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Angela Bassett Quotes

Powerful Angela Bassett for Daily Growth

About Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett, born on August 16, 1958, in New York City, is an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances, captivating presence, and dedication to portraying strong, influential women. Raised by her parents – Betty Jane (Gordon) and Daniel Bassett, a business executive – she developed an early appreciation for the arts, with her mother encouraging her creative pursuits. After graduating from the Yale School of Drama in 1983, Bassett embarked on a career that would span three decades and encompass film, television, and theater. Her breakthrough role came in 1993 when she portrayed Tina Turner in the biographical film "What's Love Got to Do with It." Her stunning performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, cementing her as a formidable presence in Hollywood. Bassett's career is marked by her commitment to playing real-life figures who have left indelible marks on history. Among these are Betty Shabazz in "Malcolm X" (1992), Rosa Parks in "The Rosa Parks Story" (2002), and Katherine Jackson in "The Jacksons: An American Dream" (1992). In addition to her acting, Bassett is a staunch advocate for social justice, using her platform to address issues of race, gender, and inequality. She has been honored with numerous awards for her work, including a Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Emmy nominations. Angela Bassett continues to inspire through her artistry, activism, and unwavering commitment to telling stories that matter. Her influence extends beyond the screen, making her an icon of strength, resilience, and grace for generations to come.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't set out to play the strong black woman; I set out to play a character."

This quote emphasizes that Angela Bassett does not aim to portray stereotypical "strong black women" in her roles, but instead seeks to bring authentic, complex characters to life, regardless of their race or ethnicity. It suggests that she wants to break free from the limitations often imposed on Black actresses and portray a wide range of human experiences and emotions.

"I have a choice every day about how I'm going to face this world and it's a choice that makes me feel free."

This quote emphasizes the empowerment derived from having daily choices, which in turn fosters a sense of freedom. In other words, Angela Bassett highlights the importance of personal agency, suggesting that we can actively shape our experiences by choosing how to approach each day with a positive attitude, thereby experiencing liberation and self-expression.

"If something doesn't challenge you, it won't change you."

This quote by Angela Bassett emphasizes the idea that personal growth and development come from overcoming challenges. It suggests that one must face struggles or obstacles to grow and transform as individuals. By taking on difficult tasks, we push ourselves beyond our comfort zones, learn new skills, and ultimately evolve into better versions of ourselves. In essence, challenges are catalysts for change.

"It's not the load that breaks you down; it's the way you carry it." - Lou Holtz (A quote she often attributes to)

This quote suggests that the burden or challenges we face in life do not inherently break us, but rather it is our attitude and resilience in dealing with those burdens that can lead to our downfall. In other words, how one copes with difficulties and adversity determines their strength and ability to endure, not the difficulties themselves. It's an inspiring reminder to remain strong, hopeful, and adaptable in the face of hardship.

"I was born for a purpose...to serve, to love and to leave a lasting legacy."

This quote by Angela Bassett encapsulates her belief in living a purpose-driven life. She views her existence as not merely an accident of nature but rather a deliberate creation with a specific mission – to serve others, express love, and establish a meaningful and enduring legacy. This mindset inspires us to seek out our own unique purposes, strive for selflessness, cultivate love, and aim for impactful contributions to the world beyond ourselves.

I would have to say honestly I was very pleased to be in a film whether it was good or bad with De Niro, Norton and Brando even if I don't have any scenes with them, I thought it was pretty good company to keep.

- Angela Bassett

Bad, Very, De Niro, Norton

When I was in school, my mother stressed education. I am so glad she did. I graduated from Yale College and Yale University with my master's and I didn't do it by missing school.

- Angela Bassett

College, Graduation, Missing

This is a career about images. It's celluloid; they last for ever. I'm a black woman from America. My people were slaves in America, and even though we're free on paper and in law, I'm not going to allow you to enslave me on film, in celluloid, for all to see.

- Angela Bassett

Woman, Career, Allow, Celluloid

I want to be evil! I did play Lady Macbeth on stage to Alec Baldwin's Macbeth back in New York in 1998. But I've played a lot of characters who are so righteous and understanding. I don't want to be a goody-goody two-shoes all the time.

- Angela Bassett

Play, Back, Lot, Macbeth

I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician because, as a second job, my mother would clean up a pediatrician's office. So I was like, 'Oh, OK, baby doctor.' Until I got to college, and all the courses of science with the blood, guts and cadavers? I was like, 'Mm, no.'

- Angela Bassett

College, Thought, Clean Up, OK

I can give you the King's English and then I can take it to the street, but do both or do one and don't do one knowing only the street. That's going to hold you back because what comes out is going to impress people, and it will impress them negatively.

- Angela Bassett

Back, I Can, Hold, Negatively

I really believe that what I do as an actress is my God-given talent. This is my calling, not my career.

- Angela Bassett

Talent, Career, Actress, God-Given

The first time I acted was in high school in Florida, and when I heard that applause I felt so alive and felt that electricity go up my spine.

- Angela Bassett

Alive, Florida, Felt, Applause

Sometimes you want to skate along or just get by or fly under the radar, but sometimes you have to stand up and let your voice be heard and give it your best and give it your all. As a mother of young children, that's something I've tried to emphasize and highlight for them.

- Angela Bassett

Voice, Young, Sometimes, Skate

I like the nice guys. I like when they show the stories, the human element behind it all.

- Angela Bassett

Behind, Like, Stories, Human Element

It's important to surround yourself with good people, interesting people, young people, young ideas. Go places, learn new stuff. Look at the world with wonder - don't be tired about it.

- Angela Bassett

Good, Young, About, Surround

I'm thinking about directing, but I know it's a lot of work and I appreciate what directors do and I would like to be good at it. The opportunity has presented itself four to five times, and I usually said no because of the script.

- Angela Bassett

Work, Like, Directors, Presented

My mom was always pretty supportive. She saw me do plays and she'd always act out the parts I did. My aunt, who played a big part in my life, was a little bit more reserved, because if they don't see you on TV every week they think you must be starving.

- Angela Bassett

My Life, Big, Supportive, Aunt

I love doing action. Since I'm not 21, there's some, 'Let me get to the gym so I can do it.' But I love to defy expectations.

- Angela Bassett

Love, Doing, Some, Defy

The three things I said when I came out of school were I want to work consistently, I want to do good work and I want to be paid fairly, and that's happened. But I didn't become an actress for the money. I do it for other reasons.

- Angela Bassett

Good Work, Other, Reasons, Consistently

I'd tell my 20-year-old self, 'Don't be afraid to do it all. Whatever you're interested in, just go for it. Don't wait around for a better time.'

- Angela Bassett

Wait, Go For It, Tell, Better Time

We all have a gift; we all have a passion - it's just about finding it and going into it. Being an asset to your family and community.

- Angela Bassett

Gift, Going, About, Finding

I guess I'm breaking out a little of what's comfortable and easy.

- Angela Bassett

Easy, Breaking, Guess, Comfortable

I want my children to experience as much creativity as possible. That's what sets your mind on fire.

- Angela Bassett

Mind, Want, Sets, Fire

Drink a bunch of water and get facials regularly. I take care of my skin.

- Angela Bassett

Get, Regularly, Take, Bunch

I am content that the work that I've done is wonderful.

- Angela Bassett

Work, I Am, Wonderful, Content

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