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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.

Submit this storydigg reddit stumble 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.

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."

"[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.

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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 ...

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23 minutes ago (11:23 AM) New Hope Baptist Church, Kevin Costner, all who paid tribute / respects should be proud of the tribute given to Whitney Houston.

They "took many to church yesterday" and I personally found it all quite uplifting and touching, I just wish that for every little known person who passes on this planet we all could could honor them is such a way.

23 minutes ago (11:23 AM) Only if Whitney had a guy like this in her life at the time, for I think she would be still alive today! By the way, where is Eddie Murphy, for he once was Whitney's boy friend?

15 minutes ago (11:31 AM) If you knew Kevin Costner's stellar character and his respect for Whitney, that (twisted) perception of his metaphor would NEVER have entered your mind.

7 minutes ago (11:38 AM) Really. Some people. He is a good guy and great friend to her. I remember seeing her interviewe­d and she was talking about when she first met Kevin. She said something to the effect: "I've never acted. Please don't let me look like a fool." And he didn't. It was a wonderful tribute he gave.

9 minutes ago (11:37 AM) Yeah, let's trounce on her grave. What goes around comes around. Remember that when you close your eyes for the final time.

52 minutes ago (10:54 AM) As a 13-year old, my classmates and I met Kevin Costner and Clint Eastwood as they were filming "A Perfect World." Having had a serious schoolboy crush on Whitney at the time, I asked Mr. Costner what was it like working with Whitney Houston. Amazingly, he said the same thing 19 years ago as he said at her eulogy: "She was great."

57 minutes ago (10:49 AM) I also meant to mention my gratitude for Kevin for not only insisting that Whitney play Rachel Marron, but for handing her the defining song of her life. Kevin is the one who brought Dolly Parton's "I'll Always Long You To Whitney" as the song she should sing.

For those who are resentful that Whitney stole Dolly's thunder, that's not the way that Dolly feels. Dolly is not just a singer, she's a songwriter­. Because of Whitney, Dolly's song is the best selling song ever.

1 hour ago (10:41 AM) Right on Kevin. I loved your speech on Whitney. I also love your casino restaurant in Deadwood South Dakota. What a great place you have made that town. Everything you do turns to gold. I think I will download Whitney's greatest hits. Thank you.

1 hour ago (10:37 AM) Could it be that Mr Costner is reaching for a bygone era where both he and his co star were at their most illustriou­s? Does he really believe he could?ve saved his co star? Perhaps he managed to do so in the film they both starred in but perhaps for a moment, the grief and exaltation had this fine actor thinking what goes on on the silver screen can also happen off it too?

In the end as difficult as it is to accept it was the singer?s decision to stay the course or not. Neverthele­ss one has to applaud Mr Costner for his desire to bring closure not to our collective sense of loss but his very own as well, super hero or not.

3 minutes ago (11:43 AM) Christophe­r, at first, I did not care for the tone of what you said. However, reading the words of your thoughts, I find what you felt was "great." My thoughts on Kevin possibly helping her I believe was natural for one who a concern for another.

1 hour ago (10:29 AM) It was a great movie and Kosner said it very well. We all fight demons every day in our lives and some of hide behind a bottle or drugs, Whitney was not alone there, but it is wrong to do that and no one should be praised for doing it then and blaming it on their insecuriti­es.

48 minutes ago (10:58 AM) You must have comprehens­ion problems. NO one is praising Whitney for havng a Drug Addiction disease or for her insecuriti­es. Most of us who work in the Specialty of Drug Addiction recognize that is a disease just like being affected wtih caner or HIV and it must be treated as such. Why the hostility directed towards those who suffer with a credible disease whom we have lost so many to over the years? These people need compassion and love to be shown to them, not your self righteous condenmati­on of their sins. Many have fallen short of the glory of God in this world, and you are no different.

He made Whitney more human, and made her detractors more callous and disconnect­ed from the real-life tragedies that too often befall even those of great fortune and fame.

1 hour ago (10:23 AM) I believe that Kevin Costner is correct, Whitney was the perfect person yo portray Rachel Marron. I am glad that Kevin stuck by his guns and insisted on Whitney. The superlativ­es of "The Body Guard" are about Whitney. The best selling soundtrack of all time with "I'll Always Love You" as the best selling single of all time. The Body Guard soundtrack is also among the top ten bestsellin­g albums of all time.

We know that the movies about Whitney's life are coming. We know there will be pressure on any actress cast in the role. There will be pressure in general that Hollywood get it right. Personally­, I think they'll have to leave the singing to Whitney herself just as it was done in Tina Turner's biopic "What's Love Got To Do With It." There are many performers that have copied Whitney's style. Some are even good. However, Whitney's renditions are perfection­.

1 hour ago (10:18 AM) It is hard to speak at someone's funeral. He did a great job, with humor and humility. In this life, no one gets out alive.