Kevin Costner was among the list of high-profile figures who spoke at Whitney Houston's funeral service, held Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey.
In a speech that was both somber and poignant, the 57-year-old actor recalled anecdotes from shooting 1992's "The Bodyguard." The film was the pop star's first movie role and also helped establish Houston as one of the world's most preeminent singers, featuring a Houston-led soundtrack that sold more than 42 million copies worldwide and a career-defining performance of "I Will Always Love You."
"At the height of her fame as a singer I asked her to be my costar in a movie called 'The Bodyguard.' I thought she was the perfect choice. But the red flags came out immediately. Maybe I should think this over a bit. I was reminded that this would be her first acting role. We could also think about another singer, was a suggestion. Maybe somebody white... Nobody said it out loud, but it was a fair question. It was. There would be a lot riding on this. Maybe a more experienced actress would be the way to go. It was clear that I had really had to think about this," Costner said.
"I told everyone that I had taken notice that Whitney was black," he added, to some laughter.
He continued: "It was the burden that made her great, and the part that caused her to stumble in end. Whitney, if you could hear me now, I would tell you, you weren't just good enough, you were great. You sang the whole damn song without a band. You made the picture what it was. A lot of leading men could have played my part, a lot of guys could have filled that role. But you Whitney, I truly believe, were the only one who could have played Rachel Marron at that time. You weren't just pretty. You were as beautiful as a woman could be. And people just didn't like you, Whitney. They loved you."
Coster also shared that he and Houston had both been raised in the Baptist Church.
"[Whitney] and I had a lot in common. I know many at this moment are thinking, really? 'She's a girl, you're a boy. You're white, she's black. We heard you like to sing, but our sister could really sing,'" Costner said, adding that one of Houston's favorite stories of Costner involved him growing up as a young boy in church.
Photos from the scene at Saturday's funeral:
Launch Slideshow
HIDE THUMBNAILS
SHARE
BACK TO ARTICLE
1 of 27
PLAY ALL
VOTE ON THIS SLIDE
ADVERTISEMENT
[{"entry_id":"1452691","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/04\/25\/kesha-tweets-photo-peeing-in-street_n_1452691.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/222640\/slide_222640_905353_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/222640\/slide_222640_905353_small.jpg","title":"Ke$ha Tweets Photo Of Herself Peeing In The Street (PHOTO)","slideshow_id":"222640","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1546544","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/05\/25\/gregg-allman-allman-brothers-engaged-to-24-year-old-girlfriend_n_1546544.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/197716\/slide_197716_482126_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/197716\/slide_197716_482126_small.jpg","title":"Gregg Allman, Allman Brothers Singer, Engaged To 24-Year-Old Girlfriend","slideshow_id":"197716","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1442703","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/04\/21\/kim-kardashian-without-makeup-kris-jenner-tweets-creepy-photo-of-kim-sleeping_n_1442703.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/196123\/slide_196123_589314_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/196123\/slide_196123_589314_small.jpg","title":"Kim Kardashian Without Makeup: Kris Jenner Tweets Creepy Photo Of Kim Sleeping (PHOTOS)","slideshow_id":"196123","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1468510","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/05\/01\/kate-upton-dances-the-cat-daddy_n_1468510.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/210697\/slide_210697_716714_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/210697\/slide_210697_716714_small.jpg","title":"Kate Upton Dances The Cat Daddy In A Bikini For Terry Richardson (VIDEO)","slideshow_id":"210697","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1453420","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/04\/25\/brandy-eating-disorder-teen_n_1453420.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/39819\/slide_39819_321211_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/39819\/slide_39819_321211_small.jpg","title":"Brandy Reveals She Had An Eating Disorder As A Teen (VIDEO)","slideshow_id":"39819","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1458758","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/04\/27\/kim-kardashian-denies-naked-kitchen-photo-not-me_n_1458758.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/36840\/slide_36840_316515_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/36840\/slide_36840_316515_small.jpg","title":"Kim Kardashian Denies Nude Kitchen Photo: 'It's Not Me' (PHOTOS)","slideshow_id":"36840","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1440909","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/04\/20\/celebrity-oversharers-kim-kardashian-alicia-silverstone_n_1440909.