Taye Diggs has recently revealed an interesting story about his experience with Angela Bassett during his time in the Broadway show ‘Rent’. The talented actor shared in a podcast interview that Bassett was not particularly impressed by his performance in the musical. Despite this initial reaction, the two actors later starred together in the successful 1998 romantic comedy ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/taye-Diggs-Angela-Bassett-070325-54ed329943714ca4b306cd0945fd8327.jpg)
During a conversation with Keke Palmer on her podcast ‘Baby, This Is Keke Palmer’, Diggs, now 54, disclosed that Bassett, 66, had come to see him in Rent because he was being considered for a role opposite her in How Stella Got Her Groove Back. However, Bassett was not blown away by Diggs’ performance in Rent, where he had a relatively small role compared to the main characters.
Interestingly, Diggs caught Bassett’s attention through his role in the soap opera ‘Guiding Light’ instead. She saw him playing a character named Sugar Hill on the show and recognized a certain charm and sexiness in his portrayal. This ultimately led to Diggs being cast as Bassett’s love interest in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, a role that kickstarted his film and television career.
Reflecting on his journey, Diggs shared that he initially felt like his big break came late compared to his Rent co-stars like Idina Menzel and Jesse Martin, who had already found success in other ventures. However, landing the role in How Stella Got Her Groove Back marked a turning point in his career, and he embraced the opportunities that followed with enthusiasm.
In his interview, Diggs also opened up about his evolving perspective on his career. While he had initially set his sights on a successful movie career, he discovered the joys and creative fulfilment of working in television. He highlighted the difference in control and collaboration that television offers, allowing actors to immerse themselves in their characters and build strong relationships with the production team.
Despite facing challenges and moments of self-doubt along the way, Diggs expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped his career. He acknowledged that sometimes success can be overlooked in the pursuit of new goals, emphasizing the importance of taking time to appreciate one’s achievements and the journey taken to reach them.
Overall, Taye Diggs’ candid reflections on his early career setbacks, unexpected turns, and eventual successes serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. His story with Angela Bassett showcases how a single opportunity can open doors to new beginnings, leading to a fulfilling and diverse career in film and television.