Angela Bassett’s Career in Pictures
A Life on Film
For years Angela Bassett has been Hollywood’s golden girl. She got her start on TV in 1985 and from there she jumped right into movies. Film after film, she’s played iconic strong women — Katherine Jackson, Tina Turner and Rosa Parks — proving she has longevity. This year, she’s being honored by ESSENCE’s Black Women in Hollywood for her career in film. Check out of some her most famous movies and even one to come this spring…
The Jackson: An American Dream
In 1992 Angela Bassett took on the task to play the poised Katherine Jackson in the mega popular “The Jacksons: An American Dream” TV movie. We couldn’t have thought of anyone better for this role!
What’s Love Got o Do with It
Just a year later, Bassett took on the role of the legendary Tina Turner in “What’s Love Go to Do with It.” She hit the stage singing and sporting Tina’s classic trim and toned arms. She put on a heck of a performance.
Vampire in Brooklyn
As the object of Maximillian’s desire, Rita quickly learns she’s part vampire in this comedic-thriller starting Angela Bassett and Eddie Murphy.
Waiting to Exhale
In the mid ’90s there wasn’t a bigger African-American female anthem movie. “Waiting to Exhale” showed the lives of four African-American woman navigating love their romantic relationships. Angela Bassett played the fiery Bernadine Harris who’s famous scene leaves her soon-to-be ex-husband’s car in flames.
How Stell Got Her Groove Back
In 1998 Angela Bassett made 40-something year old woman everywhere book their tickets to Jamaica! She showed that being over 40 doesn’t mean you have to become an old lady. She turned heads by dating a young tender 20 year old man in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
The Rosa Parks Story
Angela Bassett has a history of playing strong women — Katherine Jackson, Tina Turner and now Rosea Parks. In 2002 she took on the iconic role in a TV movie depicting the life of the Civil Rights legend.
Mr. 3000
In a perhaps rare comedic role for Bassett, she played Maureen Simmons along side Bernie Mac in “Mr. 3000.”
Akeela and the Bee
In a touching film about triumph, Angela Bassett played the role of Tanya in “Akeelha and the Bee.” Though Tanya may not have supported her child’s decision to end into various spelling competitions, she comes around by the end.
Meet the Browns
Jumping the Broom
Angela Bassett plays the uptight and cold mother of the bride in “Jumping the Broom.” Both sides of the soon-to-be bride and groom clash on Martha’s Vineyard putting the wedding in jeopardy. Be on the look for this exciting film on Mother’s Day weekend 2011.