When people think of Angela Bassett, they picture a Hollywood legend, a woman who has played unforgettable roles in movies like Black Panther, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, and Waiting to Exhale. But did you know Angela has a younger sister who prefers to live a life far away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood? Her name is D’nette Bassett, and while she stays away from the spotlight, she is a big part of Angela’s life and success.
In this article, we’ll talk about who D’nette Bassett is, her childhood, her bond with Angela, and the life she leads today. Even though she isn’t an actress, her story is interesting and inspiring in its own quiet way.
D’nette Bassett Quick Bio
|
|
| Full Name |
D’nette Bassett |
| Famous As |
Angela Bassett’s younger sister |
| Birth Year |
1960 |
| Age (2025) |
65 years old |
| Birthplace |
New York City, USA |
| Nationality |
American |
| Ethnicity |
African American |
| Zodiac Sign |
Not publicly known |
| Parents |
Daniel Benjamin Bassett, Betty Jane Bassett |
| Siblings |
Angela Evelyn Bassett |
| Education |
BA in Human Relations & History (William Penn College, 1982) |
| Career |
Customer Manager at U.S. Airways (since 1984) |
| Former Jobs |
Teacher, Tutorial Coordinator |
| Marital Status |
Private/Not known |
| Children |
Not known |
| Current City |
Charlotte, North Carolina |
Who Is D’nette Bassett?
D’nette Bassett is best known as the younger sister of Angela Bassett. While Angela chose a career in acting and became a star, D’nette took a different path. She decided to live a normal, private life. Unlike Angela, she has never wanted to be part of the entertainment industry or be in the public eye.
Still, D’nette plays an important role in her sister’s life. She shares a close relationship with Angela and often supports her during big moments. Sometimes, D’nette appears at special events with her sister, but she mostly stays away from fame and cameras.
D’nette’s Early Life and Childhood
D’nette Bassett was born in 1960 in New York City. She grew up with Angela in the Harlem neighborhood before their family went through some big changes. The two sisters were raised in a home where family love was the most important thing, even when life got tough.
As kids, both sisters loved music and entertainment. They were fans of The Jackson 5 and would sing and dance together. Angela was always interested in acting, but D’nette focused more on school and books. Even from a young age, she knew she wanted to do something different from her older sister.
Raised by a Strong Single Mother
Life wasn’t easy for D’nette and Angela when they were young. Their parents, Daniel Benjamin Bassett and Betty Jane Bassett, separated when the girls were small. After the divorce, their mother, Betty Jane, moved them to St. Petersburg, Florida, to give them a fresh start.
Betty Jane was a strong woman who worked very hard to raise her daughters on her own. She attended night school to get better jobs and eventually worked at the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. D’nette and Angela would often help their mother study by making flashcards and quizzing her before exams. This shows how close the family was and how much they supported each other.
Betty Jane always encouraged her daughters to get a good education and become independent women. She believed education was the key to a better life. Sadly, Betty passed away in June 2014, but her lessons and love continue to guide both Angela and D’nette.
Education and College Life
Following their mother’s advice, D’nette Bassett worked hard in school. She attended William Penn College, where she graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations and History. D’nette was always interested in understanding people and history, which explains why she chose this field of study.
Unlike her famous sister, D’nette never dreamed of being an actress or a celebrity. She preferred a simple and meaningful career. After finishing her studies, she started working as a history teacher to share her love of learning with others.
D’nette Bassett’s Career Journey
D’nette’s career began at Walter Williams High School, where she worked as a history teacher from 1982 to 1983. She loved teaching but soon moved on to another role as a Tutorial Coordinator at Winston-Salem State University. There, she helped students with their studies and supported their learning goals for almost a year.
In 1984, D’nette joined U.S. Airways in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to her Facebook bio, she has been working there as a Customer Manager for decades. Her career path shows that she prefers stability and a life away from the chaos of Hollywood.
A Life Away from Fame
While Angela Bassett’s face is known worldwide, D’nette is perfectly happy staying out of the spotlight. She rarely makes public appearances and is not active on social media. For her, fame was never the goal. She enjoys living a quiet life, focusing on her career and family.
Even though she is not part of the entertainment industry, D’nette shares a deep bond with her sister. Angela often talks about how her family keeps her grounded, and D’nette plays a big role in that. She gives Angela advice and support when she needs it, proving that being a star’s sister can be just as powerful behind the scenes.
