Why You Recognize Angela Bassett's Husband

There's no denying that Angela Bassett is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. The Academy- and Emmy-nominated superstar has appeared in such hits as Black Panther, Waiting to Exhale, What's Love Got to Do With It, and American Horror Story, just to name a few (via Biography). What some people might not realize, though, is her husband is also an esteemed and successful actor in his own right.

According to Oprah Daily, Bassett met Courtney B. Vance at the prestigious Yale School of Drama. It wasn't love at first sight, but the two remained friends for more than a decade before things finally turned romantic. The couple wed in 1997 and welcomed twins, son Slater and daughter Bronwyn, via surrogate in 2006. Bassett and Vance even co-wrote a book, Friends: A Love Story, which was released in 2007. Last year, Bassett spoke to People about the success of their 23-year union.

"Staying together so long, whether in the industry or not, I think the important thing is that you gotta marry the right person," she explained. "Make sure you're both looking in the same direction, basically. You're not clones of each other, but you have similar or closest similar belief systems and, you know, pleasant personalities. Because we all have strengths, strengths and weaknesses, and we want to support one another. But I think also recognizing that we are each individuals, we have our individual dreams and desires and hopes and ways of, of doing things."

Like his wife, Courtney B. Vance has a thriving acting career. He started on the stage and has been nominated for a Tony Award three times, winning in 2013 for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in Lucky Guy (via Broadway.com). He has gone on to star in countless films and TV shows, including Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Lovecraft Country, The Mummy, and Dangerous Minds. He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie, the Critic's Choice Award, and the NAACP Image Award for his role in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (via IMDb). 

During his Emmy speech, Vance was sure to give a shout-out to his proud wife. "To the woman who rocks my chain. Angela Evelyn Bassett, this one is for you girl!" he said (via Essence). He later told People that he "will give this [award statue] to my wife and she will be telling me where in the house it will go."