Bassett was born in New York City, to Betty Jane (née Gilbert), a social worker and civil servant, the second wife of Daniel Benjamin Bassett, a … See more

1980s
After graduation, Bassett worked as a receptionist for a beauty salon and as a photo researcher to … See more

Bassett married actor Courtney B. Vance in 1997. They first met at Yale School of Drama, then became a couple over a decade later after their paths crossed again in Los … See more

• Bassett, Angela; Vance, Courtney B. (2009). Friends: A Love Story. Kimani Press Single Title. ISBN 9780373831210. See more

Bassett is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses of her generation. Bassett has portrayed real-life African-American women who are usually strong and intelligent. Bassett said in 2001 that she liked those roles and added: "That's the image that I like to … See more

In 2018, she received a Doctorate of Fine Arts (honorary doctorate) from Yale University and a Doctorate of Humane Letters (honorary doctorate) from Old Dominion University in … See more