What’s love got to do with it?

For Angela Bassett, who nabbed an Oscar nomination playing Tina Turner in the film of that name, the answer is everything.

“I love what I do,” Angela tells ‘Closer’ of her career. “I can only hope to keep growing and doing better.”

The ‘American Horror Story’ actress recently got a chance to spread her wings when she directed her first movie, the Whitney Houston biopic, ‘Whitney’ for Lifetime.

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Whitney Houston (left) and Angela Bassett (right). (Photo Credits: R/R)

“I was drawn to the passion in her story,” says Angela, 56. “And I love Whitney.” She also loves spending time with her actor hubby, Courtney B. Vance, 54, and their 8-year-old twins, Slater and Bronwyn.

Says Angela, “They put a smile on my face every day.”

Related Story: Whitney Houston’s Mother Breaks Silence Over Unauthorized Lifetime Biopic

  • You’ve been married to Courtney for 17 years. What’s your secret to a long-lasting marriage?

Respect and negotiation! I want what I want, he wants what he wants and sometimes they’re not he same, but we’ve learned how to negotiate to make each other happy and fulfill out dreams and desires.

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Angela with her husband, Courtney, in August 2014.

  • When you get a night lone, what is a typical date night like?

Going to the theater – we love doing that. It’s always very romantic.

  • In what ways does Courtney make you a better person?

He lets me be me and do me. He is a great support person for anyone.

To read Angela’s full interview, pick up the new issue of ‘Closer Weekly,’ on newsstands now!