Michael Omoruan
It has been a week since the trailer for the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, dropped. The legendary artist was one of the most prominent vocalists and actresses of the ‘90s.
With an influential career that lasted decades, here are key moments in her life that SOHH anticipates the biopic would cover:
The Bodyguard
The iconic 1992 romance/thriller starring the Queen of Soul alongside Kevin Costner proved she had acting chops alongside her electrifying voice.
A good portion of the biopic should cover her success journey that launched her career into the stratosphere. She would go on to win multiple accolades for the film, including five NAACP Image awards and three Grammy awards.
‘Crack is Whack’
The infamous quote comes from a 2002 interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC News.
The Emmy award-winning journalist queried if it was due to an eating disorder or drug use when showing Houston a photograph of how “scary thin” she had become over the years.
The lauded singer-songwriter shot down both of her assumptions.
“I make too much money ever to smoke crack. Let’s get that straight. OK? We don’t do crack. We don’t do that. Crack is whack.”
This moment in her life became parodied and lampooned in the early days of the internet and on national television.
From what fans know now, the interview is a cautionary tale of how her eventual death could have been prevented. She came forward with the truth and sought professional help.
Whitney’s Relationship With Bobby Brown
Similar to her Diane Sawyer interview, her relationship with Bobby Brown was continually used as a source of comedy by the public and media.
The physical and mental abuse she suffered should be featured to show people that fame and fortune are not everything. It would also show early signs in a budding relationship that may take a dark turn.
Whitney Calls Into Wendy Williams’ Radio Show
In 2003, Whitney appeared on Wendy Williams’ radio show. This came after Wendy made numerous comments about her life, including her relationship with Bobby and drug use.
Wendy tried to relate to the superstar by mentioning her struggle with cocaine use, but Whitney was having none of it.
She became very combative and cursed up a storm. She became so angered to the point she infamously stated pre-Bhad Bhabie:
“If I was really, like, back in the day in Newark, I’d meet you outside. But I’m a lady, and I have class.”
A scene or two covering this interview can live up to the film’s promise of experiencing “the Whitney you never knew”.
Ray J and Whitney?
Whitney was well-known to be a close friend of the Norwood family. According to a senior editor at US Weekly, the two were on and off for years.
When pressed about the two possibly dating, Ray J said:
“You know, they blow this thing out of proportion. I mean, that’s my friend. I’ve been knowing her for years… and she’s a friend of the family.”
To put these rumors to rest, a good portion should cover if Whitney and Ray ever became more than friends.
Till Relives A Tragic Moment In American History
On the topic of individuals who were taken from this world far too soon, the biopic about Emmett Till is set to be released this October.
The film tells the tragic life story of Emmett, a 14-year-old black boy who was killed after being falsely accused of whistling at a white, female cashier.
His death rattles his family, especially his mother, driven by his passing to seek justice for what was done.
