Whitney Houston.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston

Whitney Houston — Actor

Born 9 Aug 1963 Newark, United States

Died 11 Feb 2012 Beverly Hills, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 62 yr If Living

15 min read

Reading time

2,908

Words

Mar 16, 2026

Published

94

Film credits

4

Books

6

Awards

TL;DR

Whitney Houston’s 1992 cover of I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard soundtrack remains the best-selling single by a female artist, with nearly nine million copies sold. The album itself sold 44 million copies worldwide, making it the biggest-selling soundtrack of all time. Houston won six Grammy Awards and set a record of seven consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. She died in 2012 at age 48 from accidental drowning.

Identity & family.

KIN · 6

Names, aliases, and relatives of Whitney Houston — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Whitney Elizabeth Houston

Nicknames Nippy, The Prom Queen of Soul, The Princess of Pop, The Voice

PARENTS: Cissy Houston John Houston Jr.
SPOUSES: Bobby Brown
CHILDREN: Bobbi Kristina Brown
SIBLINGS: Gary Garland Michael Houston

At a glance.

STATS

Whitney Houston by the numbers — life, work, and family.

48 Years lived

94 Film credits

4 Books

6 Awards

1 Marriage

1 Child

Who was Whitney Houston?

BIOGRAPHY

Whitney Houston — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

She began singing backing vocals professionally at age 15 with her mother Cissy Houston on Chaka Khan’s 1978 hit I’m Every Woman. Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born on August 9, 1963 in Newark, New Jersey, into a musical family. She started singing in the choir at New Hope Baptist Church as a young child. Her mother was a gospel-blues singer who once performed for Elvis Presley; her cousin Dionne Warwick was already a star. After rioting in Newark when she was four, the family moved to East Orange, New Jersey. By 1981, she was modeling and appeared on the cover of Seventeen magazine.

Career

Houston’s self-titled debut album, released in 1985, sold 25 million copies worldwide and became the biggest-selling debut album by a female artist. It scored four number one singles, including Saving All My Love For You and How Will I Know. Her follow-up Whitney, released in 1987, became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard charts. The 1992 film The Bodyguard and its soundtrack, featuring her cover of I Will Always Love You, sold 44 million copies and remains the best-selling soundtrack of all time. She won Grammy Awards for both albums and continued to tour and record despite personal struggles.

Personal life

Houston married singer Bobby Brown in 1992, and their daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown was born in March 1993. The marriage was tumultuous, and Houston began using drugs regularly by 1996. She suffered three miscarriages during their relationship, in 1991, 1994, and 1996. Her later relationship was with Ray J, from 2006 to 2012. Houston entered rehab twice and declared herself drug-free in 2010, but returned to rehab in May 2011. Her daughter Bobbi Kristina died in 2015 at age 22 after being found unconscious in a bathtub.

Legacy

Whitney Houston sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She holds the record for most American Music Awards won by a single artist, with 26. Her seven consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number ones from 1985 to 1988 remain unmatched. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013. A school, the Whitney E. Houston School of Creative and Performing Arts, was named after her in East Orange, New Jersey. I Will Always Love You showcases her vocal range and emotional delivery.

Filmography.

FILMS · 94

Browse the complete filmography of Whitney Houston — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962
Movie

Michael Jackson: the Life of an Icon

2011
TV

Saturday Night Live

1975
TV

Top of the Pops

1964
TV

Wogan

1982
TV

Boston Public

2000
TV

MTV Video Music Awards

1984
TV

The Reichen Show

2005
TV

Champs-Elysées

1982
TV

Bambi

1948
TV

Sacrée Soirée

1987
TV

Wetten, Dass..?

1981
TV

The Oscars

1953
Movie

The Prince of Egypt

1998

Could not load more credits.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 6

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Whitney Houston — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Primetime Emmy Award
Grammy Awards
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Billboard Millennium Award
New Jersey Hall of Fame
NRJ Music Award for International Album of the Year

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 4

Whitney Houston's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

The Preacher's Wife

by Whitney Houston
Amazon

Whitney Houston

by Whitney Houston
Amazon

Whitney

by Whitney Houston
Amazon

The Greatest Hits of Whitney Houston

by Whitney Houston

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 7

A wall of memorable lines from Whitney Houston — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

