Exclusive New Movie Photos!

Gospel Hill

Movie Poster for the Giancarlo Esposito flick, "Gospel Hill"!

Gospel Hill is already a success overseas where they've screened the film in Berlin. More news on this movie coming!

Of Boys and Men

Angela with Jasmyne Cannick at the Pan African Film Festival premiere for "Of Boy and Men"

Angela Bassett in the car scene from Robert Townsend's "Of Boys and Men"

Meet the Browns

This is definitely the best MTB poster yet! Meet the Browns on March 21st, 2008!

Angie's New Role

BLACKVOICES.COM just revealed the very first cast member to officially sign on to the upcoming Biggie Smalls movie. We are still waiting for confirmation of this latest bit of Angie B News but we'll share what we know so far:

Sources close to the forthcoming biopic, 'Notorious,' the life story of late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (real name: Christopher Wallace), tell me that Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett ('What's Love Got To Do With It') has been cast to play the late rapper's mother Voletta Wallace. Bassett, who'll next star in 'Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns,' is apparently the first officially person cast in the George Tillman Jr.-directed feature film.

What the BassettHounds Have to Say:

"I'm more of a Tupac fan myself but this'll be worth seeing just to hear Angela speaking with Voletta's Jamaican accent! I trust Angela and her choices. If she signed on to this project then it must have something going for it." -Simonique

"Why not? After Katherine, Betty, Tina, and Rosa, let's just add Voletta to the list. I don't think [Angela] is going to have a problem with the accent. I am just glad to see she is constantly working now. Although, the twins do need their momma around." -Amanda

"I can see why they would cast [Angela] as Big's mom because it follows a pattern of women that she has played in the past. I think she can definitely convey all the many emotions that his mother has felt - the love, tenderness, hurt, pain and anger of it all." -Natacia

This is the "teaser poster" for Meet the Browns via Lionsgate.com The movie trailer will be coming soon so keep checking back!

Angie snagging up the trendiest toys for her two kiddies at the celebrity giveaway hotspot, "The Boom Boom Room"! Go visit Mommy Needs a Cocktail to see more pictures of Angie shopping for the twins.

Whats That Got to Do WIth It?

Random Angie B News!

I'm getting more and more excited about "Meet the Browns" the movie and heres the source of my excitement:

Two New Movie Stills of Angela Bassett in MTB

*Ever since I've seen these pictures I've been trying to get that wavy haired look Angie's got in this movie. But my version isnt as well done. Anybody know the secret to Angela's waves? Email me!*

Tyler Perry disclosed (via his email updates at tylerperry.com) that he'll be releasing the movie trailer for "Meet the Browns" very soon. So I'll be posting the trailer as soon as its available.

Heres a radio interview Angela did just last month in Memphis while filming "Nothing But the Truth"

In anticipation of the release of "Of Boys & Men" next month herea a picture of Angela on the set of the film last March 2007:

"Meet the Browns" Movie Poster / Angela & Courtney Set to Tell 'Truth'

Thanks to a fellow BassettHound named Aaron, we've got the first look at the official "Meet the Browns" Movie Poster! According to Aaron, you can find the poster in the back of the program when you see Tyler Perry's currently touring play, "Whats Done in the Dark". They're playing in Chicago now.

You can expect to "Meet the Browns" next year, March 21st 2008. Lionsgate, the distribution company behind all of Tyler Perry's films, stated recently that they'll be releasing Tyler's latest movies (including 'Browns') internationally instead of soley in the States thanks to the success of "Why Did I Get Married".

Quick AB Newsflash: The Bible Experience (The Old Testament Version) is now available on CD or MP3 format. I bought The New Testament version via Amazon.com but any mainstream online store will get you The Bible Experience.
To listen to a clip of Angela Bassett as Esther go to [Zondervan.com] Thanks to Jean at Zondervan!

Angela isnt the only one set to tell the "Truth"
According to CommercialAppeal.com, Courtney "Brown Eyes" Vance is also making an appearance in the upcoming film "Nothing But the Truth" along with his wife of 10 years. This marks the very first feature film the couple have collorborated on (excluding 1995's Panther). We have yet to find out which character Courtney is playing in the film but if Angela is "playing" the boss of a major newspaper then it wouldnt be a stretch if Courtney were her partner in deligating.


Excerpts from "Cast and Costume" by Barbara Bradley

A cap sleeve black dress Angela Bassett wears in "Nothing But the Truth" spotlights her toned arms, lending a subtle physical authority to her role as editor of the fictitious Washington newspaper, The Capital Sun-Times. Was that intentional?

"If you have to show something, it's better than your belly button," said Bassett, smiling, as she waited between scenes shot recently in The Commercial Appeal newsroom on Union Avenue.

But no. The Ellen Tracy belted dress was chosen for its sophistication, which may also account for Bassett's four-inch, stack heels, perhaps the tallest that ever traversed the real newsroom's ink-stained carpet.

