Birthday Buzz: Christian Actress Angela Bassett Turns 54 & Releases Educational PSA

By Geraldine McClendon/EEW Magazine Staff

She’s a beautiful Academy Award nominated Christian actress, wife, mom and activist. Angela Bassett, who will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the best actresses of our generation, turns 54 today.

Bassett played one of her most memorable roles in 1993's "What's Love Got to Do with It," an American biopic based on the life of singer Tina Turner. The film, adapted by Jade Takacs from the book I, Tina written by Tina Turner and Kurt Loder, chronicles Turner’s rise to stardom and her struggle to break free from abusive husband, Ike, played remarkably well by Laurence Fishburne.

Bassett also played Betty Shabazz in Malcolm X; Bernadine “Bernie” Harris in Waiting to Exhale; Tanya Anderson in Akeelah and The Bee, and many more outstanding roles.

Aside from her work as a decorated actress, Bassett is an activist, always seeking ways to improve our communities and our world.

This week, Virginia State University's President, Keith T. Miller, released an educational PSA featuring the actress's thoughts on where we are and where we're going through education.

Watch it below.

From our entire staff at EEW Magazine, Happy Birthday Angela Bassett. Thank you for all the memorable roles you have given us over the years. We wish you many more!