Getting to Know Angela Bassett’s Two Children: Bronwyn and Slater Vance

Credit: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan

Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance have carved out a prominent place in Hollywood, not only as award-winning actors but also as dedicated parents. The couple welcomed fraternal twins Bronwyn Golden Vance and Slater Josiah Vance, now 20 years old, on January 27, 2006, after seven years of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and through a surrogate.

Courtney Vance shared an emotional moment from their journey during a 2007 interview with Oprah, stating, "I had a dream about seven years ago that we were going to have twins. I didn’t know how it was going to happen." Bassett echoed these sentiments, saying, "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]."

In the wake of Bassett’s recent loss for Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 Academy Awards for her work in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she noted that her children were "supremely disappointed" after attending the ceremony with her and Vance. "It was a teachable moment just to, you know, to carry yourself, hold yourself, go to the parties with grace," she reflected during a March 2024 appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark. "Just keep one foot in front of the other, keep going, keep following your dreams. Because 24 hours, what a difference a day makes."

Bassett described her parenting style as taking on the role of the "good cop," while Vance maintains a calm yet consistent approach. However, juggling a demanding acting career often leaves her with feelings of guilt regarding the time spent away from her children. "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," she said, emphasizing her hopes for them to understand that hard work pays off.

Bronwyn Golden Vance, 20

Angela Basset Instagram

Bronwyn, like her brother, was also born via surrogate. As children, she often imitated her mother, particularly in how she disciplined Slater. "From the time she was a little one, she was always sort of looking to me for the example of what to do and how to be," Bassett noted in a 2019 interview.

Music has become a shared interest between Bronwyn and Slater. "They both play the piano and rap and play guitar," Bassett said on the 2021 Golden Globes red carpet. While she worried her children might not connect with her animated film Soul, they surprised her by enjoying its jazz themes and understanding its deeper messages.

In January 2022, Bronwyn demonstrated her commitment to philanthropy by raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, netting over $60,000 in just seven weeks. This effort earned her the title of 2022 Los Angeles Team Member of the Year.

Slater Josiah Vance, 20

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Slater also shares the same birth story as his twin sister. Although the twins have developed a close bond, their childhood was marked by sibling bickering. Bassett noted their arguments, saying, "If we are not bickering, punching or fighting, then yes, I’m happy."

Despite the squabbles, Slater has always looked out for Bronwyn. "If she’s having some trouble, he’s right in there for her," Bassett explained.

Slater has pursued a career in music, having released his first album, Journey 2 Forever, in 2021, followed by an EP titled Holehearted. His father proudly announced his accomplishments on social media, celebrating Slater’s achievements in the music industry.

Interestingly, despite their artistic background, neither Bronwyn nor Slater has seen Bassett’s iconic film, What’s Love Got to Do With It. She humorously remarked, "Let them discover it … maybe [then] I’d get some more respect around here!"