Discover your gifts

During a high school summer program, I entered a talent show, although I didn’t really have a talent. But in the library, I had put on an album of Ruby Dee reciting Langston Hughes poems, and it was electric, eye-opening. Her voice! I strung the poems together in a theatrical way for the show, and that was my talent. It kicked off my acting.

Ignore doubters

When I started acting, my auntie asked, “How will you feed yourself? How will you keep the lights on?” But never mind naysayers; if it’s for you, go for it.

If you build it …

After I graduated from drama school and moved to New York, there wasn’t much opportunity—some soap operas, two television shows, commercials and only four TV stations. It’s more fun now; you get to see the work of so many others, and you can make your own opportunities.

Limitless impact

When Black Panther [2018] came out, the 97-year-old church ladies were like, “Ah, that was my movie!” I had little kids running up to me, hugging my leg, and they loved it too. It’s amazing that a work of art can touch so many generations and impact individuals across the world.

Good guys

My husband [actor Courtney B. Vance] has many wonderful qualities, but chief among them is that he cares about people. He will listen to you and make sure you are comfortable. He was a very loving son. His mother had ALS, and he took care of her. I hope my children care for me half as well as he did for her.

Protect yourself

My mother’s diabetes and other underlying chronic conditions led to her death, so I prioritize my health and try to get good information out there, particularly on RSV [respiratory syncytial virus]. Every year, 177,000 people are hospitalized because of severe RSV, resulting in about 14,000 deaths. It can affect infants, babies and the elderly—the vulnerable. It’s very contagious, and there is no cure, but the solution is simple: prevention.

An older parent

I’m an old mama now [to twins: daughter Bronwyn and son Slater, 19]. It never seemed the perfect time have a kid. I got married and went straight into How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and then I had all these opportunities. But as a more mature mother, I think I’ve had a lot more patience. I could see what was happening and be calm, thoughtful and intentional.

Age is irrelevant

I don’t allow age to impose limits. Half the time, I forget how old I am! Just keep embracing life and know that the best is yet to come. —As told to Claire MacIntosh and Natasha Stoynoff

Angela Bassett, 67, an Emmy, Golden Globe and honorary Oscar winner, has returned for the ninth season of the ABC series 9-1-1. She has also partnered with GSK for the Sideline RSV campaign to educate older adults and their loved ones about the risks of RSV.

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For video of Bassett, visit aarp.org/Bassett