Tina Turner Praises Angela Bassett After The Actor Is Included In TIME Magazine’s ‘Most Influential People Of 2023’

Tina Turner began her special message to Bassett by admitting she was “skeptical” of the actor portraying her in the 1993 film ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It?’

“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.”

However, Turner would soon realize that Bassett was perfect for the role.

“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.”

The 83-year-old “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” also praised Bassett for never “mimicking” her with her performance.

“‘She’s perfect,’ I said, and I was right. You never mimicked me. Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world.”

Turner then explained what she believes is Angela Bassett’s “gift.”

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. Whether you’re Tina Turner or the Queen of Wakanda, we believe in you because you believe in yourself.”

Turner sweetly ended her ode by explaining that Bassett “honors” all of the women she’s ever played.

Additionally, although it’s been 30 years since Bassett portrayed Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It?’, the 83-year-old still regards the actor as perfect.

“You honor all the women you play, just as you honored me. And you’re still perfect.”

tina turner & angela bassett behind-the-scenes of what’s love got to do with it, 1993. pic.twitter.com/2R6LH4izMi

— khalia. | stream people pt. 2🩰🪞 (@VERONASFILMS) February 19, 2022

Angela Bassett won the 1994 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. As well as the 1994 NAACP Award for Oustanding Actress for her role as Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It?’

However, fans are still waiting for the actor to receive an Oscar award, cementing her momentous career.

As The Shade Room previously reported, fans were left in an “uproar” after Bassett lost the Best Supporting Actress Oscar award to Jamie Lee Curtis earlier this year.

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In addition to portraying the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Bassett has also played Rosa Parks, Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King, and more extraordinary women throughout her career.

So y’all mean to tell me Angela Bassett done played Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Tina Turner, Betty Shabazz, Biggie Mama, done got her Groove Back, Burned her cheatin husband clothes, and gave birth to the King of Wakanda and y’all STILL ain’t gave Auntie no Oscar??!? pic.twitter.com/KftyOJh3Oa

— #HIGHMaintenanceLifestyle 🍃💚 (@AyanaTheDIVA) February 20, 2018