For more than 30 years, Angela Bassett has been a working actress in Hollywood, and she has no intention of slowing down.
She acknowledged in her Essence cover story for the months of November and December 2022 that she loves the fact that she can still land roles and that acting has always been her dream.
“At one point early on, just going to work as an actress consistently—for me, that was the soft life,” she said. “At the beginning of the year on New Year’s—yay! On your birthday—yay! ‘I’m working—yes!’”
But despite her hectic schedule, Angela makes time for self-care.
For instance, the cast and crew of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever put in French hours, which involved working 10 hours nonstop five to six days a week.
The actress, who was nominated for an Oscar, made it a point to be present both when she was working and when she wasn't.
“I would try to make the best of it,” the mother of two said. “Play some music, add a glass of wine to that after we wrapped, and then get some rest for another early pickup. If you have a day off, you go to a museum or the park, or go for a bike ride—something like that to just relax, to chill.”
However, Angela cites her husband of 25 years, Courtney B. Vance, as the ideal example of how to truly live the "soft life."
Many social media influencers claim that leading a "soft life" is generally defined as prioritizing pleasure and actively choosing the route of least resistance.
“I think Courtney’s into the soft life,” Angela said of her talented husband. “He’s going to the chiropractor and getting foot massages. I’m like, ‘I need to catch up with you, learn from you. You are doing your self-care, brother.’”
Although Courtney is all in on the soft life, Angela is still finding her way. As one of the highest-paid actresses on television for her role in 9-1-1, she continues challenging herself in her work such as expanding into directing. Her work ethic is undeniable and the veteran actress attributes it to what she saw growing up.
“I think a part of me, or part of us as Black women, is that we become used to the stress of life,” she expressed. “It can become so pervasive, so every day, that it’s just what it is—with the work, and the husband, and the family and all that. That pulls on you.”
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