I Almost Wish I Could Be More Exciting, That I Could Match What Is Happening Out There to Me.
I’ve Got a Good Man. He Takes Care of Me. I Don’t Have to Be Scared of Anything Because I Know He Will Kick Every Ass… Disrespect Him and You’ve Got a Problem.
God Gave Me a Voice to Sing With, and When You Have That, What Other Gimmick Is There?
I Was Aware of People Staring at Me. No One Moved. They Seemed Almost in Trance. I Just Stared at the Clock in the Center of the Church. When I Finished, Everyone Clapped and Started Crying.
I Know That I Could Really Kill for My Daughter. I Know Because I’m Living for Her, so I’m Fierce When It Comes Down to It. and I Feel the Same About My Husband and My Family. I’m Just Fiercely Protective. It’s Like, That’s My Lair and Nobody Messes with My Lair.
First of All, Let’s Get One Thing Straight. Crack Is Cheap. I Make Too Much Money to Ever Smoke Crack, Let’s Get That Straight, Okay? We Don’t Do Crack. We Don’t Do That. Crack Is Whack.
What’s Black? I’ve Been Trying to Figure This Out Since I’ve Been in the Business. I Don’t Know How to Sing Black and I Don’t Know How to Sing White, Either. I Know How to Sing. Music Is Not a Color to Me. It’s an Art.

Did you know?

FACTS · 37

Little-known facts about Whitney Houston — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

The night before the 54th Grammy Awards in 2012, host LL Cool J opened the show with a tribute and prayer after learning of Houston’s death.
Her mother Cissy Houston once sang backup for Elvis Presley.
One of the last times Houston was seen on camera was at a rehearsal for Monica and Brandy’s performance at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party; she had planned a surprise birthday party for Brandy that night.
Her rendition of I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard ranked #65 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Years of the Greatest Songs.
When Where Do Broken Hearts Go hit number one in April 1988, Houston became the first artist in history to have seven consecutive Billboard number one singles, a record she still holds.
The Bodyguard soundtrack is the world’s biggest-selling soundtrack with over 37 million units sold, and is also the best-selling female album of all time.
The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack is the best-selling gospel album of all time, remaining at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart for 26 weeks.
Houston worked as a fashion model before starting her singing career.
I Will Always Love You is the best-selling single by a female artist and the biggest-selling non-charity single of all time, with nearly nine million copies sold worldwide.
She earned 14 gold singles in the United States, behind only Madonna among female artists.
Her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown died at age 22 on July 26, 2015, after being found unconscious face down in her bathtub and spending six months in a medically induced coma.
Multi-Grammy Award winner Houston held the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 14 weeks with I Will Always Love You from November 28, 1992 to February 27, 1993.
She suffered three miscarriages during her relationship with Bobby Brown: in 1991, 1994, and 1996.
Her album Whitney 1987 became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard charts.
Houston holds the record for winning the most American Music Awards: 26 in total.
Her godmother is singer Darlene Love.
She returned to work four months after giving birth to Bobbi Kristina to participate in The Bodyguard World Tour.
Her funeral was held at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark on February 18, 2012, and she was laid to rest beside her father at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey.
A school named after her opened in 1997: the Whitney E. Houston School of Creative and Performing Arts in East Orange, New Jersey.
Houston was a cousin of Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick.
While Houston made The Greatest Love of All a massive international hit, the song was first recorded by George Benson for the 1977 film The Greatest.
People magazine chose her as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.
Her performance of The Star Spangled Banner at the 1991 Super Bowl shot to number 20 on the Billboard charts, then re-entered in 2001 after September 11 and peaked at number 6.
She delivered her daughter Bobbi Kristina via emergency Caesarean section after a 14-hour labor.
Houston won her first Grammy Award at age 21 for Saving All My Love for You, presented by Dionne Warwick and Julian Lennon on February 25, 1986.
Her remake of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You became the first song to be the topic of a news show NBC’s Now in 1993 for being overplayed.
Her last romantic relationship was with Ray J from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2009 to her death in 2012.
Her debut album Whitney Houston 1985 is the world’s best-selling debut album by a female, with over 24 million copies sold.
On February 11, 2012, she was found dead in her room at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel at 3:55 PM PST.
Her family moved from Newark to East Orange, New Jersey after riots when she was four years old.
Houston is the only female artist to have three albums sell over nine million copies each: Whitney Houston 1985, Whitney 1987, and The Bodyguard 1992.
She almost played Sondra Huxtable on The Cosby Show, but the role went to Sabrina Le Beauf.
Exhale Shoop Shoop spent one week at number one and then eleven weeks at number two, the longest number-two stay in Hot 100 history.
She was snubbed for a Best New Artist Grammy nomination because she sang backup on a Jermaine Jackson single before her debut album, causing controversy.
Her favorite movie was Sparkle 1976; she later starred in the 2012 remake, which became her final film.
Houston had a mezzo-soprano vocal range and could sing 3.2 octaves.
Both of her first two albums spent over 100 weeks on the UK chart; Whitney 1987 knocked Simple Minds off number one and stayed there for six weeks.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 49

