Denzel Washington Recalls Working with Whitney Houston on The Preacher’s Wife: “I Wanted to Protect Her”

Denzel Washington has reflected on his time working alongside Whitney Houston in the 1996 film The Preacher’s Wife, revealing a deep sense of protectiveness toward the late superstar.

Speaking at the American Black Film Festival in June 2024, the Oscar-winning actor described Houston as someone who projected toughness but carried a quiet vulnerability.

“I felt like I always wanted to protect her. You know? She wanted to be so tough, but she really wasn’t. That’s all. OK,” Washington said, as reported by People and ETOnline.

Chaz Ebert, who hosted the conversation and is the widow of critic Roger Ebert, noted, “There was a vulnerability that you saw.” Washington agreed, underscoring his empathy toward Houston, who was at the height of her fame but also navigating personal struggles.

Revisiting The Preacher’s Wife

Directed by Penny Marshall, The Preacher’s Wife was a modern remake of the 1947 classic The Bishop’s Wife, adapted from Robert Nathan’s novel. The Christmas-set comedy-drama starred Washington as Dudley, an angel sent to help Reverend Henry Biggs (Courtney B. Vance) and his wife Julia, played by Houston, as they dealt with mounting pressures in their marriage and church life.

The project was significant for Washington, whose production company, Mundy Lane Entertainment, helped develop the film, according to the American Film Institute. For Houston, it became both an acting triumph and a musical milestone. Her performance as Julia earned her an NAACP Image Award, while the film’s soundtrack—driven by her vocals—went on to become the best-selling gospel album of all time, selling over six million copies worldwide.

Houston’s Vulnerability and Legacy

Washington’s recollections highlight the personal side of Houston, whose public battles with fame and personal turmoil were widely known. His comments point to a more intimate view of his co-star, contrasting her dazzling public persona with the human vulnerability he witnessed during their collaboration.

Recent reports have also shed light on their partnership, noting that it took Washington more than a year to persuade Houston to accept the role of Julia Biggs. That effort, coupled with his later reflections, suggests a foundation of trust and care built between the two stars.

A Lasting Tribute

Nearly three decades after the film’s release, Washington’s memories serve as both a tribute to Houston’s talent and a reminder of her fragility beneath the spotlight. For fans, The Preacher’s Wife remains a holiday classic, cherished as much for Houston’s soaring performances as for the warmth of her chemistry with Washington.

As Washington, now 69, looks back, his words encapsulate what many admirers have long felt: Whitney Houston was not only a superstar but also a woman whose humanity shone through even in her most glittering moments.

Would you like me to shape this further into a nostalgic feature—exploring Houston’s cultural legacy and her bond with Washington—or keep it as a straight entertainment news piece focused on his recent remarks?