intrude cinematic: Whitney Houston Remembered By 'Waiting To Exhale' Co-Stars

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Whitney Houston Remembered By 'Waiting To Exhale' Co-Stars

Houston's talents were 'undeniable and vast,' actress Angela Bassett says in statement.
By Kevin P. Sullivan

Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine in "Waiting to Exhale"
Photo: 20th Century Fox

In the days since her tragic death, there has been an outpouring for Whitney Houston from the music industry, but those who worked with Houston on feature films have also spoken out about her passing.

Houston starred in 1995's "Waiting to Exhale" alongside Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon. The film, directed by Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker, was based on Terry McMillan's book and marked Houston's second starring role in a film after

Bassett, Devine and McMillan spoke publicly about Houston's death, each expressing their deep sadness at the loss.

"I am so thankful to have been enveloped by the warmth of Whitney's great talents. They were undeniable and vast," Bassett said in a statement. "Whatever her burdens, she has at last laid them down and picked up instead a crown. For truly, she was and will ever be for us — who were so captivated by her strengths — unparalleled."

Both Devine and McMillan referenced the developing sequel the group was to collaborate on, "Getting to Happy," in their comments about Houston's death. McMillan, however, insisted over Twitter that now was not the time to talk about the status of the sequel. "I am not thinking about the damn movie," she said. "So please, don't ask." The author said that she had been afraid this would happen and stated, "I'm sad, hurt and angry. Because I did not want to see her leave us. Period."

Houston's "Waiting to Exhale" co-star Devine worked with the singer on several occasions and had expressed hope about working together again.

"I am overwhelmed. I cannot wrap my mind around this. I missed the chance to see her at a party this past Thursday and when we spoke last she had just finished 'Sparkle' and she told me how excited she was to start production on 'Waiting to Exhale 2' with Angela, Lela and myself," Devine said. "My prayers go out to her family and I am so honored for the time I spent working with her on 'Waiting to Exhale,' 'The Preacher's Wife' and on 'Boston Public.' I love you, Whitney, and I will miss your easy laugh."

Share your condolences with Whitney's family and friends on our Facebook page.

Related Videos