Actress, dancer, singer, professional tribute artist...Tatiana Turan

June 30, 10:14 PMActing ExaminerDeborah Smith Ford

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Tatiana Turan                                           (Photo/file)

Professional tribute artist and a lookalike to the stars is Tatiana Turan. Tatiana has an incredible look and her talent not only duplicates that of some celebrities, such as Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Paula Abdul, but also is the foundation to who Tatiana really is. 

Tatiana's many talents go beyond paying tribute to others, as she is also very talented in her own right.  Tatiana is one (or more) of the Bling Divas!  And she is one of two as BradJoliena!  Ryan Fraley portrays a wonderful Brad Pitt.

The following Q & A will shed light on her many talents and experiences as a tribute artist, actress, dancer, singer and pilates instructor!

How did you begin in this business?

I was a back-up dancer for other lookalike/impersonators in the industry for a few years, and I was traveling the world working with many whom are now my friends and colleagues. When Jennifer Lopez came on the scene as a singer (as opposed to her acting career), many of my new friends urged me to start doing her.

They thought I had a similar enough look and with my dance background it seemed to be a natural suggestion! I began to study everything about JLo – her mannerisms, her talk, her moves, her sound and before I knew it I had my very first gig lined up where I was up in front, instead of behind someone else! From there, it snowballed and took on a life of its own.

Soon into my work as JLo, I was getting several comments that I looked like Angelina Jolie - who had just started making headlines as the Lara Croft character. Since I now had a name for myself in the industry, it was an easy transition to also parlay into doing Angelina. Then came Paula Abdul (with an American Idol team) and Shakira!"

Have you always looked like your character(s) and/or when did you know you did?

As Jennifer [Lopez], it was more of an impersonation ‘thing’ when I began. As time went on however, I started to realize – from other people’s comments and studying my own facial angles as compared to hers – that I do resemble her in many ways. As Angelina, I kept hearing from the outside world, that I looked like her. Often times, it was even when I was doing an event as the red-carpet JLo, that I would hear these comments, so I thought I should see about taking on that character as well. Again, it took off so quickly that I was thankful for the discovery!"

Tatiana as Angelina Jolie          (Photo/file)

What formal training, such as in singing, dancing or acting, do you have?

I am a trained actor, dancer and singer. I have been acting and dancing since I was a young girl and the vocal training came later. I have a BA in Drama, with Honors in Acting from UC Irvine."

What does it take to beome a celebrity tribute artist?

Well it takes more than just looks. In addition to the costumes, wigs, makeup, etc…it’s essential for the artist to study his/her character’s mannerisms, speech patterns, sound, physicality and of course his/her essence overall. If you call yourself a ‘tribute artist’ then it’s important to capture the fine details so you can truly pay tribute!"

Who is your most popular character?

My most popular character for a few years now has been Angelina Jolie. Everywhere you turn she’s on the cover of a magazine or in the headlines, so naturally she is a popular choice when someone is planning an event or casting a look-alike. As for my favorite character….I truly enjoy portraying each of them for different reasons. Angelina is nice because she is known as a ‘do-gooder’ and so most everyone likes her.

JLo [Jennifer Lopez] is fun because she’s flashy and glamorous and laughs a lot so I get to keep it a little lighter when I portray her. It’s a hoot to do Paula Abdul with my American Idol team because, well… for obvious reasons! And Shakira is great to do because I get to use my belly dancing skills! With any one of them, I try to keep it fun and light so that the audience/guests can have fun too!"

Tatiana as JLo                          (Photo/file)

Who have you worked with?

I have the good fortune of working with several other talented impersonators with the characters I do. Ryan Fraley who portrays Brad Pitt and I work together all the time (for almost 3 years now)! We have traveled across the country for events as “Brad and Angelina” as well been in a feature film, and were featured in the 2009 Rose Parade this past January.

As Paula Abdul, I have the wonderful chance to work with two very talented actors who do Simon Cowell (Phil Hersh) and Randy Jackson (Keith Anton). They are fantastic performers and together our dynamic really captures the essence of the three famous judges. Having worked together for about 5 years now, our chemistry on stage is immediately apparent and this helps with the success of each show."

"Paula Abdul, Simon & Randy"

What is an example of working as one or more of your characters?

BradJoliena                             (Photo/file)

As any one of my characters I am hired for meet & greets, photos, red carpet, trade shows, etc…As Jennifer Lopez and Shakira I am also hired to perform. And as Paula Abdul, I am mostly hired with my American Idol team to judge a competition themed event."

Have you been on TV shows or in film as yourself or as one or more of your characters?

Yes, I have been on TV, film and in print, both as myself in an acting role and as my characters!"

What kind of support do you have?  

I have always felt supported with what I do. From the time I was a young girl taking dance class, to when I entered college to study my acting, to where I am now. My family and friends have always been supportive and my biggest fans!"

Are you a tribute artist full time?

Between my acting, dancing, choreography and impersonating work, I have a full time career! What many may not know about me is that in between all of my performing gigs I also teach Pilates in my own studio. I have been a certified Pilates instructor for 5 years and a loyal student for over 10. I feel blessed to be able to do all that I do. In every way, I get to be creative and practice that which I am most passionate about! 

I am also a professional choreographer. I have been choreographing for corporate events and major stage productions for over 10 years. My work has been on stages in Disneyland, Italy, Spain, Japan, Canada and of course on several here in the United States!

Also, there are a few exciting projects in the works that will most likely happen at the end of summer, early fall time."

How can we learn more about you and your characters?

"Shakira"

I have a variety of websites containing information on myself and on each of my characters.  Here is a compliment from a client whom BradJoliena worked for." 

'Wait, those were actually Brad and Angelina impersonators at the BioClinica booth at DIA. But they looked so authentic! He sported glossy, tan skin and a tweed cap. She had big lips, long brown tresses cinched back tight, and huge sunglasses. Facial features on both were almost dead on. Brad (actually Ryan) and Angie (actually Tatiana) were Hollywood aloof yet exhibit-floor accommodating as they hung out in the BioClinica booth letting “paparazzi” take pictures of them with giggling passersby.'