Angela Evelyn Bassett (born August 16, 1958) is an
African American actress. She has become well-known for her
biographical film roles portraying women in African American culture, perhaps most prominently as singer
Tina Turner in the motion picture
What's Love Got to Do with It.
Early life
Bassett was born in
New York City and relocated to
St. Petersburg, Florida as a child. She and her sister D'nette were raised by their
social worker/civil servant mother, Betty.
[Angela Bassett Biography (1958-)][As Tina Turner, Wig to High Heels - New York Times] As her interest in entertainment developed, she and her sister would often put on shows, reading poems or performing popular music for their family. At
Boca Ciega High School, Bassett was a member of the debate team, student government, drama club, choir, and was a cheerleader.
