Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist Episode Summary
Episode: Angela Bassett on Presidential Role in Netflix's "Zero Day"
Release Date: March 2, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of NBC's "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist," host Willie Geist sits down with the acclaimed actress Angela Bassett to delve into her latest role as the President of the United States in Netflix's highly anticipated series, "Zero Day." The conversation navigates through Angela's illustrious career, her experiences working alongside legends like Robert De Niro, and her reflections on impactful roles such as Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther."
Exploring "Zero Day"
"Zero Day" is a gripping six-part series that imagines the aftermath of a massive cyber attack on the United States. Angela Bassett portrays the President who must navigate the chaos and lead the nation through unprecedented turmoil. Willie Geist expresses his excitement about the series, highlighting its star-studded cast, including Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, and Connie Britton.
Angela shares her enthusiasm for the project:
"It's an offer I could absolutely not say no to. Working with Leslie Linker Glatter and Robert on this incredibly well-written series was a no-brainer for me." (04:07)
She discusses the complexity of playing a world leader in crisis:
"This is a role I've never taken on before. You have to instill confidence in others to navigate through the catastrophe." (04:42)
Angela's Journey in Acting
Angela reminisces about her early days in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she was a standout student and active in various school activities. Her passion for acting ignited after watching a powerful performance of "Of Mice and Men" at the Oslo Theater, leading her to perform scenes from "A Raisin in the Sun" with her schoolmates.
Reflecting on her academic pursuits:
"I went to Yale for my undergraduate degree and then pursued a Master’s in Fine Arts from the famed School of Drama, where I met my husband, Courtney B. Vance." (06:15)
She emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her development:
"Lloyd Richards was a tremendous point of inspiration for me. His guidance helped me deepen my understanding of theater and acting." (19:18)
Breaking Through in Hollywood
Angela discusses her breakout role in "What's Love Got to Do With It," where she portrayed Tina Turner. Despite winning a Golden Globe and receiving an Oscar nomination, Angela candidly explains the challenges she faced in finding diverse roles post-breakout.
"Even after such a powerful performance, there weren't many parts for people like me. It was a testament to the industry's limited scope at the time." (06:15)
Her perseverance paid off with subsequent successes like "Stella Got Her Groove Back" and her role in "Black Panther." She highlights the evolving landscape of Hollywood, where diverse stories began to gain prominence:
"A tide began to turn, and we started getting more stories that included women of color, which was essential for representation." (31:08)
Collaboration with Robert De Niro
Working with Robert De Niro on "Zero Day" marks Angela's first foray into series with the legendary actor. She describes the experience as both nerve-wracking and rewarding:
"Robert was as generous on set as he is legendary. It was amazing to share scenes with someone I’ve admired for so long." (09:35)
Angela also shares a heartwarming moment from their collaboration:
"He brought up a special memory about me being his escort during my first honorary doctorate at Howard, which was incredibly thoughtful and reminded me of our shared journey." (37:29)
Impactful Roles and Legacy
Angela reflects on her role as Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther" and the legacy of Chadwick Boseman:
"Working with Chadwick was a blessing. He was such a soulful and wise individual, and his presence on set was truly inspiring." (37:02)
She discusses the cultural impact of "Black Panther," noting its success and the global appreciation it received:
"It was satisfying to see the film transcend demographics, resonating with audiences from ages 4 to 94. It truly was a phenomenon." (35:07)
Personal Reflections and Gratitude
Throughout the conversation, Angela emphasizes the importance of remembering one's roots and remaining grateful for the journey:
"I have pinch-me moments every day. Being grateful for where I came from fosters appreciation for every opportunity and lesson learned along the way." (41:12)
She shares touching anecdotes about meeting mentors and inspirations, highlighting the enduring impact of their support on her career:
"Meeting Cicely Tyson for the first time was a pivotal moment. Her warmth and grace set the tone for a fulfilling collaboration." (39:18)
Conclusion
Willie Geist concludes the episode by expressing his gratitude for Angela's insightful and heartfelt conversation. He encourages listeners to stream "Zero Day" on Netflix and stay tuned for more in-depth interviews with notable figures in news and pop culture.
Angela Bassett leaves listeners with a message of perseverance and gratitude, underscoring the importance of continuous growth and appreciation for one's journey in the arts.
Notable Quotes:
- "This is a role I've never taken on before. You have to instill confidence in others to navigate through the catastrophe." — Angela Bassett (04:42)
- "Lloyd Richards was a tremendous point of inspiration for me. His guidance helped me deepen my understanding of theater and acting." — Angela Bassett (19:18)
- "I have pinch-me moments every day. Being grateful for where I came from fosters appreciation for every opportunity and lesson learned along the way." — Angela Bassett (41:12)
Listen to the full conversation here.