The Close Bond Between Angela and D’nette
One of the most heartwarming things about D’nette Bassett is how close she is to Angela Bassett. Even though Angela is a global star, she often says that her sister is one of her biggest sources of love and support. The two share a bond that goes beyond just being siblings. They are also close friends who deeply understand each other.
When Angela married actor Courtney B. Vance, D’nette gave her a simple but powerful piece of advice: always put your husband first. Angela once shared this advice in an interview, saying it helped her build a stronger and happier marriage. Courtney also took this advice to heart, which shows how much D’nette’s wisdom means to their family.
Public Appearances with Angela Bassett
D’nette Bassett doesn’t attend public events often, but when she does, it’s usually to support her sister. In 2019, she was spotted with Angela and Courtney B. Vance at The Broad Museum’s “Soul of a Nation” Art Exhibition in Los Angeles. People loved seeing this rare moment because it showed how proud D’nette is of her sister’s work and achievements.
Angela has also mentioned that D’nette spends special times with her family, including holidays and big celebrations. For example, D’nette joined Angela, Courtney, and their twins, Slater and Bronwyn, to celebrate New Year’s Eve in 2022. These moments show how much the sisters value family time, no matter how busy life gets.
D’nette Bassett’s Personal Life
While Angela’s life is well-documented, D’nette’s personal life is more of a mystery. She has always kept her private matters away from the media. There is no confirmed information about whether she is married or has children. In her mother’s obituary, only Angela’s twins are listed as Betty Jane’s grandchildren.
This privacy might be one of the reasons D’nette lives such a peaceful and happy life. By staying out of the public eye, she can focus on what matters most—her family, her career, and her own personal happiness.
Remembering Their Mother, Betty Jane Bassett
The Bassett sisters owe a lot of their success and strength to their late mother, Betty Jane Bassett. She worked tirelessly to raise her two daughters alone, and her determination inspired both Angela and D’nette to chase their dreams. Betty passed away in June 2014, but her lessons still guide her daughters today.
In honor of their mother, friends and family were asked to donate to the American Heart or Lung Association instead of sending flowers. This act shows the kind of values Betty instilled in her daughters—compassion, kindness, and giving back to the community.
Angela and D’nette Bassett – Are They Twins?
Many people often wonder if Angela and D’nette are twins. This is because they were born just two years apart and look quite similar. However, the answer is no. Angela was born in August 1958, while D’nette was born in 1960. Even though they are not twins, their bond makes them feel like they are.
Angela has often spoken about how having a sister so close in age gave her constant support while growing up. Whether it was studying together or facing challenges, the Bassett sisters always had each other’s backs.
D’nette Bassett Today
As of 2025, D’nette Bassett continues to live a simple and private life in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been working with U.S. Airways for decades, which shows her dedication and loyalty to her career. While she doesn’t seek fame, her influence on Angela’s life is clear. Angela often credits her family, especially D’nette, for keeping her grounded and humble despite her Hollywood success.
Even though D’nette doesn’t appear on red carpets or TV interviews, her quiet strength and love for her family make her an important part of Angela Bassett’s journey.
Final Thoughts
D’nette Bassett may not be a household name like her sister Angela, but her story is just as inspiring. She shows that you don’t need fame to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. From helping her mother study at night to giving Angela heartfelt advice, D’nette’s presence is a reminder that family support is one of the strongest forces in life.
Angela Bassett’s incredible success is not just her own—it’s built on the foundation of love, guidance, and encouragement from people like D’nette Bassett. In 2025, as Angela continues to shine in Hollywood, her younger sister remains one of her quiet yet powerful pillars of strength.
(FAQs)
Is D’nette Bassett also an actress like her sister Angela?
No, D’nette Bassett has never worked in acting or the entertainment industry. She chose a private life and a career outside of Hollywood.
Are Angela Bassett and D’nette Bassett twins?
No, they are not twins. Angela was born in 1958, and D’nette was born in 1960, but their close age and similar looks make many people think they are twins.
What job does D’nette Bassett have?
D’nette has worked at U.S. Airways in Charlotte, North Carolina, since 1984. Before that, she was a teacher and a tutorial coordinator.
Was D’nette close to Angela Bassett’s husband, Courtney B. Vance?
Yes, D’nette gave Angela advice about marriage that even Courtney followed. She told Angela to always put her husband first, which helped strengthen their relationship.
Does D’nette Bassett have children or a husband?
There is no public information about D’nette having a husband or children. She has always kept her personal life very private.
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