Newark, New Jersey (CNN) — Actor Kevin Costner received a standing ovation today from those celebrating the life of Whitney Houston after he spoke of her courage when she tried out for a starring role in the movie The Bodyguard.
Speaking at the singer’s homegoing service in Newark, New Jersey, Costner recounted his own second thoughts of putting her up for the role. She was a novice, he said, and there were questions of whether choosing a person of colour would be good for the box office.
Doubts began to spread to the young entertainer.
In the end, Costner, said, Houston nailed the tryout and went on to further fame and success.
“So off you go Whitney, off you go, escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly father,” Costner told mourners at the funeral. “And when you sing before him, don’t you worry. You’ll be good enough.”
Houston’s casket, covered with a large spray of flowers, rested in front of the altar at New Hope Baptist Church. At 11, Houston got her start in the junior gospel choir at the Newark church.
