Dallas native Skye Dakota Turner took a break from the big screen to return to Dallas on Sept. 9. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson honored the 12-year-old actress with a proclamation and special recognition.
Turner got her start at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, where her cover of the Patti LaBelle song, “If Only You Knew,” went viral and caught the attention of LaBelle. From there, Turner landed the role of a young Tina Turner for the Broadway production of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical. While there, she secured the role of a young Aretha Franklin in the movie “Respect.”
With dignitaries gathered in the Dallas City Hall Flag Room, Johnson read the proclamation that states:
“Skye’s 2019 appearance on the Steve Harvey Show has solidified her recognition as a stand-out singer and performer. In 2020, she thrilled audiences as a young Anna Mae in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical on Broadway…
“In 2021, Skye starred as the young Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in the new biopic, “Respect.” Through this role, she has been hailed by critics as ‘a force to be reckoned with,’ and it is stated that her performance as a young Aretha ‘will leave you with chills.’”
Johnson concluded, “Skye serves as a beacon of hope for young Dallasites, particularly young female Dallasites of color, as she makes strides in her acting career, bringing joy to all who have the privilege of watching her perform.”
“Respect” remains in theaters and is available for at-home streaming where you can view Turner’s Hollywood film debut with fellow superstars like Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald, Marlon Wayans, and Mary J. Blige.