Actress and Golden Globe Award winner Angela Bassett will make her directorial debut with the Lifetime Original Movie “Whitney”. Former America’s Next Top Model contestant and runner up in cycle 3 Yaya DaCosta will portray musical icon Whitney Houston. Arlen Alexander Escarpeta of Final Destination 5 will play a leading role alongside DaCosta as Bobby Brown.
The biopic will show singer, actress, model, and producer Whitney Houston’s early success in the music industry, her volatile relationship with singer and songwriter Bobby Brown, how she dealt with the rewards and consequences of fame, and her tragic death.
The premiere of Whitney was held January 8 for family, friends, and colleagues at the Paley Center for Media which is located just a few blocks away from The Beverly Hilton hotel. Houston drowned in her guest room at The Beverly Hilton hotel February 11, 2012. Houston’s family, who were invited to participate with the Whitney project from the beginning, was visibly absent. Bassett stated “And it was the family’s choice and decision, because of what they want to do and whatever their desires or their plans are, not to be involved in this one,” Bassett said. “But they didn’t have anything negative to say about it. You know, sometimes to be silent is the greatest gift.” In 1994, Bassett worked closely with Houston during production and promotion for Waiting to Exhale.
Without permission from Houston’s family, Bassett was not allowed to use Houston’s original recordings. Therefore, Bassett hired Canadian R&B singer, songwriter and actress Deborah Cox. Cox rose to fame with her song Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here. Cox was Houston’s one time label mate, recording partner, and friend.
Cox stated “I knew I would be judged. Everyone was going to come for me. Don’t. I come with love.”
Whitney will premiere Saturday, January 17 at 8 pm on Lifetime. Watch the trailer below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYc3BcjYyL0
