Kevin Costner Reflects on Bonding with Whitney Houston: A Tribute to Their Special Connection

Kevin Costner Recalls Embracing Friendship With Whitney Houston I Was Her Imaginary Bodyguard

Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner Michael Caulfield/WireImage/Getty Images

Kevin Costner has shared his fond memories of working with Whitney Houston on the set of their 1992 hit movie, The Bodyguard.

During the Monday, June 3 episode of the "Armchair Expert" podcast, Costner, 69, revealed that he loved working with Houston and knew she was the perfect choice for the lead role.

Costner remembered director Mick Jackson being "afraid" of Houston. He then took on the role of guiding her and advised the late singer to not bring an entourage during production.

Costner, who was also the producer of the film, clarified that he wasn't trying to undermine the director. He had promised Houston, not Jackson, that the film would be successful at the box office, despite receiving negative feedback from test screenings.

“I was always gonna keep my promise to her,” he added.

Kevin Costner Recalls Embracing Friendship With Whitney Houston I Was Her Imaginary Bodyguard

Kevin Costner starred alongside Whitney Houston in the 1992 film “THE BODYGUARD.” Despite Costner’s request for Houston to not bring her own bodyguards offscreen, he assured her that his request wouldn’t compromise anyone’s safety. Costner even offered to take care of anyone important to her, which turned out to be Robyn Crawford. He suggested having Robyn with her, and that’s how they began working on the film together.

"I don’t know what it was, but we had a moment, and I realized that the world had a higher idea of who we were, so I basically embraced it,” he explained. “I was her imaginary bodyguard."

Elsewhere in the podcast episode, the Yellowstone actor shared about his decision not to shorten Houston’s eulogy after she passed away at the age of 48 in 2012.

“I had been working on this speech,” he said. “And I tried to compile everything I wanted to do and finally crafted this speech.”

Kevin Costner Recalls Embracing Friendship With Whitney Houston I Was Her Imaginary Bodyguard

Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner starred in the movie "THE BODYGUARD" in 1992. The film was a hit.

During an interview, Kevin Costner shared a funny story. He remembered someone telling him to keep his comments short because CNN was there and they needed to air commercials. Kevin's response was casual, saying they could play the commercial while he was talking, he didn't mind at all.

Houston, who had struggled with addiction for a long time, was discovered deceased in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined that her cause of death was drowning along with the impact of heart disease and cocaine.

She had been staying at the hotel in preparation to sing at Clive Davis’ yearly pre-Grammys event, which was called off following her passing.

Three years later, Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, whom she shared with ex-husband Bobby Brown, died after being found unconscious in a bathtub at age 22.

Editor's P/S:

Kevin Costner's heartwarming recollections of working with Whitney Houston on "The Bodyguard" paint a vivid picture of their close bond and mutual respect. Costner's unwavering support for Houston, despite initial skepticism from the director, demonstrates his belief in her talent and his commitment to her success. The anecdotes he shared reveal a deep connection between them, forged through shared experiences and a shared vision for the film.

Costner's decision to honor Houston with an unedited eulogy at her funeral further underscores his admiration and affection for her. His refusal to compromise his speech, even under pressure from media outlets, speaks to his unwavering loyalty and his desire to pay tribute to her legacy in a meaningful and heartfelt way. The tragic deaths of Houston and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, cast a shadow over the memories shared in the article, but they also serve as a reminder of the enduring impact that these remarkable individuals had on the world.