In a recent podcast interview with actor and comedian Dax Shepard, Kevin Costner opened up about his experience working with Whitney Houston in the iconic 1992 romantic thriller film “The Bodyguard.” The movie, which marked Ms. Houston’s acting debut, centered around a former secret service agent hired to protect a famous pop star from a stalker.
Mr. Costner, who also served as a producer on the project, shared how he defied initial objections from director Mick Jackson in order to cast the legendary singer for the film’s lead role. The 69-year-old explained that despite Jackson’s discomfort with Ms. Houston, he was determined to have her play the part. She was my choice. So I was the actor. I produced it. I picked her,” Costner stated during the June 3 podcast episode of “Armchair Expert.
He added that he had a strong sense of who should be cast in the film, and it was his responsibility as a producer to ensure Ms. Houston’s place in the movie, despite any opposition from the director. This dedication to Whitney Houston’s success in the film went beyond just casting her; Mr. Costner also took on the role of guiding her through the process, building trust between them and ultimately ensuring she felt comfortable on set.
Reflecting on their growing bond while making “The Bodyguard,” Mr. Costner revealed that he told Ms. Houston she couldn’t have a personal crew on set but assured her that he would take care of her. This moment marked the beginning of a strong working relationship between the two, which continued throughout production.
Sadly, on February 11, 2012, nearly two decades after “The Bodyguard” debuted in theaters, Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 48 after drowning in the bathtub of a Beverly Hills hotel room. The Los Angeles County coroner ruled her death as accidental, with cocaine and heart disease listed as contributing factors.
In the wake of Ms. Houston’s tragic passing, Mr. Costner was asked by the singer’s cousin, Dionne Warwick, to speak at her funeral service. Held at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey—the same church where Ms. Houston first began singing as a child—Mr. Costner hesitated before agreeing to give the eulogy. He shared with Shepard and co-host actress Monica Padman that he initially reached out to television personality Oprah Winfrey and broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer, both of whom attended the televised service, asking if they would deliver the eulogy instead.
Ultimately, Mr. Costner decided to take on the responsibility himself and delivered an emotional 17-minute speech at Ms. Houston’s funeral in Newark. In his address, he highlighted her incredible talent, stating, “There’s a lady in heaven who is making God himself wonder how he created something so perfect.” He concluded by expressing hope that Whitney would be able to sing confidently before her Heavenly Father, saying, “Don’t you worry, you’ll be good enough.
The bond between Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston in “The Bodyguard” is a testament to the power of trust and dedication between actors. Through their collaboration on this film, both artists left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the world of music, creating a cinematic experience that continues to captivate audiences over 30 years later.