Angela Bassett to Make Directorial Debut on Lifetime's 'Whitney Houston' Biopic

If there's a perfect choice to direct a film based on the tumultuous life of Whitney Houston, it may be Angela Bassett. The actress was close friends with Houston, co-starring with her in Waiting to Exhale, and they had a relationship that went beyond just the movie. And Lifetime apparently agrees because they've just set Bassett to helm their upcoming Whitney Houston biopic.

Bassett will make her directorial debut on the network's original film, which will center on the rocky, comedic, and self-destructive relationship she had with fellow performer, Bobby Brown. Shem Bitterman (Betty & Coretta) wrote the script that will chart their first meeting when they were both at a career pinnacle, through to their troubled marriage and her time as a model, actress, and singer. No word on who will play Houston, or if Bassett is considering the role herself. Says Bassett on the project...

“I have such regard for both Whitney’s and Bobby’s amazing talents and accomplishments, and I feel a responsibility in the telling of their story. Their humanity and bond fascinates us all.”

Unfortunately, what most people will remember them for is the drug use, reports of abuse, and of course the humiliating reality show they were a part of that exposed their troubles to the world. Hopefully Bassett can help turn perceptions of them around a little bit. Lifetime plans to air the film in 2015. [Deadline]