Angela Bassett

 Angela Bassett is a captivating amazing, talented and sensational actor. Her presence is felt on stage and TV screens across the globe. Angela Evelyn Bassett was born on August 16, 1958, in New York City, to Betty Jane (Gilbert), Social worker and Daniel Benjamin Bassett, a preacher's son. Bassett, her sister D'nette, and their mother grew up together in St. Petersburg. As a single mother, Betty stressed the importance of education for her children. Bassett was able to enroll into Yale University with the help of a academic scholarship. In 1980, she earned her B.A. Yale University awarded her a B.A. in African-American Studies. In 1983, she earned an MA of Fine Arts Degree from the Yale School of Drama. Bassett met Courtney B. Vance at Yale in 1983. She was a 1986 Drama School graduate. Bassett was first noticed in The Cosby Show (1984) as well as Spenser: For Hire (1985). It wasn't until 1990 that she became famous for various roles on television. Her most memorable role, however she was playing Tina Turner, whom she had never seen perform before taking the role, in The What's Love Has to Do with It (1993). Bassett was awarded an Academy Award nomination for her performance and an Golded Globe Award as Best Actress.