Whitney Houston (Photo : Reuters)
Having played the title role in "Whitney," Yaya DaCosta took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston and thank more than 4.5 million viewers who tuned in during the premiere on the controversial Lifetime biopic on Jan. 17.
"Rest in Love, Goddess Whitney!" DaCosta tweeted. She also wrote, "Thank you SO MUCH everyone for the love and support!!!!! #humbled" along with an Instagram photo showing a collage of behind-the-scene pictures of "Whitney" with the words "THANK YOU."
In another tweet, DaCosta wrote that she was very glad that the viewers enjoyed the movie and was very grateful to have had "the blessed opportunity" to play the title role.
Despite the criticisms, including those from the Houston family, the former "America's Next Top Model" contestant tweeted that words cannot express how happy the viewers' comments have made her and she was humbled by the response.
Prior to playing the late "I Will Always Love You" hitmaker, DaCosta competed in the third cycle of "ANTM" and finished runner-up to "The Fright Night Files" actress Eva Pigford, also known as Eva Marcille.
As an actress, DaCosta starred in TV series "All My Children," "Ugly Betty, "Law & Order," "Mercy," "Army Wives," "Body Of Proof," "House M.D" and "Unforgettable." On the big screen, she starred "The Kids Are All Right" and "The Butler."
Directed by Angela Bassett and written by Shem Bitterman, "Whitney" also stars Arlen Escarpeta, Yolonda Ross, Suzzanne Douglas, Mark Rolston, Hampton Fluker, Saundra McCalin, Deborah Lacey, Kevontay Jackson, Wesley Jonathan, Rolonda Watts, Nafessa Williams, James A. Watson Jr., Tongayi Chirisa and Cornelius Smith Jr., among others.
