Kevin Costner Reveals Insights into His Bond with Whitney Houston During ‘The Bodyguard’ Filming

These days, many classic and veteran actors are embracing candidness online. While this openness sometimes leads to public scrutiny and potential PR challenges, it also offers a chance to share intriguing behind-the-scenes insights about beloved shows and movies. Podcasts, in particular, have become a popular venue for actors to divulge juicy details or share their unfiltered views on current topics.

Even seasoned actors like Kevin Costner are joining the podcast trend! With a career spanning from 1978 to his recent role in the hit series Yellowstone (2018), Costner has accumulated a wealth of stories from his time in the industry. In a June 2024 episode of Armchair Expert, hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, Costner opened up about his extensive career and his experiences working with Whitney Houston.

Costner and Houston starred together in the 1992 film The Bodyguard, where he played a former Secret Service agent hired to protect a famous singer, portrayed by Houston, from a stalker. On the podcast, Costner shared that he personally selected Houston for the role, despite some reservations from the film’s director, Mick Jackson.

“I loved her,” Costner confessed. “It wasn’t a big secret. I knew she was the one.”

He revealed that he stood by Houston during filming, even as Jackson expressed discomfort with her presence. Costner took it upon himself to offer guidance and support, ensuring that Houston felt confident and valued on set.

“There was a moment when she trusted me,” Costner noted. “I could see that the director was intimidated by her.”

Ultimately, Costner decided to take a proactive role in directing Houston when Jackson wasn’t fully engaged, stating, “I started to guide her. I wasn’t trying to undermine the director, but I had made a promise to her, not to him.”

While the film received mixed reviews upon release, Houston’s contributions to the soundtrack were celebrated, with her songs earning Academy Award nominations.

Reflecting on their collaboration, Costner described their working relationship as particularly special. “We had a unique connection,” he said. “I realized that the world had high expectations of us, so I embraced it. I became her imaginary bodyguard.”