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/197634\/slide_197634_890194_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/197634\/slide_197634_890194_small.jpg","title":"Celebrity Oversharers: Kim Kardashian, Courtney Stodden, Alicia Silverstone Give TMI","slideshow_id":"197634","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1478181","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/05\/04\/beastie-boy-dead-celebrities-react-on-twitter_n_1478181.html","content_type":"tweet","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/224516\/slide_224516_940640_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/224516\/slide_224516_940640_small.jpg","title":"Beastie Boy Dead: Celebrities React On Twitter","slideshow_id":"224516","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1450310","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/04\/24\/levon-helm-dead-memorial-woodstock_n_1450310.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/22496\/slide_22496_273980_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/22496\/slide_22496_273980_small.jpg","title":"Levon Helm Dead: Memorial Planned In Woodstock","slideshow_id":"22496","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1514596","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/05\/14\/jessica-pare-teeth-mad-men-star-discusses-famous-feature_n_1514596.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/213563\/slide_213563_770950_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/213563\/slide_213563_770950_small.jpg","title":"Jessica Pare Teeth: 'Mad Men' Star Discusses Her Famous Feature","slideshow_id":"213563","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1467561","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/05\/01\/marilyn-monroe-nudes-outtakes-last-on-set-shoot-revealed-larry-schiller_n_1467561.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/193540\/slide_193540_409790_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/193540\/slide_193540_409790_small.jpg","title":"Marilyn Monroe Nudes: Lost Photos From Her Last On-Set Shoot","slideshow_id":"193540","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1507187","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/05\/10\/trace-cyrus-mileys-older-brother-scalp-tattoo_n_1507187.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/220363\/slide_220363_866974_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/220363\/slide_220363_866974_small.jpg","title":"Trace Cyrus, Miley's Older Brother, Shows Off Scalp Tattoo","slideshow_id":"220363","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1465236","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/04\/30\/kelly-osbourne-ends-christina-aguliera-feud_n_1465236.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/220197\/slide_220197_864008_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/220197\/slide_220197_864008_small.jpg","title":"Kelly Osbourne Ends Feud With Christina Aguilera","slideshow_id":"220197","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1474016","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/05\/03\/kim-kardashian-instagram_n_1474016.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/93509\/slide_93509_333561_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/93509\/slide_93509_333561_small.jpg","title":"Kim Kardashian Tweets Photo Of Scott Disick's Car, Ghostlike Girl","slideshow_id":"93509","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1545551","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/05\/25\/janet-jackson-urges-paris-jackson-not-to-act_n_1545551.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/32573\/slide_32573_305809_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/32573\/slide_32573_305809_small.jpg","title":"Janet Jackson Urges Paris Jackson Not To Start Acting","slideshow_id":"32573","vertical":"celebrity"},{"entry_id":"1440600","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2012\/04\/20\/lena-dunham-talks-losing-virginity_n_1440600.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/6477\/slide_6477_85908_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/6477\/slide_6477_85908_small.jpg","title":"Lena Dunham Talks Losing Her Virginity: 'Girls' Star Opens Up","slideshow_id":"6477","vertical":"celebrity"}]
Kevin Costner was among the list of high-profile figures who spoke at Whitney Houston's funeral service, held Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey.
In a speech that was both ...
Kevin Costner was among the list of high-profile figures who spoke at Whitney Houston's funeral service, held Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey.
In a speech that was both ...
Kevin Costner did a wonderful job. If you didn't see him give his deep reflections on Whitney, you missed a lot. AP carried the whole funeral as did CNN, BET, MSNBC and a couple of other cable networks.
mek0123: Kevin Costner did a wonderful job. If you didn't see
God wanted me to get to Whitney but Whitney was of free will and lack of being teachable even as beautiful and divine as she will always be to us all. I am connected to singers that know her well and no one would help me as I support RECOVERY and WELLNESS with some special people to assist for even high profile and have saved alot of lives. SHE NEEDED SOMEONE BY HER SIDE IN THAT WEEKEND WITH THE KNOWING OF HER BEING SO OUT OF IT...NO ONE SHOULD HAVE LET HER BE ALONE FOR ONE MOMENT KNOWING SHE WAS ON PILLS...NO ONE.
