VH1's Top 20 Countdown
March 22, 2008
Saturday 22 March 2008 on VH1

Alison Becker hosts the top 20 videos of the week, and Angela Bassett and Rick Fox join us to discuss their new film Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns . James Blunt and MC Lyte intro segments of the show.

Angela is an extremely private person, with a deep religious background based in the Christian faith. She attends Los Angeles' Church of God in Christ, as does close friend and fellow actor Denzel Washington. (edit) Angela is an enthusiatic supporter of programs for the arts. She also supports various children's causes, such as: Children with Diabetes, the first all performing arts 'Boys & Girls Club' in the country, Children in Foster Homes, and is an active Ambassador of UNICEF. (edit) Angela worked extremely hard to win her part as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It, turning in a lengthy, brutal, intense audition that left her with a broken finger during a screen test of a violent scene. She also maintained a no-sugar diet, weight-trained for 4 hours a day, 6 days a week, and did extensive aerobic dance routines to achieve Tina's incredible fit, muscular physique. In the end, Angela won the role over Halle Berry and Robin Givens. (edit) Angela went to Yale University on an Academic Scholarship and earned her B.A. in African-American studies in 1980, and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in 1983 from the Yale School of Drama. She met her future husband at Yale, Courtney is a 1986 graduate of the Drama School. (edit) Angela and her younger sister grew up encouraging each other to be creative, putting on shows or performing music and dance routines for the family. At her high school, she stayed involved by joining the debate club, becoming a member of the student government, and cheerleading. (edit)

Angela: She was hurt, but not only did it hurt her, it hurt me. We talked it through, but there are issues that I Can't reconcile myself with as an actress. As a black woman growing up in a country that has had a long history of racism, I'm sensitive to all of the portrayals of us.
(When asked about her controversial remarks made about Halle Berry's role in 'Monster's Ball') (edit) Angela: I really believe that what I do as an actress is my God-given talent. This is my calling...not my career. (edit)

Recurring Role
Alias CIA Director Hayden Chase

Guest Star
227 A Pampered Tale Amy Burnett	Alien Nation Eyewitness News Renee Longstreet
A Man Called Hawk The Master's Mirror Bailey Webster	A Man Called Hawk Never My Love Bailey Webster
Anderson Cooper 360° Wednesday, December 12, 2007 Herself	Celebrity Poker Showdown Tournament 4 Game 5 Herself

Other
Search for Tomorrow Selena McCulla	When I Was A Girl Herself