Lifetime’s Angela Basset-directed biopic about Whitney Houston entitled “Whitney” is fast approaching. With the premier coming in January, actress Yolanda Ross spoke with Huffington Post about playing Houston’s rumored lesbian lover, Robyn Crawford.
Crawford was Whitney’s best friend and personal assistant, but throughout the years, some have speculated that the friendship was actually romantic. Houston always denied these rumors.
Ross, who has been featured in “Law and Order,” “Treme,” and the film “Antwone Fisher” says she prepared for her role with extensive research.
“I scoured the internet for whatever I could find on Robyn,” said Ross. “Though I had heard about her for years, I had never actually seen her so I wanted to get an idea of her but make sure I wasn’t mimicking her in any way. So getting a little insight on her having a strong presence and being supportive helped.”
An in-depth look at Houston’s relationship with Crawford will be new to the public, and Ross says that this unique aspect of the iconic singer’s life is essential to the film.
“I think it is very important to have the inclusion of the Robyn Crawford character because she was such a key part of Whitney’s life, personal and work wise,” she explained. “With all the criticism and backlashing against this person it needs to be shown that at the base of it all, you had two people that respected and cared for each other since their teenage years through the time period when Whitney rose to her iconic level.When the world is whipping around you, those are the people you want near, to keep you and your life in check. While portraying Robyn, it was important to me to respect the closeness of these two and show that in both the personal and public arenas.’
Ross admits that after working on the film and learning more about Houston, she realizes the importance of maintaining a positive circle.
“Surround yourself with people that carry positive energy and light,” Ross says she leaned. ” Don’t let negativity bring you down.”
