Angela Bassett is adding “Dr.” to her name yet again. The American Horror Story actress announced on Friday that she had received an honorary doctorate from Old Dominion University in Virginia.
Bassett shared that she was “happy and humbled” to receive her Doctor of Humane Letters from the esteemed public institution. “Education is truly the KEY! #stillmakingmymommaproud,” she wrote in her Twitter caption.
Bassett received the honor the same weekend she served as a keynote speaker for ODU’s 2022 commencement ceremony. Addressing the graduating class, Bassett powerfully urged students to honor the values of royalty set forth by ODU’s mascot the Monarch, a lion with a crown on its head.
“Thanks to a little film called Black Panther, I think I know a little bit about royalty … well, fictional royalty at least,” Bassett joked, drawing a laugh from the crowd.
But the actress was quick to emphasize the royalty she spoke about had nothing to do with “superheroes or kingdoms or magical powers,” and everything to do with the graduates in front of her.
“It’s about your leadership and your legacy,” Bassett passionately shared. “That’s the real crown that I want you to wear every day when you step out into the world.”
The 9-1-1 star already possessed an honorary doctorate from Morehouse College, a historically Black college in Atlanta that honored Bassett for her leadership in Hollywood. She also has three degrees, including an honorary doctorate, from her alma mater, Yale University.
In 2020, Yale presented her with its lifetime achievement award, making Bassett the first Black recipient of the honor. Previous recipients of the award include Yale alumni President George H.W. Bush, President George W. Bush, Jodie Foster, and Anderson Cooper.
Angela Bassett born August 16, 1958 is an American actress, director, and producer. Known for her portrayals of African-American female leads, Bassett is the recipient of numerous accolades.
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance are both considered legends in Hollywood. The couple has been able to maintain longevity not just with their acting careers, but also with their marriage. Angela and Courtney have been married for 24 years and became parents to twins Slater and Bronwyn in 2006.