It’s time to wish Hollywood couple Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance a very happy anniversary.
It’s been 20 years since the actors swapped vows and became instant Black love goals.
Since they first day they met in college, these two have been absolutely smitten with each other–Courtney reminded just how much at the 2016 Emmy’s when he earned his first Emmy win shouting out his wife in the most perfect way possible during his acceptance speech.
From the stage’s of Yale to the Emmy’s bright lights, here are six things to know about their marriage.
1. They met in college.
Both Angela and Courtney met at the Yale School of Drama. Bassett graduated with a B.A. in Afro-American studies and earned an M.F.A. in Drama. Courtney attended Harvard to earn his undergraduate degree before attending Yale to receive his M.F.A. alongside his future wife.
2. They started off as friends.
While at Yale, Angela and Courtney were just friends at first, and for a long time, that was the extent of their relationship. Because they ran in the same social circles, they would often see each other and grew from friends to best friends until they allowed love to take over.
3. They practiced celibacy before marriage.
An entire year before they said “I Do,” Angela and Courtney abstained from sex. The couple admitted it was hard but they remained committed to making sure they entered post wedding day life in a way that made them whole with one another.
4. They are parents to twins.
After tying the knot in 1997, the actors had trouble conceiving but didn’t lose hope that they would one day achieve the goal of becoming parents. They welcomed their twin son and daughter, Slater Josiah and Bronwyn Golden, in 2006 via surrogate.
5. They are co-authors.
In 2007, Angela and Courtney co-wrote their love story in their own words in the book, Friends: A Love Story. They traded off chapters in discussing their lives, love and lessons of hard work and triumph.
6. They are each other’s biggest cheerleaders.
While accepting his first Emmy win for his role as Johnny Cochran in American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson, Courtney publicly showed everyone that #BlackLove is everything. “The woman who rocks my chain,” he said. “Angela Evelyn Bassett, this one is for you girl!”
Happy Anniversary Angela and Courtney and we wish you many more!
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