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Whitney Houston.

When was Whitney Houston born?

Whitney Houston was born on August 9, 1963. Her full birth name is Whitney Elizabeth Houston.
Where was Whitney Houston born?

She was born in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Her family later moved to East Orange, New Jersey after rioting in Newark.
When did Whitney Houston die?

Whitney Houston died on February 11, 2012. She was found dead in her hotel room at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.
How old was Whitney Houston when she died?

She was 48 years old at the time of her death. She was born on August 9, 1963 and died on February 11, 2012.
Where did Whitney Houston die?

She died in Beverly Hills, California, USA. Specifically, she was discovered in her room at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
How did Whitney Houston die?

The cause of death was accidental drowning. She was pronounced dead at 3:55 PM PST on February 11, 2012.
What was Whitney Houston's birth name?

Her birth name is Whitney Elizabeth Houston. She was named after actress Whitney Blake.
What did Whitney Houston do for a living?

She was a recording artist, actor, and producer. She is best known as a singer with one of the most powerful voices in popular music.
What nationality was Whitney Houston?

She was American. She held citizenship in the United States and was born in Newark, New Jersey.
What language did Whitney Houston speak?

Her native language was English. She was fluent and used it in all her recordings and interviews.
Who were Whitney Houston's parents?

Her parents were Cissy Houston, a gospel-blues singer, and John Russell Houston Jr. Her mother was a background singer for Elvis Presley.
Who was Whitney Houston married to?

She was married to singer Bobby Brown. They were together from 1992 until their divorce in 2007.
Did Whitney Houston have children?

Yes, she had one child: a daughter named Bobbi Kristina Brown, born on March 4, 1993. Bobbi Kristina passed away in 2015 at age 22.
Did Whitney Houston have any siblings?

Yes, she had two siblings: a brother named Gary Garland and a half-brother named Michael Houston. Gary is a former basketball player and singer.
Where did Whitney Houston go to school?

She attended Mount Saint Dominic Academy, a Catholic school in Caldwell, New Jersey. She also sang in the choir at New Hope Baptist Church.
What awards did Whitney Houston win?

She won six Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Billboard Millennium Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Hall of Fame. She also holds 26 American Music Awards, the most for any artist.
What is Whitney Houston best known for?

She is best known for her extraordinary vocal talent, especially her recording of I Will Always Love You from The Bodyguard soundtrack. The song became the best-selling single by a female artist.
What is Whitney Houston's Instagram?

Her official Instagram account is @whitneyhouston. It features archival photos and tributes to her legacy.
How tall was Whitney Houston?

She was 5 feet 8 inches tall, which is 1.73 meters. Her height was often noted in her modeling career.
What were Whitney Houston's nicknames?

She was known as Nippy, The Prom Queen of Soul, The Princess of Pop, and The Voice. Her family called her Nippy from childhood.
What was Whitney Houston's biggest-selling album?

The Bodyguard soundtrack is her biggest-selling album, with over 44 million copies sold worldwide. It is also the best-selling soundtrack of all time.
Did Whitney Houston set any records?

Yes, she set a record for seven consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat that has not been equaled. She also held the number one spot for 14 weeks with I Will Always Love You.
Did Whitney Houston struggle with addiction?

Yes, she struggled with drug addiction starting in the mid-1990s. She entered rehab twice and declared herself drug-free in 2010 but returned to rehab in May 2011.
What happened to Whitney Houston's daughter?

Her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown died on July 26, 2015 at age 22. She was found unconscious face down in a bathtub and spent six months in a medically induced coma before passing away.
Did Whitney Houston act in movies?

