- Kevin Costner opens up on Whitney Houston
- He explained his famous eulogy
- THIS is what he had to say
From refusing to cut short his funeral speech for commercial breaks to recalling the electric atmosphere at her service, Costner's tribute to Houston goes beyond the screen, proving their bond was as real as it gets.
In an industry where friendships can be as fleeting as the roles actors play, Kevin Costner's steadfast loyalty to Whitney Houston, even after her untimely death in 2012, stands out like a beacon of true camaraderie.
Kevin was a good friend
On a recent episode of Dax Shepard's 'Armchair Expert' podcast, Costner opened up about the emotional eulogy he delivered at Houston's funeral, a speech he adamantly refused to shorten, despite the looming presence of CNN and their commercial slots.
"I had been working on this speech… and I tried to compile everything I wanted to do and finally crafted this speech," Costner, recalled.
"Somebody said, 'CNN's here, they wouldn't mind if your remarks were kept shorter because they're going to have commercials.' And I said, 'They can get over that. They can play the commercial while I'm talking, I don't care.'"
The premiere of 'The Bodyguard' in 1992 wasn't just the beginning of a blockbuster hit; it marked the start of a 20-year friendship between Costner and Houston.
The film, which featured Houston as a singer stalked by a dangerous admirer and Costner as the bodyguard who falls in love with her, became a cultural phenomenon, largely thanks to its electrifying soundtrack. Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" not only won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1994 but also cemented her status as a musical icon.
Despite their close relationship, Costner initially hesitated to speak at Houston's funeral. It was only after encouragement from Dionne Warwick that he agreed, stepping up to honor the "little girl" he had known and worked with so closely.
Recalling the funeral, Costner remembered the "electric" atmosphere, with two bands playing and a church alive with energy and emotion. It was a fitting tribute to a woman whose voice had touched millions.
Costner's reflections on Houston's impact go beyond their shared screen time. He fondly remembers the moment the world heard "I Will Always Love You" for the first time, describing it as a moment when "musically the world was never the same."
For Costner, and indeed for many of us, Houston's performance in 'The Bodyguard' is an unforgettable testament to the power of film and music at their best.
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As we look back on the legacy of Whitney Houston and her unforgettable partnership with Kevin Costner, it's clear that their bond was one of mutual respect and genuine affection.
Costner's unwavering support and heartfelt tribute to Houston remind us of the enduring impact of friendship and the indelible mark it leaves on our hearts.
