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Where Are They Now? The 'What's Love Got To Do With It' Cast: 2025 Career Updates For The Iconic Biopic Stars

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The 1993 biopic What's Love Got to Do with It remains one of the most powerful and celebrated musical dramas in cinematic history, immortalizing the turbulent life and triumphant career of the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner. Released over three decades ago, the film earned its stars, Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, Oscar nominations and cemented their status as Hollywood legends. As of this current date, December 23, 2025, the film’s legacy is more relevant than ever, especially following the passing of Tina Turner, which has led to a major resurgence in interest in the film and its unforgettable cast.

The actors who brought this gripping story to life have continued to dominate film, television, and the stage, with 2025 proving to be a particularly busy and successful year for the ensemble. From major blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed television series and significant personal achievements, here is a deep dive into the latest career updates for the beloved cast of What's Love Got to Do with It.

The Main Cast: Biographies and 2025 Career Highlights

This section provides a detailed look at the core performers who anchored the film, focusing on their recent and upcoming projects, which showcase their enduring talent and versatility.

Angela Bassett (Tina Turner)

  • Role in Film: Anna Mae Bullock / Tina Turner
  • Date of Birth: August 16, 1958
  • Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Key Awards: Golden Globe Awards (2), Screen Actors Guild Awards (2), Academy Award nominations (2), BAFTA nomination (1).
  • Career Status: One of the most sought-after and critically acclaimed actresses in Hollywood.

The Queen of the Biopic continues her reign in 2025. Angela Bassett, whose transformative portrayal of Tina Turner earned her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, is showing no signs of slowing down. Her career has reached new heights, particularly within the blockbuster and streaming spheres.

  • Blockbuster Return: Bassett is confirmed to return for the highly anticipated action sequel Mission: Impossible 8, one of the most significant projects of 2025. This marks her continued involvement in major Hollywood franchises, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly from dramatic roles to high-octane action.
  • Netflix Thriller: She is set to star opposite Robert De Niro in the new Netflix political thriller series, Zero Day, where she will tackle the demanding role of the President of the United States. This high-profile series is a testament to her enduring star power and her ability to command a leading role in prestige television.
  • Television Presence: Her long-running procedural drama 9-1-1 remains a well-oiled machine, continuing its successful run and demonstrating her consistent presence on network television.
  • Industry Recognition: Bassett was also a prominent figure at the 2025 LACMA Art and Film Gala, where she delivered a heartfelt tribute to director Ryan Coogler, underscoring her respected position within the industry.

Laurence Fishburne (Ike Turner, Sr.)

  • Role in Film: Ike Turner, Sr.
  • Date of Birth: July 30, 1961
  • Place of Birth: Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
  • Key Awards: Tony Award (1), Emmy Award (1), Academy Award nomination (1).
  • Career Status: A versatile and prolific actor, producer, and director with a presence across all genres.

Laurence Fishburne, who delivered a chillingly powerful performance as the abusive Ike Turner, is having a massive year in the sci-fi and thriller genres. His ability to embody complex, often intimidating characters keeps him in high demand.

  • Sci-Fi Thriller Lead: Fishburne is starring in the pulse-pounding new sci-fi psychological thriller movie The Astronaut, which is slated for release in 2025. He stars alongside Kate Mara in this space-themed project.
  • Espionage Action: He is also part of the star-studded cast for the 2025 thriller The Amateur, which features Rami Malek. This role adds another layer to his action and espionage filmography.
  • Animated Franchise: In 2024, he reprised his voice role for the animated feature Transformers One.
  • Franchise Future: At Comic Con 2025, Fishburne publicly discussed the possibility of returning to his iconic role as Morpheus in a potential The Matrix 5, keeping fans excited about his future involvement in the legendary franchise.

The Enduring Supporting Cast: From Zelma to Jackie

The film’s emotional depth was supported by a phenomenal cast of character actors who played pivotal roles in Tina Turner’s journey. Their careers continue to flourish in 2025 across multiple platforms, proving the strength of the original ensemble.

Jenifer Lewis (Zelma Bullock)

  • Role in Film: Zelma Bullock (Tina Turner's Mother)
  • 2025 Highlights: Speaking engagements, literary events, and awards.

