Angela Bassett: Wakanda forever

Angela Bassett is a true Hollywood legend. Although she hasn’t stopped working since the early 1990s when she first found fame in the groundbreaking Boyz n the Hood, she is best known for her biographical portrayal of strong African American women such as Rosa Parks, Betty Shabazz, Katherine Jackson, Voletta Wallace and her Oscar-nominated role as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It. In more recent years, Yale-educated Angela has starred in Mission: Impossible Fallout, American Horror Story and is currently in the midst of filming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where the versatile actress is repeating her role as Queen Mother to recently passed Chadwick Boseman’s King T’Challa. Angela found time during her extremely busy filming schedule to catch up with The Citizen to talk about her long and illustrious career and why type 2 diabetes prevention is a cause close to her heart.

Having portrayed powerful Black women on screen, how important is it that Black history is portrayed in movies?

As someone who loves and appreciates history, I have always believed that documenting the past is an important part of the legacy of filmmaking, especially when it comes to Black history. When we tell our stories, we raise awareness, inspire present and future generations, and give them a roadmap to the circumstances and the people who paved the way for them. History allows us to have a greater appreciation of our present and to be able to see different interpretations of that history is truly a gift.

It’s encouraging to see many more black and brown talent and projects that speak to the Black experience, but we still have so much work to do

Last issue, we interviewed Shabier Kirchner, award-winning cinematographer in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series of films. Do you think that the Black experience is finally changing in the world of movies and television and there is more diversity?

I would like to think that it is changing, but we can’t assume that we’ve done all there is to do. We have to keep pushing and creating and teaching. We also need to make sure that we are constantly building and nurturing the talent pipelines in every area of the filmmaking business, from the studios and networks to who we see in front of and behind the camera on set. So yes, it’s encouraging to see many more Black and Brown talents and projects that speak to the Black experience, but we still have so much work to do. It never stops.

Angela Bassett

Photo cred: D'Andre Michael

You have played a whole range of characters throughout your career. Is there a role that you haven’t been offered that would be your dream to play?

I do not look at anything that has not been a part of my journey as a lost or missed opportunity. I’ve been living my dream and am grateful to have been blessed to portray so many extraordinary women, both real-life and fictional. And my journey is still in progress. That has been the real dream.

What has been the definitive role in your career so far?

I think that’s a tough question to answer. From my perspective, all of the roles I’ve taken on have had very special meaning to me. All of those women are a part of me, and they each have their place in my journey as an actress. My hope is that I’ve done them all the justice they deserve.

You are the advocate for type 2 diabetes prevention. Can you tell us more about why this is a cause close to your heart?

I joined the Know Diabetes By Heart initiative, a joint venture by the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association, in honour of my mother. Losing her was a major wake-up call to use my voice to reduce deaths, heart attacks, strokes and heart failure for people living with type 2 diabetes. I share my story to shed light on the link between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the link between the two motivated me to make healthy lifestyle changes and to talk about the risk with others, including my uncle Ralph who is living with type 2 diabetes. So, the inspiration to get involved was my family, but my continuing to be a part of this important initiative is to help save countless lives.

Having won a slew of awards including a Golden Globe and earning an Oscar nomination, are accolades important to you?

The awards and accolades certainly have their place in my heart. I’m grateful for every award, including the Golden Globe, but also multiple NAACP Image Awards, AAFCA TV Honors, Black Girls Rock! and more. But at the end of the day, what really tells the story is the work and the tremendous effort that it takes for everyone, from the cast to the crew, to create amazing storytelling. So yes, it’s truly wonderful to be recognised for the work that I do, and I’m forever grateful. But the real gift is getting to do the work with so many extraordinary people.

Antigua will always hold a special place in my heart. I love the quaintness, the calm, its beauty and serenity. The people are gracious and charming. There is an exhale that happens in your spirit the moment you arrive

You are currently working on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Can you tell us more about the project and how it has been getting back to work after one of the most difficult years for the film industry?

First, I’m glad that we were able to get back to work safely. That was most important. Getting back to work with my Black Panther family has been bitter-sweet, as you can imagine. On one hand, it’s an honour to continue telling the story of this iconic character and all of the greatness that comes with taking people back to beautiful Wakanda. But it’s also surreal for everyone because Chad was truly our centre. Not just as the character, Black Panther, but also as a leader and a kind, generous, wonderful man. What inspires us and keeps us moving forward each day is the appreciation that Chad is right there with us in spirit and would want the Black Panther legacy to live on in some way. We work hard each day on that set to make him proud to have left this jewel known as Black Panther in our hearts and souls. Wakanda Forever.

You’ve been to Antigua a few times. What makes the island so special?

Antigua will always hold a special place in my heart. I love the quaintness, the calm, its beauty and serenity. The people are gracious and charming. There is an exhale that happens in your spirit the moment you arrive. Those are the moments, in essence, that revive our souls the most. Antigua doesn’t overwhelm but instead welcomes you and aligns her flow with yours.