What’s Love Got to Do With It star Angela Bassett shares heartwarming tribute to Tina Turner

Angela Bassett has paid a touching tribute to Angela Bassett 30 years after portraying her on the big screen.

Turner, considered a pioneer and icon of popular music, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83 at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland after a long illness.

The news was confirmed on Turner’s social media platforms, including her official Instagram and Facebook pages.

While there were many books, magazines and countless interviews, actress Bassett, now 64, helped bring Turner’s incredible life story to the masses when she played the legendary singer in the biographical film What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993), which garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Always open about her affection and respect for Turner, Bassett reflected on her passing about the impact she had on her life and the world at large, while also sharing the powerful final words she said to her.

“How do we say goodbye to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a tool to help change the world?” Bassett, 64, began in a heartwarming tribute on her Instagram page.

The two-time Oscar-nominated actress continued, “Through her courage in telling her story, her dedication to staying on track in her life regardless of sacrifice, and her determination to do for herself and others like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a bright future full of love, compassion and freedom should look like.”

Bassett then revealed the heartwarming “last words” Turner (née Anna Mae Bullock) shared with her: “You never impersonated me.” Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina and showed her to the world.”

The old leading lady confessed, “I will keep these words close to my heart for the rest of my life.”

The New York City native, who spent most of her childhood in Florida, then shared how honored she was to have met Tina Turner.

“I am humbled that I helped show her to the world. So today, as we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked for. She gave us her whole self,” she said of the Better Be Good To Me crooner.

She ended the post by giving more words of praise while referencing a line from one of Turner’s many hits, The Best.

And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be “simply the best.” Angels sing you to your rest… Queen,’ she concluded.

Iconic: Bassett received acclaim and accolades for her performance as Tina Turner in the biopic What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993), including an Oscar nomination for Best Actress

High praise: In her Instagram tribute, the actress praised Turner for “showing others who lived in fear what a bright future full of love, compassion and freedom should look like”

Practical: Bassett revealed how Turner advised her on details of her interpretation, from wigs and outfits to dance styles and makeup, for the biopic film

Adapted from Tina Turner’s autobiography, I, Tina, written by Turner and Kurt Loder, What’s Love Got to Do With It chronicles the singer’s life growing up in Tennessee, her rise to fame along with husband and musical partner Ike Turner , and their 16-year marriage rife with violence and abuse.

Directed by Brian Gibson from a screenplay by Kate Lanier, the film also starred Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner, as well as Cora Lee Day, Khandi Alexander, Jenifer Lewis, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Penny Johnson Jerald, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Chi McBride and Sherman Augustus, among many others.

The biographical drama was critically and commercially successful, grossing $61 million on a $15 million budget upon its release in June 1993.

Bassett won the lead role after beating top actresses like Halle Berry and Robin Givens at the time, according to The New York Times.

And as she had just wrapped up her last film, she had only a month left to prepare before filming began.

The Malcolm X star used those four weeks to watch every Turner video clip available while also reading her I, Tina memoir several times.

Prior to the shoot, Bassett met with Turner twice, who then advised her on details of her interpretation, from wigs and outfits to dance styles. The music icon also did Bassett’s makeup, leading the actress to call her “supportive” and her “biggest fan.”

“We’re two girls from the South,” Bassett told the publication with a laugh at the time. “Tina is a black woman from the South, and so am I. Tina was abused and I saw it. I know.’

Bonafide hit: The biopic film was critically and commercially successful, grossing $61 million against a $15 million budget upon its June 1993 release

Truly honored: Bassett would eventually receive the honor of inducting Tina Turner into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo artist in October 2021

Bassett would eventually receive the honor of inducting Tina Turner into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo artist in October 2021. She was previously recorded with her ex-husband Ike Turner in 1991.

Just last month in an interview with The protector, the Brownsville, Tennessee native reiterated her desire to be considered the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll when asked how she would like to be remembered.

Her many other accolades include receiving 12 Grammy Awards, including eight competitive awards, three Grammy Hall of Fame awards, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,

Tina Turner has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is considered one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Rolling Stone once called her “one of the greatest singers of all time.”