How Angela Bassett’s Daughter Joined the Debutante Ball
Angela Bassett expressed her surprise at her daughter, Bronwyn Vance, showing interest in the 2025 Le Bal des Débutantes.
In an interview with Hello! Magazine, published on Saturday, November 29, Bassett, 67, shared that Bronwyn’s participation “felt a little out of the blue at first.”
“It’s not typical to be vetted and invited to a global event at such a young age,” Bassett mentioned, referring to her 19-year-old daughter.
She added that there were “no reservations whatsoever,” and she was “swept away” by Bronwyn’s engagement.
“Bronwyn has a spirit of graciousness,” Bassett remarked. “She is at ease and aims to make others comfortable in any situation.”
Bassett shares Bronwyn and her twin brother, Slater Vance, with husband Courtney B. Vance.
Before the event, which took place at the Shangri-La Paris hotel, Bronwyn shared her thoughts on entering the debutante scene.
“I have a passion for fashion and feeling like a princess, and this seemed like an opportunity I would enjoy,” Bronwyn informed Hello! “I also recognized some girls who participated in prior years and knew if they were involved, it was a worthwhile event.”
Bassett and her husband, Courtney, 65, both attended to support their daughter, with Courtney even sharing a memorable dance with Bronwyn. Slater also played a role in the event, serving as his sister’s escort.
“I thought it would reduce the pressure to have my brother, who is my built-in best friend,” Bronwyn noted, adding that their photos would “last a lifetime.”
The twins are adjusting to some distance from one another and their parents after opting to attend separate colleges on the East Coast. While Bronwyn is studying at Harvard University in Massachusetts, Slater chose to enroll at Yale University in Connecticut.
“Distance doesn’t diminish our closeness,” Bronwyn reflected, suggesting that the separation is beneficial for their growth and future careers.
Bassett told Hello! that her children’s bond is a “blessing,” particularly as they are “in a phase of self-discovery” while adjusting to early adulthood.
Reflecting on her debut, Bronwyn recalled meeting the other debutantes shortly before the event.
“We discussed how some of the girls didn’t yet know their cavaliers and how hungrier we were during the photoshoots and interviews all day,” she shared. “I’m excited to meet all the cavaliers; I’ve heard they’re all very handsome and amusing!”
Over the years, other celebrity children have participated in Le Bal des Débutantes, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s daughter, Apple Martin.
Margaret Qualley, Lori Harvey, Lily Collins, Scout, Tallulah Willis, along with Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe’s daughter, Ava Phillippe, have also made their debut at the event in previous years.
As Bronwyn looked forward to “seeing all the photos” from Saturday’s event, she expressed excitement about another aspect as well.
“I’ve been monitoring my diet and exercising daily just for this occasion,” she said. “I must indulge in a delicious unhealthy meal right after the ball!”