Print journalists, never known for sartorial chic, may smile at the stylish duds worn by actors who portray them. (Actors get more beauty help too. At one point, Bassett snapped her fingers and someone rushed over and buffed her arms.) But so many considerations influence costume selection, it's a wonder actors ever emerge from their dressing rooms at all.

The cast includes Kate Beckinsale as the ill-fated reporter; Noah Wyle as a lawyer for the newspaper; Vera Farmiga as the outed agent; and Alan Alda as a high profile, smooth-talking attorney defending Beckinsale's character. Rounding out the stellar cast are Matt Dillon, David Schwimmer and Bassett's real-life husband Courtney B. Vance.

"I get to weigh in with my idea of the character," said Bassett. "I do have power suits, (for Bonnie Benjamin, the editor she portrays), but I felt she shouldn't be mannish. She's strong enough to express her feminine side."

Sometimes actors get to keep the clothes they wear in the film, said Bassett, which can make choosing what is right for the character painful. "Angela loves that!" said Bassett, breaking into a wide smile as she recalled a proposed outfit she had felt it necessary to discard. "But that is going," she told herself. "It's not Bonnie. Bonnie wouldn't wear that."

Read the entire article at [CommercialAppeal.com]

Doesnt it look like celebrity stylist, Philip Bloch, just told a naughty joke?

Angie & Courtney Sitting in a Tree...

K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes love then comes marriage...


Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance celebrate their 10th year wedding anniversary today. It was 10 years ago today Angela was dressed in a white Escada gown and Courtney in a tux and they were saying their vows in the late Lou Rawls' home in front of family and friends. Angela and Courtney Vance have become that inspiring power couple, the couple to model your own relationship after. The BassettHounds know "the best is yet to come" for this two-some and after 10 years we dont imagine these two asking "Why Did I Get Married?" but maybe "Why Didnt We Get Married Sooner?"

Happy Anniversary Angela and Courtney Vance!

The Bassett Body/ Our Friend Fred

The Bassett Body

We all know Angela Bassett is amazing at what she does. She can act like a beaten down singer, a mad ex-wife, a civil rights leader. Shoot she could act like a 10 year old with a mild case of amnesia if she wanted to. But never mind all that, have you seen her body?

If you havent, Stella lost her groove, go watch how she got it back. If you have, you've probably thought to yourself, "how do I get a body like that?" Well Chasity Johnson of Blackdoctor.org tells us exactly how to get the toned arms, the six-pack abs, and the defined legs that are better known as "The Bassett Body." Isuggest you continue reading but dont be surprised if you feel the urge to head to the gym afterwards:

According to Harley Pasternak, author and former personal trainer of Bassett, he keeps his clients, including Halle Berry and Eve, fit on his patented 5-Factor Diet. The 5-Factor Diet consists of working out 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week and eating 5 meals a day.

Eating five meals a day raises your metabolism and provides a steady stream of vital nutrients, including protein, which helps your body develop a toned and fit physique. Pasternak encourages his clients to eat foods that include low fat, quality protein(chicken, turkey, fish, and shellfish), moderate carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats(like omega-3 found in salmon), and drink sugar free beverages.


Now that we’ve covered how to eat like Bassett, let’s move on to working out like her and getting that fab body. Paternak suggests working out 5 days a week for 25 minutes a day, incorporating strength training and cardio in 5-minute intervals. Bassett’s extraordinary physique is extremely toned and sculpted. You can’t achieve a look like this without incorporating some kind of weight training in your workout routine.

To get those killer Bassett legs while satisfying the cardio portion of Paternak’s 5-Factor Diet, try walking. Don’t forget to always stretch thoroughly before you start exercising. When walking be sure to stand erect and tall. Do not lean forward or backwards, this places unnecessary strain on your muscles. Use the heel to toe technique. Start out by walking for 15 minutes a day 3x a week, during your first week. Try to walk on the same days every week for consistency. Every week add 5 minutes until you get to 30 minutes a day. It is fine to stay at 30 minutes a day, but if you feel up for it you can add additional increments of 5 until you reach a time limit you are comfortable with.

Now you have the tools to getting that Bassett Body, but don’t forget it takes more than knowledge it takes motivation. Bassett told writer Cheryl Johnson fear is her biggest motivator to stay fit. She credits the physicality of the roles she plays as a motivating factor to keeping in shape. Fear may not be your motivation, but whatever it is keep it in mind during your quest for the Bassett Body. It’s what will keep you moving and take you closer and closer to your goal.

If you want more AB workout tips visit [BlackVoices.com]

Our Friend Fred


Fredrick Johnson is a friend of The BassettHounds and a friend to Angela and Courtney, but hes also the head honcho of his business Affluent Techonolgy that caters to celebrities' computer-based needs. If you're famous and you think a "Megabyte" is what a shark does when he smells food, then Fred is your guy!

