Whitney Houston's Bodyguard Gig: More Than Just a Shoulder to Cry On (and Maybe a Paycheck Too?)
Whitney Houston. The name conjures up images of powerhouse vocals, a smile that could light up a room, and, of course, that iconic role in The Bodyguard. But let's be honest, who wouldn't want someone as dreamy as Kevin Costner watching their back, especially when you're a world-famous singer stalked by a mystery fan?
Now, we all know The Bodyguard was a smash hit, both on the silver screen and on the radio with its record-breaking soundtrack. But how much did Whitney Houston herself actually rake in from this iconic role? Buckle up, truth-seekers, because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of 90s movie star salaries.
Did She Just Work for the Exposure?
Hold on there, buddy. Whitney Houston was already a megastar by the time The Bodyguard rolled around. We're talking multiple Grammy awards, sold-out tours, and enough hits to fill a karaoke bar for a lifetime. So, the idea of her working for peanuts (or even a fancy bodyguard) seems a little far-fetched.
So, How Much Did Our Girl Whitney Get Paid?
Drumroll please... Whitney Houston reportedly landed a cool $10 million for her role in The Bodyguard. Not too shabby, right? Especially considering this was back in the early 90s - that's like, a gazillion dollars in today's money (well, maybe not a gazillion, but you get the idea).
But Wait, There's More!
Let's not forget the soundtrack, the real moneymaker of this whole operation. Whitney didn't just act in The Bodyguard, she absolutely slayed the soundtrack with iconic hits like "I Will Always Love You" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)". While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact amount she made from album sales, trust me, it was enough to buy a whole lotta bodyguards (and maybe a few mansions with walk-in closets for all those sequined dresses).
The Takeaway: Whitney Won Big
So, to answer the burning question: Whitney Houston definitely did not just take this role for the chance to cuddle with Kevin Costner on set (although, that would have been a pretty sweet perk). She secured a hefty salary and likely made a ton of money from the soundtrack's success. The Bodyguard wasn't just a movie for Whitney, it was a financial win-win. And hey, maybe even a little love story bloomed on set too (a girl can dream, right?).