Whitney Houston, the iconic American musician and actor, is widely regarded as one of the greatest recording artists in modern history, with over 200 million record sales worldwide. However, behind her extraordinary success, Houston also faced numerous challenges and tragedies. In addition to financial struggles, reports have recently emerged revealing a deeply personal tragedy that occurred during one of the pinnacle moments in her career.
Whitney Houston | Dave Hogan/Getty Images
Houston's Journey from the Church Choir to Stardom
Houston's musical journey began in the church choir, where her mother, Emily Houston, was a renowned gospel singer. Biography reports that Houston seemed destined for a career in music from a young age. She honed her talent and wowed audiences even as a child. After a brief stint as a fashion model, Houston was discovered by a talent agent while singing at a nightclub. Soon after, she made her television debut and released her self-titled debut album in 1985, which quickly became a success. Hits like "How Will I Know" established her as a rising star. Her second album, "Whitney," released in 1987, achieved platinum status and won a Grammy for the chart-topping single, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)." Over the years, Houston amassed over 400 awards, including six Grammys. She held the record for the most American Music Awards alongside Michael Jackson. Even after her passing, Houston remains one of the top 15 best-selling artists of all time according to the RIAA.
Houston's Debut Movie: 'The Bodyguard'
In 1992, Houston made her debut on the big screen with the romantic thriller, "The Bodyguard," co-starring alongside Kevin Costner. According to her official website, Houston's success in music videos sparked her interest in Hollywood. "The Bodyguard" not only shattered box office records worldwide but also produced the best-selling motion picture soundtrack album of all time, which was awarded the Album of the Year Grammy. This success set a precedent for Houston's subsequent films, where she would release hit singles alongside the movies, leading to sensational record sales for the soundtracks. Throughout the 90s, she ventured into other film projects such as "Waiting to Exhale" and "The Preacher's Wife." However, behind the triumph of "The Bodyguard," Houston's personal experience on set was marred by a profound sadness.
Personal Tragedy on the Set of 'The Bodyguard'
During the filming of "The Bodyguard," Houston, who is the mother of one daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, tragically suffered a miscarriage. Vanity Fair reports that Houston was pregnant for most of the filming, making her loss all the more devastating. In a heart-wrenching interview with ABC News' Barbara Walters, Houston tearfully recounted the emotional and physical pain she endured. Despite the immense grief, Houston returned to the set the very next day, showcasing her resilience. Thankfully, Houston was blessed with the birth of Bobbi Kristina a year later, providing solace amidst the heartbreak.
Whitney Houston's life, while adorned with extraordinary talent and achievement, was not exempt from hardship. Her tragic miscarriage on the set of "The Bodyguard" serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst success, personal struggles can leave indelible marks. Houston's ability to navigate through such profound loss with strength and grace is a testament to her enduring spirit and resilience.
