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. As a young child, her interest in entertainment developed, as she and her sister would often put on shows, reading poems or perform popular music for their family. At Boca Ciega High School, Bassett was a member of the debate Read more...

In 1985 she made her first appearance on television as a prostitute in the TV movie Doubletake (1985). However, she made her official film debut as a news reporter in F/X (1986). Bassett has said "I really believe that what I do as an actress is my God-given talent. This is my calling...not my career." Bassett moved to Los Angeles and gained recognition in the films Boyz n the Hood (1991) and Malcolm Read more...

Bassett is a private person, often choosing not to discuss her personal life with the public. She is also a religious person who is of the Christian faith and attends LA's West Angeles Church of God in Christ along with fellow actor Denzel Washington. Bassett told the Los Angeles Times: "Loving God is like my being black. I just am. [No one says] 'You know what? I'm gonna be blacker today!' It's Read more...