The Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody cast features Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci and Ashton Sanders. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Kasi Lemmons’ 2022 movie on Netflix. Check out more streaming guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast section.

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody explores the life and times of a pop culture icon. As Whitney Houston transforms into America’s sweetheart, she struggles with addiction and identity issues. The narrative chronicles the ups and down of the subject’s personal and professional lives. Here’s every main actor and character in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘The Diplomat’

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody Cast: Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston

Character Profile: A legendary American vocalist. She lands a recording deal after impressing Clive Davis. Whitney tries to be herself while maintaining a public persona.

Ackie’s Resume: Anna in Lady Macbeth (2016), Jannah in Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Bonnie in The End of the F***ing World (2019), Hazel in Small Axe (2020), Alicia in Master of None (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Florida Man’

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody Cast: Stanley Tucci as Clive Davis

Character Profile: The head of Arista Records. He makes himself available to Whitney at all times. Clive is a bisexual man who says little about his personal life.

Tucci’s Resume: Dr. Abraham Erskine in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Caesar Flickerman in The Hunger Games Movie Franchise (2012-15), Herb Kazzaz in BoJack Horseman (2014-20), Mitchell Garabedian in Spotlight (2015), Charles Wolf in Worth (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Wellmania’

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody Cast: Ashton Sanders as Bobby Brown

Character Profile: A famous pop star. He marries Whitney after a brief courtship. Bobby gets blamed for his wife’s addiction issues.

Sanders’ Resume: Will in The Retrieval (2013), Chiron in Moonlight (2016), Miles Whittaker in The Equalizer 2 (2018), Bobby Diggs/The RZA in Wu-Tang: An American Saga (2019-), Gabriel Drummond in Captive State (2019)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Transatlantic’

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody Cast: Tamara Tunie as Cissy Houston

Character Profile: Whitney’s mother. She is a proud woman and an accomplished vocalist. Cissy helps Whitney with career opportunities.

Tunie’s Resume: Jessica Griffin in As the World Turns (1987-2009), Mrs. Jackie Heath in The Devil’s Advocate (1997), ME Dr. Melinda Warner in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2000-21), Sheila in The Caveman’s Valentine (2001), Margaret Thomason in Flight (2012)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Chupa’

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody Cast: Nafessa Williams as Robyn Crawford

Character Profile: Whitney’s love interest. She gets hired as a creative director. Robyn understands that Whitney needs to maintain a specific public persona.

Williams’ Resume: Deanna Forbes in One Life to Live (2011), Jade in Twin Peaks (2017), Anissa Pierce/Thunder in Black Lightning (2018-21), Missy in Black and Blue (2019), Noel in A Holiday Chance (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Beef’

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody Cast: Clarke Peters as John Houston

Character Profile: Whitney’s father. He manages her career. John is a demanding man who pursues big business deals.

Peters’ Resume: Lester Freamon in The Wire (2002-08), Albert Lambreaux in Treme (2010-13), Harry in John Wick (2014), Abercrombie in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), Otis in Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast & Characters: ‘Unstable’

The Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody cast also includes:

• Daniel Washington as Gary Houston
• Bailee Lopes as Bobbi Kristina (8-11 Years Old)
• Bria Danielle Singleton as Bobbi Kristina (16-19 Years Old)
• JaQuan Malik Jones as Michael Houston
• Kris Sidberry as Pat Houston
• Dave Heard as Rickey Minor
• Coffey as James
• Lance A. Williams as Gerry Griffith
• Luke Crory as Superfan
• Jeffrey L. Brown as Pastor

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.