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It's been 20 years since "The Bodyguard" sung its way into our hearts. Led by the vocally-gifted Whitney Houston, the film centered around a songstress superstar who has to call on a bodyguard (Kevin Costner) to protect her against a crazed stalker. The film -- and its award-winning soundtrack -- has been a fan favorite for two decades, but the film's anniversary also serves as an opportunity to honor Houston, who passed away in February 2012. "The Bodyguard" was her first performance on the big screen and, arguably her most beloved role. The title track "I Will Always Love You" has gone on to be the best-selling single by a female in music history.
Below, let's take a look at the cast of the film.
PHOTOS:
Gallery | 'The Bodyguard' Turns 20
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Whitney Houston (Rachel Marron)
Best-selling artist Whitney Houston made her acting debut in the art-reflecting-life film, "The Bodyguard" in 1992. Here, she played Rachel Marron, a songstress superstar who's being stalked by a crazed fan. Houston's soundtrack for the film won a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1994 and the track "I Will Always Love You" went on to become the best-selling single by a female artist in history. After "The Bodyguard," she starred in such films as "Waiting to Exhale" and "The Preacher's Wife," the latter of which also achieved mass musical success (its soundtrack became the best-selling gospel album to date). Sadly, on February 11, 2012, Houston was found dead in a hotel room in Beverly Hills, California. On the eve of the 2012 Grammy Awards, her legacy was celebrated at the ceremony, with Jennifer Hudson reprising "I Will Always Love You" in her honor. -
Kevin Costner (Frank Farmer)
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Kevin Costner (Frank Farmer)
In "The Bodyguard," Kevin Costner starred as Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service Agent-turned-bodyguard to the prickly and beautiful Marron (Houston). Unlike his leading lady, this was far from Costner's first rodeo; the actor already had two Oscars under his belt for his 1990 film, "Dances with Wolves." After "The Bodyguard," Costner's career has been a bit of a mixed bag, reaching a low point in '95 with the panned flick "Waterworld." Things began to look up in 2000 after starring in the historical drama "Thirteen Days." Most recently, Costner appeared in the three-part miniseries "Hatfields & McCoys," which earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie. -
DeVaughn Nixon (Fletcher)
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DeVaughn Nixon (Fletcher)
DeVaughn Nixon was just eight years old when he played Houston's precocious son, Fletcher, in "The Bodyguard." Afterward, he went on to minor roles in both film and television, including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Lizzie Maguire." After taking a brief break from acting, Nixon returned in 2008 for a role in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," and then went on to star in the 2011 flick "Prom." -
Michele Lamar Richards (Nicki)
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Michele Lamar Richards (Nicki)
In "The Bodyguard," Richards played Houston's sister Nicki, who's driven mad by the jealousy she feels toward Rachel's success. Richards was primarily known for her TV work prior to being cast in the film. Afterward, she went on to play characters in several small movies and TV shows. Her last role was as a guest star on the program "The Division," in 2002. -
Tomas Arana (Portman)
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Tomas Arana (Portman)
Tomas Arana had a colorful history before landing the role of Portman, the nefarious secret service agent in the film. Although he had a background in acting, Arana previously worked in an art gallery in Naples, Italy, alongside some of the most celebrated artists in history (including Andy Warhol, who made a portrait of the actor). After "The Bodyguard," Arana landed some big ticket roles in "LA Confidential" and "Gladiator." Most recently, he had a minor role in "The Dark Knight Rises" and just wrapped production on "Romeo and Juliet," in which he plays Lord Montague. -
Bill Cobbs (Devaney)
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Bill Cobbs (Devaney)
Here, veteran actor Bill Cobbs plays Houston's fatherly manager, Devaney, who hires Costner as her protector. (Cupid!) Two years later, he had a significant role in the Coen Brother's 1994 flick "The Hudsucker Proxy," and later went on to star in 2006's "The Night at the Museum" and 2011's "The Muppets." Next up for Cobbs is the "Wizard of Oz" prequel, "Oz: The Great and Powerful." -
Mike Starr (Tony)
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Mike Starr (Tony)
Recognize Mike Starr, who played Houston's former bodyguard? Well, with countless cameos, there's a good chance you've seen him in a few movies. The actor is best known for portraying henchmen, which he did in both"Goodfellas" and in the comedy, "Dumb and Dumber." (Remember this?) He has continued his prolific career to present day, with roles in small movies and TV shows. -
Gary Kemp (Sy Spector)
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Gary Kemp (Sy Spector)
It wasn't a terrible stretch for Sy Spector to play Houston's on-screen musical buddy, Gary Kemp. The English pop musician garnered fame as the guitar player and songwriter for the 1980's band, Spandau Ballet. Since then, he has continued to record music -- many of them soundtracks, including "Crazy Stupid Love" -- and appear on screen. -
Ralph Waite (Herb Farmer)
Ralph Waite plays the father to Kevin Costner and provides safety for Houston and her family when things take a turn for the worst. Before "The Bodyguard," Waite was best known for playing John Walton Sr. on the 1970s CBS TV series "The Waltons." Although he's appeared in many TV shows and films since the 1992 flick, he also had a brief turn in politics. (Three times during the mid-90s, he unsuccessfully ran for Congress in California.) Since 2008, Waite has been an occasional guest star on the TV show, "NCIS."
