Over her decades-long careerAngela Bassetthas developed a reputation for dedicating herself to her characterizations.
Bassett portrayed the lateTina Turnerin the 1993 biopic, co-starringLaurence Fishburneas her abusive husband Ike Turner.
BassetttoldVarietywhat she went through to do the Queen of Rock & Roll justice.
Tina Turner and Angela Bassett on the set of 1993’s ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’.D Stevens/Buena Vista Pictures/Everett
As for her diet, when she had time to eat, Bassett was just as regimented.
“Broccoli, string beans, Yukon potatoes and bland chicken breast.
That’s what my trainer suggested for me.
Left, Angela Bassett in ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ and Tina Turner’s autobiography, ‘I, Tina’.Everett Collection; William Morrow and Company
And black coffee and water,” Bassett recalled.
So I put those on even when I was off.
“Down to, ‘Is she inhaling breath before she sings that note or is she exhaling afterwards?’
How long is ‘oh?’
Where does ‘oh’ live in my body?”
Is it in my heart?
Is it in my gut?
I might listen to that for 45 minutes until I felt I got it absolutely right."
“So Laurence asked me, ‘How many times you want to do this?’
Thank you.'”
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