Angela Bassett is one of the most legendary actresses of our time. Just take a look at a few of the numerous classics the Oscar-nominated star has starred in: “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” Boyz n the Hood,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” and more.
Recently, Bassett gave a stellar performance as Ramonda in Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
On Dec. 5, Bassett was honored at the Critics Choice Association’s fifth annual Celebration of Black Cinema with the Career Achievement Award.
The world has come to know her name and work but the Hollywood legend felt moved to tell the inspiring story of where she comes from.
While accepting her award, Bassett reflected on the Black women she’s portrayed throughout her career.
“I must also take a moment to express gratitude to the women who have a lifetime of love in my heart and my spirit — who’s stories I’ve been honored to tell,” Bassett said. “From Bernadine, Stella, and Queen Ramonda. To Rosa Parks, Tina Turner, Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz.”
“My representation of you on the screen put me on the path that a little Black girl, a high school student living in the Jordan Park housing project in St. Petersburg, FL, could have only dreamed of because of you,” she continued. “My dreams were not only fulfilled, but your stories have been immortalized on film for future generations to discover, to fall in love with, and to enjoy, to be inspired by your life.”
Bassett’s acting career of nearly four decades has taken her from once living in a housing project to being one of today’s superstars. As previously shared by AfroTech, she has an estimated net worth of $25 million.
One of Bassett’s many feats was when she became the highest-paid woman of color on broadcast television after renegotiating her salary for the hit Fox series, “9-1-1.” Bassett rakes in $450,000 per episode.