I also wrote a song for her many years ago in my publishing and Whitney cant be replaced ever as her spirit was real and genuine at the start but at the end, she was jaded and used up and tired and sad like we saw in Elvis and MJ and even in Janis....they all wanted sobriety but were just tired of life.
I deeply hope that her daughter will be able to be teachable and follow sobriety..it IS fun...really! www.wix.com/YESPrograms/FreeTheChi client page
INDIGOSHAKTI: God wanted me to get to Whitney but Whitney was
when its your time to go nothing or no one on this earth is going to keep you here when the horn is sounded for you to come home that's just it your going home
allenglen6: when its your time to go nothing or no one
What a fabulous singer! As she got older, as we all will and do, of course the voice will change. This may have been very hard on her and she chose other ways of coping than I might. Brown should be ashamed to attend for 20 minutes and selfishly leave for his own "concert." Kevin Costner honored her and she will be missed. Really, are the drugs, pain and misery worth it???
guevindna: What a fabulous singer! As she got older, as we
Go ahead and post your vile hatred for his woman, but you still cannot take away all that she has accomplished in life, and the hearts she has touch with her music. RIP Whitney!
1088: Go ahead and post your vile hatred for his woman,
I believe that Kevin Costner fell head over heels in love with Whitney Houston during the time they filmed the Bodyguard together. It was apparent by the way he looked at her. He could not stop his attraction and facination for her, and I think she was just astonished by all his glowing attention.
It was apparent to all who saw Mr. Coster give his eulogy on behalf of Ms Houston that he was still in love with Whitney Houston; the person he first met all these years ago. The "clean" Whitney Houston could have had whatever she wanted from Costner, but it's a shame that she wasn't clean for very long.
It's such a waste to see how she trashed her God-given, precious gift of singing. Experts cry, "Substance abuse is a disease!"
Really?
No, it's not.
It's a matter of what lifestyle a person wishes to live. I personally believe deeply in the power of personal redemption. Many addicts go clean, but only after they examine that life does offer them a choice. To continue their addiction or to get clean.
Every day, Whitney had a choice, but she chose badly; time and time again.
This angered Costner, but there was nothing that he could do to stop her. In the end, it's in the addict's hands; a most precarious place for good judgement to prevail!
God bless Whitney Houston. God bless Kevin Costner. They were really good for each other & brought out the best of themselves.
RiverBoatQueen: I believe that Kevin Costner fell head over heels in
The idea that Kevin Costner fell in love with Whitney Houston and is still in love with her is delusional. And I doubt seriously she could have had anything she wanted from him. They were both good actors but what you suggests makes me think they should have been given Oscars! LOL
ToriaCove: The idea that Kevin Costner fell in love with Whitney
I appologize for getting a little mean in my above comment..... It is just frustrating to see a person you like- self destruct over the years.
48 is still TOO YOUNG to die.
Whitney will be missed. regardless of her later persona
masontganes: I appologize for getting a little mean in my above
Considering all of the stars that were out in the audience and that it probably wouldn't have taken any thing for any one of them to get up and make a heart felt speech.....don't you thnk you're kind of reaching with that thought.
msstrick40: Considering all of the stars that were out in the
Well the fact that there WERE so many stars.... stars that were actually a part of her life but did NOT make any speech or sing-- thats my point. Costner & Whitney were not freinds in real life. They had ZERO interaction in the last 20 yrs.
They had a nice memory together during a movie that really helped her career. But that was it. 20 yrs ago.
Dont get me wrong- the speech was moving and really heartfelt.
But i dont think he would have been there had the family asked or paid him off.
