Angela Evelyn Bassett (born August 16, 1958) is an Emmy- and Academy Award-nominated. assett was born in New York City and relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida as a child. In 1985 she made her first appearance on television as a prostitute in the TV movie Doubletake (1985). Bassett is a private person, often choosing not to discuss her personal life with the public. She has been married to actor Courtney B. Vance since 1997. Bassett is an avid supporter of programs for the Arts, especially for youth. She is currently a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the United States.