Kevin Costner reveals he was Whitney Houston's 'imaginary bodyguard' on and off-screen

In a recent Armchair Expert podcast episode, actor Kevin Costner shared intimate details about his relationship with the late Whitney Houston during the filming of "The Bodyguard."

Costner, who both produced and starred in the film, revealed that he had chosen Houston for the lead role despite initial concerns from the director, Mick Jackson.

Costner expressed his admiration for Houston's talent, stating, "I loved her. It's not like this giant mystery. So I knew that she should be the one."

However, he recognized the director's apprehensions and took it upon himself to create a safe and supportive environment for the singer.

To achieve this, Costner asked Houston to forgo an entourage and assured her that he would personally look after her needs.

He even allowed her close friend, Robyn Crawford, to accompany her on set. Costner's actions helped build trust with Houston, who found herself relying on him for guidance and protection.

Costner admitted that the film did not initially test well, but he remained steadfast in his belief that it would succeed. He made a promise to Houston that the movie would work and that she would always be loved through the iconic song, "I Will Always Love You."

During the podcast interview, Costner acknowledged the unique dynamic he shared with Houston, stating, "There was a moment where I knew when Whitney came, I said, 'Look, you can't have an entourage, but I'm gonna take care of you... that's how we started."

The actor's protective instincts extended beyond the set, leading him to jokingly describe himself as Houston's "imaginary bodyguard."

He embraced this role, recognizing the world's perception of their relationship and ensuring that Houston felt safe and supported throughout the film's production.