Angela Bassett didn’t shed any tears when she dropped her kids off at college. The moment marked a significant milestone for the acclaimed actress, who has successfully balanced her Hollywood career with motherhood for nearly two decades.
The 66-year-old actress has revealed that she actually felt “lots of joy” when she dropped her 19-year-old twins, Bronwyn and Slater, off at their new school. This positive approach to the empty nest transition reflects a growing trend among parents who view their children’s departure for college as a celebration of independence.
“You know what, no tears. Just lots of joy,” the award-winning star, who has been married to actor Courtney B. Vance since 1997, told the “Today” show. Their marriage has become one of Hollywood’s most enduring partnerships, spanning more than 26 years.
“You think you’re going to cry, and because you think you are going to do that, it doesn’t happen,” she explained, offering a refreshing perspective on a moment that often brings parents to tears.
“I remember when I went to college and how wonderful it was, so, of course, I wanted that for them too, so no cries, no guilt.” Bassett’s own college experience at Yale University, where she earned a B.A. in African American studies, helped shape her positive outlook on her children’s academic journey.
Bassett will always support twins’ choices
Bassett previously insisted that she will support her kids if they follow her into the movie business. This supportive stance comes from her own experience navigating the entertainment industry, where she has built an impressive career spanning more than three decades.
The Hollywood star revealed that she will always support her children, irrespective of what they do in their careers. This unconditional support aligns with expert recommendations for fostering healthy parent-child relationships during the transition to adulthood.
Speaking about her kids’ interests, Bassett explained to PEOPLE: “They want to follow the success, but whether it be acting, I don’t get any clues to that right now. It’s a little music, a little sports. But whatever they want to do, I support them.”
Bassett previously won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and the movie star revealed that she celebrated her success with her kids. This achievement added to her impressive collection of accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It.
The acclaimed actress, who has won a host of awards during her career, including a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, said: “I went home and hugged my kids. They were really excited for mom to bring home a statue.” This moment exemplifies how Bassett has maintained strong family bonds while achieving professional success.
Bassett, the role model
Throughout her career, Bassett has been a role model for working mothers, demonstrating that it’s possible to excel in a demanding profession while raising well-adjusted children. Her approach to parenting and career has inspired many in the entertainment industry and beyond.
The twins, born in 2006, have grown up in the spotlight but have been raised with a strong emphasis on education and personal development. This parenting philosophy reflects Bassett and Vance’s commitment to providing their children with a balanced upbringing despite their high-profile status.
As the twins embark on their college journey, they join the approximately 19.9 million students attending colleges and universities in the United States. Their transition represents a new chapter not only for them but also for their accomplished parents, who continue to serve as an inspiration for families navigating similar life changes.
Bassett’s joyful response to this milestone moment offers a powerful message about embracing change and celebrating children’s independence, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the often emotional narratives surrounding empty nest syndrome.
