Zurin Villanueva always knew that if she wanted to succeed, she would have to get out of her own way and take a chance. From aspirations to book an acting gig on Sesame Street as a child to officially booking the role of a rock ‘n’ roll icon, Villanueva stars as Tina Turner in the musical Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
The Howard University graduate and Brooklyn native portrays the late singer, who passed away at the age of 83 on May 24. “We have two Tinas,” Villanueva reflected. Turns out she is one of two actresses reflecting the icon. Actress Naomi Rodgers is the other Tina. “So you had to figure out a scene or figure out a song based on watching someone else.”
Needless to say, she has the late singer’s greatest hits such as “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and “Proud Mary” down to a tee.”
“It feels like the greatest responsibility now, to pass on the story the way she wanted it to be told,” she later tells ABC Los Angeles affiliate, ABC7. “So we are up here telling that version. And that must be taken with care and love. I hope we are doing her justice and I believe that we are.”
But this isn’t the first time she’s made some #blackgirlmagic on the stage. Villanueva recently became the first Black woman to play Dyanne in the Tony-nominated musical, Million Dollar Quartet.
The success didn’t come easy for Zurin – it took months of auditioning, countless hours of rehearsals, and sheer determination to get where she is today.
Growing up, Villanueva witnessed many people around her giving up on their dreams because they lacked confidence or were afraid to take risks. As for herself, she worked tirelessly to cultivate an unwavering belief in herself, no matter what came her way along the journey.
One of her core values has always been being true to your craft — no matter what comes your way — which is why becoming Tina Turner wasn’t just another role for her. It was an opportunity to honor one of the most iconic women in history by playing a part in telling her story on stage.
“Remember that everyone has something unique about them,” she says when asked about advice for aspiring performers and artists. “Bring those qualities into whatever your craft is! That will help differentiate you from everyone else.”
Villanueva proves that when we never give up on our goals and dreams. Amazing things can be achieved with perseverance and passion — a potent reminder for any young person who feels discouraged from pursuing their love! She has always found a way to move aside and let everything gravitate toward her.
Villanueva also stars in Netflix’s Murder Mystery 2, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.
“You have to use all your skills when pursuing a job you love. I felt lucky when I got my role opposite Adam Sandler – it was like a dream come true! It taught me that putting yourself out there is important, even if it doesn’t feel safe or conventional at first,” she says.