The "Mother of Black Hollywood," Jenifer Lewis, who played Tina’s mother, Zelma Bullock, a woman who had abandoned her but later reappeared, remains a powerful cultural force.

  • Activism and Author: Lewis is a celebrated author and activist. In February 2025, she was scheduled for a Bestselling Author event to promote her literary work.
  • Keynote Speaker: She was the featured speaker at the Brown School’s 2025 Recognition Ceremony, where she delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech to the graduates, urging them to embrace the journey of self-care and asking for help.
  • Industry Honors: Lewis was also a notable attendee at The 2025 Beloved Community Awards, continuing her tradition of using her platform for social good and recognition.

Vanessa Bell Calloway (Jackie)

  • Role in Film: Jackie (Tina Turner's Friend and Backing Vocalist)
  • 2025 Highlights: Streaming television and holiday movies.

Vanessa Bell Calloway played Jackie, Tina's loyal friend and an Ikette who serves as a witness to the abuse and a source of support. Her career has seen a major push in recent years, particularly in streaming and holiday-themed content.

  • Netflix Comedy: Calloway is part of the cast for the Netflix series The Vince Staples Show, where she plays the mother of the titular character. Season 2 of the series has garnered attention in 2025.
  • Holiday Feature: She starred in the Christmas movie Queens of Christmas as Julia Mason, a project that highlights her versatility in family-focused storytelling.
  • Recent Projects: Her recent filmography also includes the BET+ crime drama The Black Hamptons and the film One of Them Days, which was recently updated in late 2025.

RaéVen Larrymore Kelly (Young Anna Mae Bullock)

  • Role in Film: Young Anna Mae Bullock
  • 2025 Highlights: Theatre and independent film.

RaéVen Larrymore Kelly delivered a memorable performance as the young Anna Mae, capturing the early spirit of the future superstar. She has continued her work in acting, with a focus on theater and independent projects.

  • Theater Recognition: Kelly has recently received a nomination for best lead female for her work in theater, demonstrating her continued commitment to the craft.
  • Film Roles: She was recently added to the cast of the independent horror film Locked in a Room, a project that highlights her involvement in diverse genre films.

Phyllis Yvonne Stickney (Alline Bullock)

  • Role in Film: Alline Bullock (Tina Turner's Sister)
  • 2025 Highlights: Directing, one-woman shows, and stage acting.

Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, who played Tina's sister Alline, has a prolific career in comedy, theater, and stage direction.

  • Directing and Stage: Stickney is actively involved in theater, recently directing the play Zooman and the Sign, which takes a theatrical look at gun violence. She also took on a role in the Black Rep's production of For Colored Girls...
  • New Productions: She is currently working on a new one-woman production, alongside developing a clothing line and mentoring young talent, showcasing her multifaceted creative endeavors.

The Enduring Legacy of the Tina Turner Biopic in 2025

The 1993 film What's Love Got to Do with It is not just a movie; it is a cultural touchstone that introduced Tina Turner’s harrowing and inspiring story to a global audience. In 2025, the film’s relevance is amplified, serving as a powerful tribute to the late artist.

The enduring power of the film is evident in the continued success of the stage production that shares its name. The high-energy tribute show, What's Love Got To Do With It? – A Tribute to Tina Turner, is scheduled for a sensational return in 2025, with tours across the UK and Ireland. This theatrical celebration, which saw over 60,000 fans in 2024 and 2025, is a direct reflection of the film's success in preserving Tina Turner's iconic legacy for new generations.

The movie is celebrated for its raw, unflinching portrayal of domestic abuse and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The performances by Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne are consistently cited as the definitive cinematic interpretations of the music legends, making the film a mandatory viewing experience for those seeking to understand the true cost of Tina Turner's success. The film's 30th-anniversary context, though technically in 2023, continues to drive retrospective screenings and discussions into 2025, such as a screening at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in November 2025.

The film’s profound impact on African-American cinema, its groundbreaking portrayal of a complex celebrity relationship, and its influence on future biopics are all reasons why the What's Love Got to Do with It cast remains a topic of current and vital discussion today. Their collective success in 2025 proves that the talent behind this cinematic masterpiece is as vibrant and commanding as ever.

what's love got to do with it cast
what's love got to do with it cast

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