Angela Bassett and her husband Courtney B. Vance are one of Hollywood's power couples, but to Frederick Johnson, they're also a small business -- and an opportunity.

He started Affluent Technology in late 2004 as a spin-off from his day job as president and CIO of Ross-Tek, a 10-year-old solution provider based in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up, his parents worked for Don King's boxing promotion company and he had some access to boxers and other VIPs. A few years ago, he sought to find a way to meld his IT background with his celebrity connections. Affluent Technology was born.

For example, Affluent Technology has helped the Oscar-nominated ("What's Love Got to Do With It") Bassett and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" star Vance with their personal IT needs as well as the needs of their production company Bassett/Vance Productions.

"Courtney and Angela are independent, successful celebrities. But they also have a company, a staff. We're responsible for the assessment, procurement and implementation of the [technology]: mobile devices, servers," Johnson said.

The couple is moving into a new home and Johnson is working with the builders to ensure their personal and professional IT needs can be met efficiently and economically, Johnson said. "We introduced Windows Home Server so they could have better segementation of the work stuff and the personal things like photos, music and household-related data," he said.

Fred has plenty more tips on how to win star business at [CRN.com]

In Random News... Danny Glover's Toussaint film is rescheduled to shoot Spring 2008. I guess all the protesting worked. [source]

"Heres Something While You Wait"

I'm sure you BassettHounds can tell, but there has been a gap in "AB News" for a couple of weeks now. Its not because Angela's slowing down though, shes just as busy as ever. Ang is filming two more movies this year, shes picking up and moving to what I call a fairytale castle (she calls it a home), and sources close to the Bassett-Vance clan say they're planning a family vacation.

With all that going on with Angela you'd think we'd have something to report. Nope! We're still in "AB News" limbo, but heres something while you wait: a collection of random Angela Bassett photos from this year. Until we're out of limbo: Keep Hounding!

Bronwyn and Slater with their parents making another public appearance


Robert Townsend and Angela Bassett (Of Boys & Men costars) at a film-making Q & A in Chicago.


Angela and Courtney appear here with Fred Johnson (far left) their friend and technology consultant.

Angela and Courtney went to the former mayor of Atlanta, Andrew Young's birthday bash last April. Angie is wearing the earrings that Oprah gave to her as a gift during The Legends Ball!

Angela Bassett on the set of "Gospel Hill" with costar Christy Johnson


Angela donated her "Jeans for Justice" benefiting the YWCA


I like this picture because it looks like a movie poster! Click on it to see ALL of Angela! :D

Whats That Got to Do With It?
In Random News...


COURTNEY IS WORKING AGAIN! Ever since the Bassett-Vance twins were born (Jan. 2006) Courtney B. Vance has been on an acting hiatus. Enjoying his time with his wife and new babies, yet keeping his talents from us, the television audience. But the hiatus is at an end with Courtney's newest guest star role in "State of Mind." A new Lifetime show starring Lili Taylor and Theresa Randle.

I just happened to be flipping through channels last Sunday when I see Angela's Courtney all kissed up on a white woman. I thought, "he really must not have seen Waiting to Exhale" but then I realized his kissing another woman means hes working again (because thats got to be acting, Courtney knows what hes got) and that made it all okay.

"State of Mind" is a really intriguing, intelligently funny program and Courtney looks like he'll be a regular. So check Mr. Vance out SUNDAYS at 9PM on LIFETIME and just remember hes acting.

In preparation for Angela's 49th birthday (in ten days) we've got a new poll up on the site for you to vote on. Angela's turning 49 on August 16th, BassettHounds, what should she do to celebrate? GO AND VOTE!

Angela on Set of "Meet the Browns"

*Thanks to LadyGlen for providing these pictures to the BassettHounds. She visited the "Meet the Browns" set in Chicago looking to hear from Jennifer Hudson until a member of the crew told her, "Shes not here. Thats just a rumor." Instead Lady Glen got to eat lunch with the crew and see Angela Bassett and Irma P. Hall who were "very friendly and sweet." Heres what Glen said about our Angela:

Angela was very nice. She was very professional...sort of in a zone...serious. After she filmed her scenes, she relaxed, waved to us all and let us snap a few pictures. She jumped in a white van and pulled off during the lunch break.

That sounds like Angie alright. No-nonsense when shes working and in character, but when the cameras are off shes her laid back self!! Thanks again to Glen for the exclusive. :)

Photos: Gospel Hill Filming

Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Julia Stiles, Nia Long, and Giancarlo Esposito all on the set of "Gospel Hill"
Filming for "Gospel Hill" is more than half way completed. They'll continue filming in various locations including South Carolina until the end of July and release is set for April 2008.

Blogging about "Gospel Hill"

• Ms. Rhonda blogs about her experience as an extra at [Myspace]


• Andrew blogs on his role as a featured extra at [Media Mensch]


• Fort Mills Times reports on how "Gospel Hill" shook up their town [source]