Key Takeaways:
– Kevin Costner faced backlash for casting Whitney Houston as his co-star in ‘The Bodyguard’.
– Houston, a leading musician of her time, had zero acting experience which led to industry resistance.
– Costner insisted on Houston, showcasing progressive and diverse casting ahead of his time.
– The actor praised Houston’s performance in the film saying no one could have done better in the role.
– Costner addressed the casting struggle during Houston’s 2012 funeral, shedding light on racial bias in the industry.
Celebrated actor Kevin Costner has opened up about the challenges he faced when he cast the late singer Whitney Houston in the 1992 romantic drama ‘The Bodyguard’. Known for his roles in classic films like ‘The Untouchables’ and for his directorial debut ‘Dances with Wolves’, Costner narrated the story behind his unprecedented decision during Houston’s funeral in 2012.
Costner’s Battle against Prejudice
Costner, who was also the producer and leading actor of ‘The Bodyguard’, revealed that considering Houston for the movie was met with substantial resistance. Despite Houston’s growing fame as a musician, her lack of professional acting experience raised eyebrows in the industry.
“I thought she was the perfect choice, but the red flags came out immediately. I was reminded that this would be her first acting role,” Costner said via The NY Post: “Maybe somebody white? Nobody ever said it out loud, but it was a fair question. [..] I told everyone that I had taken notice that Whitney was Black. The only problem was I thought she was perfect for what we were trying to do.”
Hollywood’s Diversity Struggle
Costner’s tales highlight the very real struggle of diversity within Hollywood, especially during the 80’s and 90’s. The reluctance to cast a Black singer with no acting experience underscored the biases lurking within the industry, even though it was never openly acknowledged.
In this light, Costner’s decision to champion Houston for the role suggests his progressive outlook. His willingness to cast her irrespective of industry norms can be seen as a landmark moment that promoted diversity in Hollywood.
Houston’s Performance Praised
Costner, in retrospect, gave a glowing tribute to Houston’s performance in ‘The Bodyguard’. In his eyes, any other actor could have played his role but there was no one who could have embodied the heroine as impressively as Houston.
“The only problem was I thought she was perfect for what we were trying to do,” he reiterated. Given the film’s ongoing success as one of the best romance movies, it seems Costner’s conviction paid off.
Conclusion
Even decades later, the story of Whitney Houston’s casting in ‘The Bodyguard’ continues to resonate. It’s a potent reminder of the industry’s doubtful past and the individuals who went against the grain to pave the way for a more inclusive future. It’s a testament to Costner’s discerning vision and his faith in Houston’s talents.
Despite resistance, Costner fought for what he believed was right. His actions offer a lesson in standing against bias, a principle that Hollywood and other industries should learn from as they continue to strive for equality and diversity.
