Angela Bassett tells us about “Black Panther,” her new show with Ryan Murphy, and her health mission
When I received an email with “Angela Bassett” in the subject line, I immediately bypassed all my other emails and gave that one a hearty click. And then, when I saw that I was being asked to interview *the* Angela Bassett, I could feel my body being enveloped by a bubble of panic. But, I mean, how could I not? Especially considering the cause that was behind this request.
The For Your Sweetheart movement is one that aims to raise awareness about the link between type 2 diabetes and heart disease. You may be wondering: What does this have to do with Angela Bassett? The prolific actress’s mom, Betty Jane Bassett, had type 2 diabetes — and tragically died of heart disease. With this being a part of her narrative, Angela joined the For Your Sweetheart movement to bring this important movement into the light.
To learn more about this movement’s mission, and Angela Bassett herself, I pushed my anxiety aside and the following transpired.
HelloGiggles: What is the one thing you hope to accomplish by joining the For Your Sweetheart movement?
Angela Bassett: Well, actually, one big thing is: save lives. You know, just go for it, right? Go big. And I think we have a chance of doing that. It’s a movement to help raise awareness, and I think as soon as we raise awareness, then people will understand the real link/correlation/connection between type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. And once they understand that risk, understand their heart risk, they can do something about it to help lower it.
HG: Everyone here in the office is so excited to see you in Black Panther. What made you want to take on a role in this movie?
AB: How could I not? You know, as they say, They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse…an opportunity to work with some incredibly talented actors whose work I admire, young director Ryan Coogler — who’s been doing some great work — and I just really wanted to spend time on his set working with him… and also, just to come into this superhero, Marvel world. It’s all so good.
Angela Bassett Joins Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ Movie as T’Challa’s South African-Born Stepmother https://t.co/HLD6P5cTPG pic.twitter.com/kUF5P6d3td
— OkayAfrica (@OkayAfrica) December 5, 2016
HG: Since you are super busy, is there one beauty or skin care product you always travel with?
AB: I do have my [line] for skin of color, the hyaluronic acid from Barbara Sturm skin care line. She and I partnered together on that, so I make sure I have that in my bag because, you know, I’ve got to keep it as moist as possible. And hyaluronic acid is very good for that.
HG: Do you have any advice for all the women who want to be doing what you’re doing?
AB: Just keep dreaming. Keep hoping, keep dreaming. Don’t tell yourself you can’t. Because, as I tell my kids, it’s said, “If you say you can or say you can’t, you’re right. So say you can. Say you can. And dream big.”
HG: We are also incredibly excited about your new show, 911. What about this project are you most excited to see come to life?
AB: I think some of the real critical and edge-of-your-seat sort of stories that these operators are engaged in, I think it’s going to be fascinating. I hope so. I mean, if Ryan [Murphy] and American Horror Story is any indication of what we’re able to cook up, then I think we have a great chance of making some TV that’s going to keep audiences glued to their seats. So I’m looking forward to that as well. We’re working on that this summer — for the top of the New Year.
To see the entire interview for yourself, and garner important information about the For Your Sweetheart movement, you can watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCJp6hZfNWI?feature=oembed
To learn your heart disease risk, you can register on For Your Sweetheart for more information. For every individual who signs up, $1 will be donated across participating advocacy organizations.
