Angela joins TV's ER

Angela Bassett, who gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of Tina Turner, will become a regular in the upcoming final series of the long-running show, ER.

The Hollywood Reporter says Bassett will "play a nurse with a troubled past whose arrival causes a storm" and "promises to shake County General's ER to the core".

Bassett's character will make her entrance in episode two (of the 19 episodes planned for the final season), returning to Chicago after working in Indonesia as a tsunami relief worker.

Executive producer John Wells said: "Angela is a wonderfully talented actress whom I've long hoped to work with."

Source:[HollywoodReporter.com]

From Simonique: Angela's done TV before but its been a TV movie here (The Rosa Parks Story) or a guest star role there (Alias). ER is AB history, it marks the very first time Angela is to be a regular cast member in an entire season on a television show. BassettHounds, you know what that means: our Thursday nights are booked! (smile)

Angela has a solid example of success in television right at home with her husband, Courtney B. Vance, who was a regular on Law & Order: Criminal Intent for 5 seasons.

Right now ER stars Mekhi Phifer and airs every Thursday at 10pm. And according to her character's description, it sounds like Angie is going to bring the drama, like we know she can, every week with Mekhi and the cast. Visit [NBC.com] for more ER!


In other Angie B News...
Filming for The Notorious B.I.G. Movie is reportedly wrapping this month in NYC. Heres what Angela had to say about playing Biggie's Mama in the movie:

What did you think when Voletta Wallace asked you to portray her in 'Notorious'?

Angela Bassett: I was yeah mortified (laughs). No it was a great complement, a great complement and scary because you want to do it justice and she has this accent that she doesn't think she has (laughs). To work on that is so it's scary, and unreal.

How familiar were you with Biggie Smalls?

Angela Bassett: A little bit not, I saw documentaries and 'I love it when you call me big papa'. I was into that song but not the whole discography but that's alright because [his mother] said she wasn't familiar with all he was doing, all that was his world out there.

Plan to see Angela in "Notorious" come January 16th, 2009

Beanie Sigel's Love Letter to Angela

Broad Street Bully Beanie Sigel shows Angela Bassett some Thug Passion:

By the time this reaches you, I pray it finds you in the best of health–physically, spiritually and mentally. It’s been a while since I’ve seen your beautiful face, and although we haven’t met, I feel as though I’ve known you forever. So allow me to apologize if I’ve affected you by addressing you so personally in the opening of my letter. That merely wasn’t my intent.

I’d like to thank you for being by my side in times of hardship. Some unfortunate events that occured in my life forces me to reside in a residential facility a few years back. You see, while inside the barbed-wire stockade, I found relief in your beautiful face and bright smile, which gave space and lit up the dim gray walls it was posted on in the small cell I was confined in.

I’d often find myself staring at your picture and letting my imagination run free, falling asleep escaping the concrete walls that barricade me. I’d dream that I took you on the perfect date, out of this world. We’d take a magic carpet ride through the sky, then go roller-skating around the rings of Saturn. We’d sit on on the edge of a crescent moon and pitch stars into the Milky Way. There I would propose to you and offer the sun as an engagement ring. We would make love on a bed of clouds, fall fast asleep, then slowly drift back to Earth.

In closing, it’d be real special to have the chance to meet you. I know love wouldn’t have anything to do with it, and I’m sure that your groove is intact. :) It’d be a dream come true.

Until I close my eyes and we meet again, stay as beautiful as you are.

Soft words from a hardened heart,

Beanie Sigel

P.S. To Whom It May Concern: If this letter does not meet its intended destination, please send it to heaven, because it was meant for an angel.

Simonique's 2 Cents:

I thought this was actually a really sweet letter (if only a little cliche) that Beanie felt compelled to write after being inspired by Angela in a positive way. Its no different from D.L. Hughley who confesses his love for Angie whenever he has the chance. I didnt find it weird or surprising in the least bit, Angela is a stunner you know. Laurence Fishburne, Forest Whitaker, and Rick Fox would definitely agree, all 3 men showed to support Ang at her Star ceremony last month.  

Although Wow Jones speculated at his site, that either Beanie or Angela's publicist came up with this to promote their respective projects. I have to say, (as a PR major and BassettHound) in the 20 plus years Angela has been a working actress in Hollywood she has never fabricated stories for a PR gain. Beanie Sigel just really loves him some Angie B! And hes not the only one!