingly received rave reviews:
Bassett made headlines when she stated that she was offered the lead role in Monster's Ball (for which Halle Berry won a history-making Oscar) but did not accept it because of its representation of African-American females. Bassett compared the character to a prostitute. The producers of Monster's ball have consistently maintained that she was never offered the role.
Bassett has not had to audition for a film since 1993's What's Love Got to Do with It although Bassett says that she would not mind auditioning for a director to prove that she can do a role they are not used to seeing her perform.
Angela Bassett is a private person, often choosing not to discuss her personal life with the public. She is also a religious person who is of the Christian faith and attends LA's West Angeles Church of God in Christ along with fellow actor Denzel Washington. Bassett told the Los Angeles Times: "Loving God is like my being black. I just am. [No one says] 'You know what? I'm gonna be blacker today!' It's my culture. It's not something I put on or take off or show more. You just communicate that in the way you live your life."
Bassett is an avid supporter of programs for the Arts, especially for youth. She annually attends events for children with diabetes and in foster homes, and she is an active Ambassador of UNICEF. Bassett is a big supporter of the Royal Theater Boys & Girls Club in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. The Club is one of the first all performing arts Boys & Girls Clubs in the country.
