9-1-1’s Angela Bassett on Her Favorite Disaster and Nearly a Decade of Playing Athena
Angela Bassett has been captivating audiences with her portrayal of Athena Grant in 9-1-1 for nearly a decade. As one of the leading women in the hit series, Bassett has not only played a crucial role in handling some of the most heart-stopping emergencies, but also in delivering emotional depth to the character. With nearly ten years under her belt, she reflects on her journey as Athena and shares her thoughts on what it’s been like portraying such an iconic role.
In this article, we’ll explore Angela Bassett’s reflections on her favorite disaster scenes from the show, how she’s evolved as an actress over the years, and the profound impact her character has had on viewers. Grab a seat and dive into the world of Athena Grant, the woman who’s faced everything from catastrophic events to personal struggles—all while maintaining a fierce commitment to her community.
The Beginnings of Athena Grant: A Character Who Resonates
Athena Grant, a veteran LAPD officer and a first responder, is a character that many fans have connected with over the years. Played by the legendary Angela Bassett, Athena is not just a professional hero, but also a woman dealing with complex relationships, personal challenges, and a career that demands everything.
How Angela Bassett Became Athena
Angela Bassett was handpicked to play Athena due to her incredible acting chops and her ability to bring depth to any role she takes on. When she first auditioned for 9-1-1, she knew this character would be something different—someone who wasn’t just fighting for her life on the job but also working through personal struggles.
Bassett admits that stepping into Athena’s shoes was both exciting and daunting. As someone who already had an extensive career in film and television, it was important for her to bring a fresh perspective to the role of Athena—someone who is deeply compassionate but also has an iron will.
The Challenges of Playing Athena
One of the most significant challenges Angela Bassett faced when playing Athena was understanding the gravity of her character’s role. First responders are often seen as superheroes by the public, but playing one meant diving into the trauma, pain, and raw humanity that these individuals endure. Bassett had to get into the mindset of someone who is constantly putting her life on the line while also managing her own family and personal life.
Nearly a Decade of Playing Athena Grant: A Journey of Growth
It’s hard to believe that nearly a decade has passed since Bassett first graced the screen as Athena Grant. Over the years, fans have watched Athena grow and evolve, not just as a first responder, but as a mother, wife, and friend. The character has experienced emotional highs and lows, and Bassett has had the opportunity to showcase the full spectrum of her abilities.
How Athena Has Evolved Over Time
In the beginning, Athena was portrayed as a tough and unflappable officer who was quick to make decisions under pressure. As the seasons progressed, however, Athena’s character became more layered, showing vulnerability, fear, and an undeniable strength. Bassett’s ability to balance these traits has kept the character fresh and relatable, even in the most extreme scenarios.
What Athena Means to Angela Bassett
For Angela Bassett, playing Athena has been a deeply fulfilling experience. In interviews, she’s discussed how much she’s learned from the character—especially when it comes to resilience, strength, and compassion. Athena’s courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to her community have inspired Bassett, and she’s often found herself reflecting on these qualities in her own life.
Angela Bassett’s Favorite 9-1-1 Disasters: Which Ones Stand Out?
Throughout 9-1-1’s run, the show has featured some of the most extreme and heart-stopping disasters, and Athena has been at the center of many of them. From fiery car wrecks to devastating fires and massive rescue operations, Bassett has had the chance to portray a range of intense situations. But what are the standout moments for the actress?
The Most Iconic Disaster Scene in 9-1-1: Athena’s First Major Rescue
When asked about her favorite disaster scenes, Bassett always points to one that stands out—Athena’s first major rescue. The scene was not just thrilling for viewers but also marked a turning point in Athena’s development as a character. It was a high-stakes, intense moment that proved to both Athena and the audience that she could handle any situation that came her way.
Bassett recalls the adrenaline and the emotional intensity of filming such a complex scene. It wasn’t just about the physical action but also about tapping into the emotional stakes of the moment. How could Athena balance saving lives while maintaining her own mental and emotional composure? For Bassett, this was a pivotal moment in her portrayal of the character.
The Family Tragedy: A Defining Moment for Athena
Another scene that Bassett frequently mentions as one of her favorites is the tragic family emergency that strikes Athena’s home. In this episode, Athena’s family faces a crisis that tests her ability to juggle her professional and personal life. Bassett relished the opportunity to show Athena as a vulnerable and emotional character, proving that even superheroes have moments of fear and sadness.
The ‘Poseidon’ Disaster: A Thrilling, Action-Packed Rescue
Bassett also highlights an episode that was inspired by the Poseidon Adventure, where a ship capsizes and leaves the crew and passengers stranded in a dangerous situation. Athena’s involvement in this disaster is an iconic moment in the show, and Bassett reflects on how this scene pushed her to her limits both physically and emotionally.
Filming this intense rescue sequence required extensive preparation and physical exertion, but the payoff was worth it. Bassett loved the challenge of filming this disaster and how it brought the whole team together to face a larger-than-life crisis.
Athena’s Personal Struggles: A Side of Her We Don’t Often See
While 9-1-1 is known for its high-octane disaster sequences, the show also excels in exploring the personal lives of its characters. For Athena, her journey has been filled with deep emotional struggles, particularly her relationship with her ex-husband and her children.
Navigating Personal Tragedy
Athena has faced numerous personal challenges throughout the series, from dealing with betrayal to balancing her demanding career with being a mother. Bassett’s portrayal of Athena’s personal struggles has resonated with many fans, as it shows the complexities of being a strong woman who’s not immune to pain.
How Athena Handles Loss and Grief
Bassett is particularly proud of how the show has handled themes of grief, especially in episodes where Athena deals with the loss of close friends or family members. These moments show that despite her tough exterior, Athena is very much human, and the audience gets to see her navigate these raw, emotional moments.
Angela Bassett’s Legacy: Leaving a Lasting Impact
As nearly a decade of playing Athena comes to a close, it’s clear that Angela Bassett has left an indelible mark on the 9-1-1 series. Athena has become a role model for many viewers, inspiring them with her strength, vulnerability, and commitment to helping others. The role has opened doors for Bassett to explore new depths as an actress, and she has embraced every challenge that comes her way.
What’s Next for Angela Bassett?
While Bassett continues to bring her all to 9-1-1, she’s also excited about future projects and opportunities. With nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, Bassett’s career is far from over, and her impact as both an actress and a role model is sure to continue for years to come.
Conclusion: Angela Bassett’s Journey as Athena
Angela Bassett’s journey as Athena Grant on 9-1-1 has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her first major rescue to facing personal heartache, Bassett has portrayed a character who is strong, resilient, and always willing to put others first. Her favorite disasters, moments of growth, and reflections on nearly a decade of playing Athena give us a glimpse into how much this role has meant to her—and how much it’s meant to viewers.
Through Athena, Bassett has created a character that is both a superhero and deeply human. The impact she’s had on the series and on the audience is undeniable, and we can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
FAQs
1. How long has Angela Bassett been playing Athena on 9-1-1?
Angela Bassett has been playing Athena for nearly a decade, starting from the show’s first season in 2018.
