The Preacher's Wife is a 1996 Christmas comedy-drama film directed by Penny Marshall and stars Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Justin Pierre Edmund, Gregory Hines, Jenifer Lewis, and Loretta Devine. It is a remake of the 1947 film The Bishop's Wife, which in turn is adapted from the 1928 novel of the same name by Robert Nathan.
Synopsis[]
A preacher who is at risk of losing his church to land developers, and is struggling to bond with his wife and son, prays to God and is visited by a charming and friendly angel who makes it his goal to help him out.
Cast[]
- Whitney Houston as Julia Coleman Biggs
- Denzel Washington as Dudley
- Courtney B. Vance as Reverend Henry Biggs
- Gregory Hines as Joe Hamilton
- Jenifer Lewis as Margueritte Coleman
- Loretta Devine as Beverly
- Justin Pierre Edmund as Jeremiah Biggs
- Lionel Richie as Bristloe
- Shari Headley as Arlene Chattan (uncredited)
- Paul Bates as Saul Jefferies
- Lex Monson as Osbert
- Darvel Davis Jr. as Hakim
- William James Stiggers Jr. as Billy Eldridge
- Marcella Lowery as Anna Eldridge
- Cissy Houston as Mrs. Havergale
- Shyheim as Teen
- Aaron A. McConnaughey as Teen
- Harsh Nayyar as Christmas Tree Man
Trivia[]
- Lionel Richie's acting debut.
- Julia Roberts was considered for the female lead.
- Whitney Houston admitted years later that she filmed most of the movie while she was on drugs.
- Penny Marshall had to kick out an extra for wearing a yellow sweater that looked too similar to the church choir uniform, even though it was provided by the costume department. The extra in question was none other than Melissa McCarthy.
- Production was plagued by numerous accidents and even several deaths that happened nearby. Filming began in January and was supposed to end in February, but ended up lasting until May.
Videos[]
The Preacher's Wife - Trailer
