Angela Bassett and her husband Courtney B. Vance have become a public example of balancing high-profile careers with family life. Their twins, born in 2006, have grown into musicians and philanthropists, while the couple continues to share parenting insights on stage and screen.
At a Glance
- Jan. 27, 2006: Birth of twins Bronwyn and Slater via surrogate after seven years of IVF.
- March 2024: Bassett speaks about staying grounded after a 2023 Academy Award loss.
- Bronwyn raised over $60,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in 2022.
**Why it matters: The couple’s journey illustrates how public figures can use their platform to champion family values and charitable causes.
The Journey to Motherhood
The path to parenthood for Bassett and Vance was a long one. They endured seven years of IVF before the twins were born on Jan. 27, 2006. The pregnancy was carried by a surrogate, making the birth a milestone for the couple.
In 2007, Vance told Oprah, ‘I had a dream about seven years ago that we were going to have twins.’ Bassett added, ‘Just standing there together, holding each other with the realization that this is the moment that we’ve been working toward, praying for … [it’s a dream come true].’
The twins, now 20, have been described by their mother as ‘little copycats’ who learn by mimicking her daily routines.
Balancing Careers and Parenting
The couple’s careers have kept them in the public eye, but they have also faced moments of disappointment. After Bassett lost the award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 Academy Awards, her children attended the ceremony with her and expressed ‘supremely disappointed’ feelings.
During a March 2024 appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, Bassett said, ‘It was a teachable moment just to, you know, to carry yourself, hold yourself, go to the parties with grace.’ She urged her kids to keep moving forward, noting that ’24 hours, what a difference a day makes.’
In February 2024, Bassett told News Of Los Angeles that she often feels guilty about the long hours required to shoot a TV show or film. She added, ‘I hope that what will come out of that is that they see a mama, a woman, a Black woman achieving her dreams, having success,’ and that ‘they’ll see that hard work pays off.’
The Twins’ Growth and Impact
Bronwyn Golden Vance
Bronwyn, now 20, was raised via surrogate on Jan. 27, 2006. She often mirrored her mother’s disciplinary style, a habit Bassett noted in a 2019 interview with Vulture. ‘From the time she was a little one, she was always looking to me for the example of what to do and how to be,’ Bassett said.
Both siblings share a passion for music. In 2021, Bassett told E! on the Golden Globes red-carpet that ‘they both play the piano and rap and play guitar, so they have a little musical interest that I drill into them, that I insist upon!’
Bronwyn also showed a strong commitment to philanthropy. In January 2022, she launched a fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising more than $60,000 in seven weeks and earning her the 2022 Los Angeles Team Member of the Year award.
Slater Josiah Vance
Slater, also 20, shares his sister’s musical talents. As a teenager, he released his first album, Journey 2 Forever, in 2021 and followed it with the EP Holehearted in 2022, earning praise from his parents. Vance captioned a post: ‘Folks, he’s done it again. A big congratulations to my son @slater.vance and his producer @wcab1_music for their second major production, Holehearted.’
When asked about their childhood, Bassett recalled the frequent bickering: ‘Oh gosh, they fight. They ask me constantly, ‘Mommy, are you happy?’ Well, he asks me that,’ she told Access Hollywood in 2013. She added that Slater often protected his sister in school, saying, ‘She’s big heart – she loves her brother – and he protects her in school … If she’s having some trouble he’s right in there for her, ‘Don’t you talk back to my sister!”
They both enjoyed her 2020 animated film Soul, which they appreciated for its themes.
Family Dynamics and Lessons
The Vance family balances disciplined parenting with emotional support. Bassett’s ‘good cop’ approach contrasts with Vance’s calm consistency, creating a supportive environment for both twins. Their experiences illustrate how public figures can model resilience, teamwork, and philanthropy while navigating the challenges of fame.
Key Takeaways
- The twins’ birth after a long IVF journey underscores perseverance.
- Bassett’s candid discussions about guilt and success provide a realistic view of work-life balance.
- The children’s musical pursuits and charitable efforts show the influence of parental values.
- Family dynamics reveal the importance of guidance and protection in a high-profile setting.
