Angela Bassett graces the cover of Ebony’s May 2025 Travel Issue, reminding the world that she’s still Hollywood royalty with no signs of slowing down. Read more and check out the full cover story inside.
With more than 40 years in the game, the Oscar-nominated actress brings her power and poise to London for the upcoming Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning press tour. The film, set to release May 27, features Bassett as the President of the United States—a role that hits especially hard in a country that’s yet to elect a woman to its highest office.
In an exclusive interview with Ebony‘s Cori Murray, Bassett reflects on her legacy and ever-evolving career, blending blockbuster status, small-screen dominance, and meaningful advocacy. As the executive producer of 9-1-1, she continues her behind-the-scenes mission to diversify Hollywood, offering opportunities to emerging Black and Brown talent.
“It’s a challenging club to break into,” she tells Ebony, “But I have to support Black female directors and new writers… We’re producing 18 episodes a year, so there’s an opportunity to give them a shot. I love that aspect of the job.”
Bassett’s jet-setting spirit is on full display in this travel-themed issue. Between exploring London’s Soho neighborhood and enjoying downtime in the Virgin Islands, she proves herself a true adventurer—on and off screen. When asked about her spy skills for Mission Impossible, she jokes, “I don’t know… My face may tell the tale. I’ll try to give a bland face, but I’m very expressive. [laughs] I’ve been told.”
She also made her stunning Met Gala debut this month, rocking custom Burberry under the “Superfine” theme. “I felt like we understood the assignment,” she says, with her signature grace and humor.
But it’s not all red carpets and film sets—Bassett is also an advocate for preserving the arts. “Art is the illumination of the human experience,” she explains. “It’s who we are… I hope that we as a country will come together to save the art. We cannot live without it.”
Whether she’s commanding the screen, championing new voices, or globe-trotting with elegance, Angela Bassett proves she’s not just a traveler but she’s an icon exploring the full spectrum of life.
Check out the full cover story here.