Yes, she starred in The Bodyguard 1992, Waiting to Exhale 1995, The Preacher’s Wife 1996, and Sparkle 2012. The Bodyguard was her most famous film role.
What was Whitney Houston's vocal range?

She had a mezzo-soprano vocal range and could sing 3.2 octaves. Her voice was known for its power, clarity, and emotional depth.
How many Grammy Awards did Whitney Houston win?

She won six Grammy Awards. Her first was in 1986 for Best Pop Vocal Performance for Saving All My Love for You.
What is the Whitney E. Houston School?

The Whitney E. Houston School of Creative and Performing Arts is a public school in East Orange, New Jersey, named after her in 1997. It focuses on arts education.
Did Whitney Houston have any famous relatives?

Yes, her cousin is singer Dionne Warwick. Her aunt was Dee Dee Warwick, also a singer. Her godmother is Darlene Love.
What was Whitney Houston's favorite movie?

Her favorite movie was Sparkle 1976. She later starred in the 2012 remake, which was her final film released after her death.
Did Whitney Houston perform at the Super Bowl?

Yes, she sang The Star Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. The performance became a hit single, peaking at number 20 and later re-entering the charts after September 11, 2001.
Where is Whitney Houston buried?

She is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, beside her father. Her funeral was held at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark on February 18, 2012.
What was the name of Whitney Houston's debut album?

Her debut album was simply titled Whitney Houston, released in 1985. It became the best-selling debut album by a female artist at the time.
How many American Music Awards did Whitney Houston win?

She won 26 American Music Awards, the most of any artist. This record is mentioned in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s recognition of her career.
Did Whitney Houston have any pets?

There is no record of pets in the source. She was known for her love of fashion and music.
What was the cause of Whitney Houston's daughter's death?

Bobbi Kristina Brown died from a combination of factors after being found unconscious in a bathtub. The cause was similar to her mother’s, involving drowning and drug effects.
Was Whitney Houston a model before singing?

Yes, she worked as a fashion model before her music career took off. She appeared on the covers of Seventeen and Glamour magazines.
What was Whitney Houston's first Grammy for?

Her first Grammy was in 1986 for Best Pop Vocal Performance for the song Saving All My Love for You. The award was presented by her cousin Dionne Warwick.
Did Whitney Houston write her own songs?

She co-wrote some songs, such as Thinking About You and Don’t Cry for Me, but most of her hits were written by others. Her focus was on vocal performance.
What was the name of Whitney Houston's record label?

She was signed to Arista Records from 1983 for the rest of her career. Her manager and confidant was Arista founder Clive Davis.
How many consecutive number one singles did Whitney Houston have?

She had seven consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, from Saving All My Love for You 1985 to Where Do Broken Hearts Go 1988.
What was Whitney Houston's last movie?

Her final acting role was in Sparkle 2012, a remake of the 1976 film. She played alongside Jordin Sparks.
Did Whitney Houston have any half-siblings?

Yes, she had a half-brother named Michael Houston. She also had a brother named Gary Garland.
What was the name of Whitney Houston's tour after The Bodyguard?

She embarked on The Bodyguard World Tour in 1993-1994, which included performances of songs from the film and her previous albums.
How many octaves could Whitney Houston sing?

She had a vocal range of 3.2 octaves, classified as mezzo-soprano. Her voice was praised for its agility and power.
Was Whitney Houston inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Yes, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. She was also inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013.
What is the best-selling gospel album of all time?

The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack, performed by Whitney Houston, is the best-selling gospel album of all time. It spent 26 weeks at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart.
Did Whitney Houston ever tour internationally?

Yes, she toured globally, including in Europe and Asia. Her 1999 My Love Is Your Love Tour covered multiple continents.
What was the name of Whitney Houston's comeback album?

Her comeback album was I Look To You, released in 2009. It was positively received and sold well, though her voice was weaker in promotional performances.

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Audited & updated by

Emma has 8 years of editorial experience and a very clear idea of what a good biography looks like. At Famousy, she runs the editorial operation and decides what meets the bar and what doesn't. She's the kind of editor who remembers the profiles she pushed back on more clearly than the ones she approved. That's not a complaint. That's exactly why the site reads the way it does.

Published on March 16, 2026

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