Whitney Houston starred in The Bodyguard, the 1992 film whose soundtrack featured her landmark recording of “I Will Always Love You.”
Houston played Rachel Marron, a famous singer protected by Frank Farmer, portrayed by Kevin Costner. The role marked Houston’s film acting debut, and Costner reportedly helped persuade her to accept it. The movie blended romantic drama, thriller elements, and a major musical showcase for Houston.
“I Will Always Love You” was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973. Houston’s producer David Foster reshaped it into a dramatic soul-pop ballad, beginning with an a cappella vocal. Released as the soundtrack’s lead single in November 1992, it topped charts in dozens of countries and became one of Houston’s signature songs.
A common mix-up is confusing The Bodyguard with Houston’s later films The Preacher’s Wife and Waiting to Exhale. Those movies also had successful soundtracks, but neither featured “I Will Always Love You” as its defining song.