Bishop T.D. Jakes Opens Up about ‘Sparkle’ Actress Whitney Houston and a 'Very Powerful Moment’ On Set
Friday, July 27, 2012 at 10:33AM 
EEW Magazine News Staff
The release of the movie, Sparkle, the late Whitney Houston’s last ever onscreen performance, is upon us. As the August 17 premiere date draws closer, the film’s producer, Bishop T.D. Jakes, is opening up about the Whitney Houston he got to know, and how powerful her performance was of “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”
“I think Whitney brought so much to Sparkle. I think it was absolutely amazing," sys Jakes in a recorded interview. The mega pastor, who also had a hand in producing "Jumping the Broom," was surprised when he got to know the real Whitney Houston, who was a lot different from the woman he had imagined. "The funniest thing to me when I first met her is I really was looking for the lady from Bodyguard. I’d never met her before and I had this notion that she was gonna appear in this long gown, and sweeping outfits," he shares.
But what Bishop T.D. Jakes got in person, was nothing of the sort. "She was very unassuming, very down to earth, very friendly, not acting like a diva at all. It was quite mesmerizing to see how earthy she really was, and how humorous she was. [She had a] great sense of humor."
Though Houston made those around her laugh, when it was time to perform, she brought her A game to the set. “She was quite believable in the role, a professional on the set, but more importantly, she brings a passion and a sense of motherhood to the role,” Jakes notes.
But one of the things that most sticks out in his mind, as well as the minds of others, is the day Houston sung one of her favorite gospel songs, "His Eye is on the Sparrow."
"People were teary-eyed because it was almost as if she wasn’t performing. It was just a spiritual moment I think, a very powerful moment for her to perform."
Watch Bishop T.D. Jakes talk about 'Sparkle' actress Whitney Houston below:
Will you be going to see the movie when it hits theaters on August 17?
Reader Comments (3)
I'm definitely going to see this movie!!! Love Whitney and I think there will be a messsage in it for everyone.
Can't wait! I think this will do very well at the theaters. I don't know how I will feel about seeing her again. I truly think I will be emotional. Love me some Whitney. I still feel so sad about her death. It makes me cry sometimes when I hear her hits, especially I will always love you.
Hope some of these younger stars go and see this movie and learn something from her tragic life.