Angela Bassett was born on August 16, 1958, in New York City.
She grew up in a housing project in Harlem and attended Yale University, where she earned a degree in African-American studies.
Bassett made her film debut in 1986's "F/X," playing a small role as a secretary.
Her breakthrough role came in 1993 when she played Tina Turner in the biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It."
Bassett has been married to actor Courtney B. Vance since 1997, and they have two children together.
In addition to her film work, she has also had success on television, earning multiple Emmy nominations for her roles in "American Horror Story" and "9-1-1."
Bassett is also a director and has helmed episodes of "9-1-1" and the Lifetime movie "Whitney."
Bassett is an advocate for women's health issues and has worked with the American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
She has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Bassett is known for her impressive physique and has said that she maintains her fitness through a combination of weight training and cardio exercises.
Bassett has a fear of water and had to overcome it to film scenes for "Waiting to Exhale" and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back."