Nurith NupurAngela Bassett
How many actresses can boast of being a Yale graduate? Angela Bassett sure can! With a brain rivaling with her talent, the 59-year-old is a dynamic actress. Born in the Harlem neighborhood, the actress always nursed a desire for acting since childhood. She was, for the most part, an excellent student in the academic field and was part of several school clubs, until college. Her aim in acting was to break away from the stereotypical roles assigned to black actors in movies and establish a new identity for fellow dark-skinned actors. She is best known for playing a variety of hard-hitting and emotional roles. Her performances pack a powerful punch with regards to the exuberance and captivating manner she portrays her characters in. Bassett refused to fall into the hole of playing roles for the sake of vanity, which proved to be her strong suit. Apart from pursuing acting, she is also a consistent presence in political campaigns and an active ambassador in UNICEF for the United States.