Tina Turner is giving #AngelaBassett her flowers after it was announced that she was one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023! In a recent interview, Turner complimented Bassett’s 1993 performance in “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”
#AngelaBassett did the thing with this fantastic glambot moment at the #Oscars. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/T7JgDWlpQ6
— E! News (@enews) April 12, 2023
She recalled being unsure about Bassett playing her in the movie because she does not look like the “Proud Mary” singer, nor did she sound like her. However, Turner says she changed her mind after linking up with Bassett that same year and noticing her determination and hard work. “Someone’s going to play me in ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It?’ I was a little bit skeptical when work began on the 1993 film. First of all, who are they going to find to sing, dance, and act like me? Then, I looked up, saw Angela, and immediately started to smile,” wrote Turner.
“Angela, the first time we met, you didn’t look, sound, or move like me — that came later after you worked so hard to make it happen. But even then, I could see that the young woman standing before me had strength, determination, and big, big dreams, just like me. ‘She’s perfect,’ I said, and I was right,” she continued.
The 83-year-old Tuner credited Bassett for finding her “inner Tina” during her performance instead of imitating her. “The Best” singer also noted that Bassett honors all the women characters she portrays, including Turner.
Angela Bassett on her Oscars moment with Austin Butler: “I understood intimately what he felt when it was time to learn [if he’d win]. So, I took his hand and held it softly as the winner was announced…his name wasn’t called, he’s is no less a winner.” https://t.co/dFr8d6Idr1
— Variety (@Variety) April 13, 2023
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“You never mimicked me. Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world,” she explained. “That’s your gift, becoming your character with conviction, truth, dignity, and grace, even when it’s painful, and takes everything you have and more. It’s not just acting, it’s being.”
Turner concluded, “Whether you’re Tina Turner or the Queen of Wakanda, we believe in you because you believe in yourself. You honor all the women you play, just as you honored me. And you’re still perfect.”