An Emotional Kevin Costner Recalls Fighting To Cast Whitney Houston In ‘The Bodyguard’ [VIDEO]

Friends and family gathered together to pay their last respects to the legendary Whitney Houston Saturday morning at New Hope Baptist Church. Celebrities in attendance included: Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Ray J, Brandy, Tyler Perry, Clive Davis, Alicia Keys, Steve Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Bobby Brown, and Kevin Costner.

Whitney Houston Passes Note To Brandy In Last E! Interview [VIDEO]

Costner received a standing ovation after speaking of his experience casting Whitney in the cult-classic film “The Bodyguard” despite studio pushback, scheduling conflicts, and even the singer’s own insecurities.

Costner recalled asking Whitney to be his co-star, but “was reminded that this would be her first acting role. You could also think about another singer, was the suggestion — maybe somebody white. Nobody ever said it out loud, but it was a fair question.” Not to be dissuaded Costner ”told everyone that I had taken notice that Whitney was black. The only problem was I thought she was perfect for what we were trying to do.” The leading man went as far as pushing production back a full year to accommodate Whitney’s touring schedule.

Watch Whitney Houston’s Most Celebrated Grammy Performances [VIDEO]

“Whitney, if you could hear me now, I would tell you, you weren’t just good enough, you were great,” he said in closing. “You sang the whole damn song without a band. You made the picture what it was. A lot of leading men could’ve played my part … but you, Whitney, I truely believe you were the only one who could’ve played Rachel Marron at that time. You weren’t just pretty, you were as beautiful as a woman could be. And people didn’t just like you Whitney, they loved you.”