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Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett9 posts
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11 Jun, 1993

What’s Love Got to Do with It

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Bassett plays Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It. Tina finds fame as a singer while working with Ike Turner in the 60’s. After they marry Tina discovers Ike has a serious drug problem and is physically abused by him. Tina goes on to record several songs that soon become platinum hits. Co-starring Laurence Fishburne, Jennifer Lewis, and Cora Lee Day. Fishburne:

It’s been a long time, 14 years, since we last worked together, but it was kind of like riding a bicycle. We both feel like we’d like to do something else together, something a little meatier and juicier for the both of us. But we both also felt that this was important to do.

23 Dec, 1995

Waiting To Exhale

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Bassett plays Bernadine in the movie Waiting To Exhale. After Bernadine finds out that her husband is leaving her for a white woman, all hell breaks lose. Bernadine life is upside down. On top of that, she has two kids to take care of. After realizing that her husband wants a divorce, she cuts off all her hair, burn all of his clothes, and decides to have an affair of her own.

I really wanted to work with (director) Forest (Whitaker). I really loved Terry’s book. And the chance to work with Whitney (Houston)—beautiful, talented, a superstar all over the world! Well, it was no decision at all.

14 Aug, 1998

How Stella Got Her Groove Back

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Bassett plays a middle-aged top executive called Stella. After being fired, Stella travels to Jamaica where she meets a 20 year old name Winston. After spending time with him in Jamaica, Stella realizes she can’t live without him. Co-stars include Taye Diggs and Whoopi Goldberg. Director Kevin Sullivan:

Angela as an artist is all 88 keys. She’s a virtuoso, and I’m astounded by her range, depth and ability to bring so many nuances to the role. When I ask her for chartreuse, she gives me chartreuse. When I ask her for lavender with peach highlights, she gives me exactly that.

How Stella Got Her Groove Back Trailer

26 Apr, 2006

Akeelah And The Bee

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Bassett plays Tanya Anderson, the mother of Akeelah in the movie Akeelah And The Bee. 11-year-old Akeelah Anderson discovers the competitive world of spelling bees. Akeelah represents intelligence and accepts the challenge of representing her school and community in the National Spelling Bee. Co-stars include KeKe Palmer and Laurence Fishburne.

You sort of dig beneath the surface and see how she ticks. You know, look at what the givens are, what it must be like to go through the process of grief.

Akeelah and the Bee (2006) Official Trailer #1 - Laurence Fishburne Movie HD

20 Mar, 2008

Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Bassett is presented with her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her work in the category of Motion Pictures. Friends Rick Fox, Laurence Fishburne, and Forest Whitaker attend the affair in support of Bassett.

Who would have thought that a little girl in pigtails from St. Petersburg, Florida, would grow up to find herself gazing at a star with her name on it, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? This day is so, so special to me.

Angela Bassett Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

21 Mar, 2008

Meet The Browns

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Bassett plays Brenda, a mother of three who lost her job unexpectedly in the movie Meet The Browns. Brenda receives a letter out of the blue, explaining that her father died and he left some property to her in his will. After traveling to Atlanta, she meets family she never knew anything about. After the will is read, Brenda realizes her father left her and her children a house that needs major work.

It was great, even though there were some long, hot days in Atlanta. But, they weren’t long enough.

Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns -- Trailer

4 May, 2011

Jumping The Broom

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Bassett plays Claudine, the mother of the bride, in the comedy Jumping the Broom. Blythe has difficulty meeting the right man until she attends Sabrina’s wedding. This movie tells the tale of a lower and middle class families trying to get along for the sake of the bride and groom. Co-starring Laz Alonso, Meagan Good and Loretta Devine.

 I liked the script. Met with Salim Akil and it’s his first feature. Just sitting across the table, he seemed very knowledgeable and very decent, and very collaborative, and if you are going to take a leap of faith the jump the broom, it’s based on how you feel about a person and I felt it would be a good experience. It had the makings of that.Of course, I knew I would be working with Loretta (Devine), so I knew what she would bring to the table. The elements pointed to this being a good success.

13 Sep, 2013

Angela Bassett interview

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Hall interviews Bassett on The Arsenio Hall Show. They talk about her trip to Washington DC for the March on Washington, her son’s meet with the president and First Lady.

My son, I’m talking to him before we get there, hopefully so they will be cool in the White House, just trying to put a little bit in, little bit in…and everyone applauds when our president steps up to the microphone and we’re on the side and my son just says, ‘Barack Obama!’

10 Jul, 2014

Emmy nomination

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Bassett is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards for portraying Marie Laveau on American Horror Story: Coven.

I felt so honored to have been asked to come aboard and play a woman whose mystique and influence continues to this day. It was a dream of a story, a hell of a role and then to top it off with Jessica and Kathy!