Angela Bassett is more than an award-winning actress—she’s a cultural icon whose career has spanned decades. The superstar thespian’s career has enthralled audiences around the world, embodying strength, elegance, and resilience. Box office smash films of her roles in the Black Panther and Mission: Impossible franchises catapulted Bassett’s already epic Hollywood career into the stratosphere. And after over 35 years of cinematic excellence, her stellar performances continue to light up the big screen. Behind her powerful performances and commanding presence is an equally inspiring love story. Who is Angela Bassett’s husband? Let’s explore her impressive career and relationship with the man who’s been by her side for nearly three decades.
Angela Bassett’s Career of Iconic Roles
Bassett’s journey in Hollywood is marked by groundbreaking performances that have left an indelible mark on the industry. She gained widespread recognition for portraying Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993). The role even earned her an Academy Award nomination. Her roles in Boyz N the Hood (1991), Malcolm X (1992), Waiting to Exhale (1995), and How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998) further solidified her status as a leading lady who brings depth and dignity to every character.
In recent years, Bassett has continued to captivate audiences with her performances in Black Panther (2018) and its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). According to The Hollywood Reporter, Basset made history with that role, becoming the first actor nominated for an Oscar for a role in a Marvel film. Her portrayal of Queen Ramonda showcased her ability to convey strength and vulnerability, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Angela Bassett’s Husband: From Yale to Hollywood
Angela Bassett’s husband, Courtney B. Vance, is a celebrated actor in his own right, and together they’ve built a partnership rooted in faith, friendship, and mutual respect. He first met Bassett in the 1980s when they were both graduate students at the Yale School of Drama. At the time, Vance was in a relationship, and while they enjoyed a casual friendship, romance wasn’t in the cards just yet.
“I didn’t run into Courtney again until 1994,” Bassett told Oprah Winfrey during a 2007 interview. “I was out with some friends, and he was too. It was like, ‘Hey! Great to see you.”
Fate subsequently brought them back together in Los Angeles. Now both single, they reconnected and their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. After a few years of dating, they married on October 12, 1997, in a private ceremony in Malibu, California.
Courtney B. Vance’s Distinguished Career
Bassett’s husband has built an impressive career in film, television, and theater. He gained early acclaim for his role in the Broadway production of Fences and continued to showcase his versatility with performances in films like The Hunt for Red October (1990) and The Preacher’s Wife (1996).
Vance’s portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in the FX series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016) earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. He won a second Emmy in 2020 for his guest role in HBO’s Lovecraft Country. Additionally, he received a Tony Award in 2013 for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Lucky Guy, as reported by CBS News.
Beyond acting, Vance is an advocate for the arts and education. He serves on the board of directors for The Actors Center in New York City and is an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Building a Family Along With a Strong Partnership
After facing fertility challenges, Bassett and Vance welcomed fraternal twins Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah in 2006 via surrogate. In a 2007 interview with Oprah, Bassett spoke candidly about their journey to parenthood, emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance. Since then, she’s shared about the experience regularly, advocating for open discussion of infertility and surrogacy.
The couple has embraced their roles as parents with dedication and love. Bassett playfully describes herself as the “fun” parent, while Vance is more of a “helicopter” dad.
“I have always told them, ‘I am your good time. Mama’s your good time. Because Daddy’s your helicopter,” she told Glamour in 2022.
The Secret to Their Enduring Love
Bassett and Vance’s relationship is a testament to the power of friendship, communication, and shared values. They co-authored a book, Friends: A Love Story, detailing their journey from classmates to soulmates. When asked about the key to their lasting marriage, Bassett emphasizes the importance of choosing the right partner.
“Staying together so long, whether in the industry or not, I think the important thing is that you gotta marry the right person. Make sure you’re both looking in the same direction, basically,” she shared with People.com.
Their mutual support is evident in their public appearances and professional collaborations. Vance often praises Bassett’s talent and strength, while she acknowledges his unwavering dedication and love.
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance exemplify a partnership built on mutual respect, shared goals, and enduring love. Their journey offers inspiration to many, especially millennial Black women seeking examples of successful, supportive relationships.
As Bassett continues to break barriers in Hollywood and Vance garners acclaim for his performances, their bond remains a cornerstone of their lives. Together, they demonstrate that love, when nurtured with care and commitment, can thrive amidst the demands of life and career.
Courtney B. Vance Earns a Spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Angela Bassett’s husband has been selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Class of 2025. This honor recognizes his significant contributions to television, including his acclaimed performance as Johnnie Cochran in FX’s The People v. O.J. Simpson, which earned him an Emmy Award.
Vance’s career spans decades, with notable roles in productions such as HBO’s Lovecraft Country and National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth to every role have solidified his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
This recognition places Vance among other distinguished honorees in the 2025 class, including Jane Fonda, Prince (posthumously), and Nia Long. As he joins the stars immortalized on Hollywood Boulevard, including his wife, who received her star on the Walk of Fame in 2008, Vance’s legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children do Angela Bassett and her husband have?
The couple welcomed their two children, a son, and a daughter, via surrogacy. The fraternal twins Bronwyn Golden Vance and Slater Josiah Vance were born on January 27, 2006.
How did Courtney B. Vance meet Angela Bassett?
Bassett and Vance first crossed paths as students at Yale University in the 1980s. Bassett received her bachelor’s degree in African American studies from the Ivy League school in 1980 and later received a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama in 1983.
What is Courtney Vance famous for?
He is known for his roles in the films Hamburger Hill (1987), The Hunt for Red October (1990), The Tuskegee Airmen (1995), The Preacher’s Wife (1996), Cookie’s Fortune (1999), and The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016).