Kevin Costner revealed that he first saw Whitney Houston on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and was instantly convinced she was perfect for the role in “The Bodyguard.”
Kevin Costner recently reflected on his enduring friendship with Whitney Houston, over three decades after their collaboration on the film “The Bodyguard.” During an appearance on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, Costner recounted delivering the eulogy at Houston’s funeral in 2012, emphasizing his determination to give a complete tribute despite time constraints.
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Costner, who both starred in and produced the 1992 film, revealed that he first saw Houston on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and was instantly convinced she was perfect for the role. The movie’s director, Mick Johnson, was hesitant about casting Houston, but Costner insisted. “She was my choice,” he explained to hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman. “I was the actor, I produced it, and I picked her.”
He recalled telling Houston she couldn’t have an entourage on set, promising instead to personally look after her. “We had a moment of understanding,” he said. “I realized the world viewed us differently, and I embraced that. I became her imaginary bodyguard.”
Houston, a celebrated singer but novice actress at the time, placed her trust in Costner. “I began to guide her, not to undermine the director, but because I had made a promise to her,” he explained.
Confident in the film’s potential, Costner assured Houston and record producer Clive Davis of its success. “The Bodyguard” went on to earn nearly $122 million and featured Houston’s iconic rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” which garnered numerous awards, including a Grammy.
Costner affirmed his promise to Houston, stating, “She will always love me in the song, and I was always going to keep my promise to her.”
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Their friendship endured until Houston’s tragic death from accidental drowning at the Beverly Hilton hotel, exacerbated by years of substance abuse. Despite the challenges she faced, Costner didn’t perceive her pain.
At Houston’s memorial, Kevin Costner initially hesitated to speak when asked by her aunt, Dionne Warwick. He spent a week crafting his speech, feeling uncertain even as he arrived at the church. However, he ultimately resolved to deliver his heartfelt tribute.
Facing pressure from CNN to shorten his remarks for commercial breaks, Costner stood firm. “They can play the commercial while I’m talking. I don’t care,” he insisted. “I’ve come here to say what I need to say, not for just two minutes.”
In the end, his eulogy lasted 17 minutes. When Shepard asked if he covered everything he wanted to, Costner responded, “That I felt I needed to say.”