Whevever AL SHARPTON is involved in one of these events-- i question EVERYTHING behind it.
masontganes: Well the fact that there WERE so many stars.... stars
I can remember growning up listnenig to Whitney Houston, and as an African American we all thought Whitney was going to marry a White guy. Its sad to say but is almost what we wanted for her. She chose BB. Mr Costner I love you. Whitney Houston I name my daughter Whitney after you, she is 22 years old now. RIP Whitney I can see you in the Heavenly Choir singing.
divinemary: I can remember growning up listnenig to Whitney Houston, and
It's too bad that some people have never been taught to have the basic decency to show a little respect for those who have passed. It's obvious that those that have posted such bitter and terrible comments have alot of evolving to do. I guess this medium makes it easier for the cowardly to make heartless comments via a post to a website versus saying the same thing to a grieiving person's face (would you?). As tragic and blemished her life had become, she still gave of herself to entertain others, and to heal with that beautiful voice. She managed to make so many of us all forget our own pains and problems in life, if only for a little while.
Grapes_of_Wrath: It's too bad that some people have never been taught
All the way from the UK ,you have my attention In the London ,where I am right now!
We recently lost Amy Winehouse to similar self destructive behaviour last year. At the tender age of 27, she was called home. She experienced immense pressure from the record label to tour and produce songs.
Her Bobby Brown was Blake Fielder. (By the way, Amy Winehouse won 5 grammys a few years ago)
The same with Micheal Jackson, its all about Prince Charles's Mothers face on paper. In America its the Benjamin's e,t,c.(Show me the money?@# ! )
Sister Whitney was given this talent by God.
She was raised in the Baptist Church whom its members are on first name basis with Jesus Christ (Gods Son! And The Holy Spirit who enters into ones body to serve Gods divine purpose for our lives.)
Sister Whitney was a beacon of light for all of the human race that have or had self destructive behaviour. Sister Whitney did not think she was going to heaven. She KNEW!
Why?
She was sent from THERE !
When I heard her sing "Yes Jesus Loves Me" it was a song publicly declaring
her allegiance to Him with that great perfect Angelic Voice.
Its always about MORE love xxx
Wonder this,
Are record companies responsible in the way they handle their artists?
kofoworola_gbadebo: Hi Grapes of Wrath, I love that title/status. All the
I could't agree more. There are too many beautiful and talented artists that have been lost due to self destruction. Maybe if the record companies would require that the artists attend counseling and random drug testing in order to keep their contracts (regardless if the artist is showing evidence of having a problem), we perhaps would see less tragic stories such as these, and better equip these artists to handle the trappings of fame.
Grapes_of_Wrath: I could't agree more. There are too many beautiful and
I think alot of people like myself are angry with her because we DID like her alot. And as the years went on she destroyed herself. Which intern ruined what we all had come to love about her persona.
All the bad choices she made were totaly avoidable. Its frustrating to see this happen to a celeb you once liked.
masontganes: I think alot of people like myself are angry with
I agree. Mr. Costner DEFINITELY was in love with Whitney during that time. After watching his speech it is clear some feelings are still there after all these year's. In the wake of her death I saw on TV an interview where he said he was "very proud of the BodyGuard movie and that he would always love her" My heart breaks knowing that she could have had better than what she settle for-silly girl.They were two beautiful peoples....I've always felt that she should have married him.Their children's would have been scorching hot.
TERR1Z: I agree. Mr. Costner DEFINITELY was in love with Whitney
I missed watching the funeral on TV but I have t say, Kevin's eulogy was wonderful. He spoke the truth about Whitney. She was great. She was PERFECT for that movie and really pulled it off. I enjoyed "The Bodyguard" so much. You would have thought Whitney's was an actress always and not a singer. She was really good in the movie. When I learned Whitney had died, I was ANGRY. I knew it had to have something to do with drugs. She was SO TALENTED. Reading commentaries recently about Whitney before her death were not flattering. Her voice was not as good as it was and I suspect it had to do with smoking a lot of weed and cigarettes not to mention drinking. What a waste and what a loss for her daughter Bobbie.
Kathy_Fawley_Frankforter: I missed watching the funeral on TV but I have
Whitney certainly had a powerful and magnificent voice in her prime...my personal favorite for a female vocalist. But the harsh routine from demanding singing tours often takes its toll on even the best of voices. Yes, life style choices also take there toll...but I wouldn't necessarily assume drugs alone caused her voice to change over time.
jb6789: Whitney certainly had a powerful and magnificent voice in her
Loading comments… 
First Posted: 02/18/2012 4:44 pm Updated: 02/18/2012 6:48 pm