Angela Bassett recently appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show where she opened up about her role as Tina Turner in the movie “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Bassett, who earned a well-deserved Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination for her performance, was full of excitement as she joined Ellen for a chat on the famous talk show.
Right from the start, it was clear that Angela Bassett was thrilled to be on the show. She expressed her admiration for Ellen and revealed that her mother loved watching her on TV every day. In fact, her mother was such a big fan that she said, “Ellen, she sh and dance.” To show her appreciation, Angela presented Ellen with a beautiful Iolite bracelet while Ellen surprised her with a can of R.C. Cola, jokingly saying that they could auction it off on eBay.
The conversation then shifted to Angela’s iconic role as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Ellen couldn’t help but compliment Angela on her portrayal of the legendary singer, particularly noting her incredibly toned arms. Angela confessed that she was indeed proud of the role, as it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She emphasized the responsibility she felt to do justice to Tina Turner‘s story, considering the immense love and admiration people have for her.
Angela also shared her interactions with Tina Turner during the making of the film. She revealed that she had the chance to meet Tina before, during, and after filming. Tina was incredibly supportive and even showed Angela pictures of herself, including some from her years wearing a jaw wire due to a dental issue. Angela appreciated Tina’s encouragement and revealed that Tina had done Angela’s makeup for the final scene of the movie. It was evident that their collaboration was a memorable experience for Angela.
To prepare for the role, Angela Bassett underwent extensive physical training. She worked out with a trainer for about 2 and a half hours every day, followed by 12 hours of dancing rehearsals with choreographer Michael Peters. Angela mentioned that Tina Turner insisted she wear the same high-heeled shoes during practice, adding an extra challenge to her routine. Even though the intense training took a toll on her body, Angela admitted that she continued to work out to keep herself in shape.
However, Angela recently experienced a setback when she hurt her back. She now travels 45 minutes to undergo physical therapy at a Deep Tissue Center, where world-class athletes seek treatment. She joked about the intense massages and even mentioned the color of her back resembling Ellen’s pants: black and blue. Angela emphasized the importance of taking care of oneself and seeking professional help when needed.
As the interview concluded, Angela and Ellen engaged in light-hearted banter about the unconventional techniques used by her chiropractor, including sticking out her tongue and hopping on one foot. Ellen playfully suggested that those at home should not have a chiropractor who makes such bizarre requests.
Angela Bassett‘s appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show provided a delightful insight into her experience playing Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Her genuine enthusiasm and candid stories made for an engaging and entertaining interview.
Originally aired on September 24, 2004
