Whitney Houston: In a revealing interview on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, Hollywood star Kevin Costner recounted a poignant moment from Whitney Houston’s funeral in 2012. Costner, who shared a deep bond with Houston after their memorable collaboration in the 1992 blockbuster “The Bodyguard,” was asked to shorten his eulogy to accommodate commercial breaks for networks like CNN. His response was unwavering: “They can get over that. They can play the commercial while I’m talking, I don’t care.”
Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston’s Bond
Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston’s friendship blossomed on the set of “The Bodyguard,” a film that showcased Houston’s acting talents and cemented her status as a pop culture icon. The movie, known for its iconic soundtrack featuring Houston’s hit song “I Will Always Love You,” created a lasting bond between the two stars. Costner’s heartfelt eulogy was a testament to their deep connection and the respect he had for Houston.
Crafting the Perfect Eulogy
Costner shared with Shepard that he had invested significant time and effort into crafting his speech for Houston’s funeral. “I had been working on this speech…and I tried to compile everything I wanted to do and finally crafted this speech,” Costner explained. His commitment to honoring Houston’s memory was clear, and he was determined to deliver his remarks without compromising their integrity.
Refusal to Cut Remarks for Commercials
During the interview, Costner revealed that a request had been made to shorten his eulogy so that networks like CNN could fit in their commercial breaks. Despite the pressure, Costner stood his ground. “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.’”
Costner’s decision highlights the often-overlooked tensions between heartfelt tributes and commercial interests in televised events. His refusal to cut short his eulogy underscores his dedication to honoring Houston in a manner befitting her legacy.
The Impact of Costner’s Eulogy
Kevin Costner’s refusal to shorten his eulogy ensured that his tribute to Whitney Houston was delivered with the full depth of his emotion and respect. His speech was one of eight delivered at her funeral, each contributing to a moving farewell for the beloved singer and actress. By prioritizing his genuine connection with Houston over commercial considerations, Costner’s actions resonated with fans and viewers worldwide.
Conclusion
Kevin Costner’s steadfastness in delivering a full, heartfelt eulogy for Whitney Houston, despite requests to accommodate commercial breaks, is a testament to his respect and affection for the late star. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the impact personal connections can have, even in the face of commercial pressures. Costner’s actions at Houston’s funeral continue to be remembered as a sincere tribute to a cherished friend and iconic performer.
Whitney Houston
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