If your childhood holiday films included a touch of church, plenty of gospel, and a lineup of big-name talent, you know that The Preacher’s Wife is a timeless classic. Here’s where the cast of The Preacher’s Wife is today.
The movie released in 1996, directed by Penny Marshall, brought together Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, and Courtney B. Vance for a story centered on faith, family, and rediscovering what truly matters. IMDB lists the full cast and crew, including Houston’s mother, Cissy, in the mix and the famously talented Jennifer Lewis as well.
Now, almost three decades later, the actors have followed distinctly different paths. Scroll below to see what some of the beloved stars are up to today.
The Preacher’s Wife Cast Now
1. Whitney Houston, portraying Julia Biggs
Houston’s portrayal of Julia stands as one of the film’s most enduring moments. The accompanying soundtrack also cemented a significant portion of her musical legacy. Houston passed away in 2012 at the age of 48, but her impact endures through her music, her films, and the many artists she inspired.
2. Denzel Washington, portraying Dudley
Washington was already a marquee star when he took on Dudley, the celestial messenger sent to assist Reverend Biggs. And he clearly wasn’t finished. He went on to headline Training Day, Remember the Titans, American Gangster, Fences, and the The Equalizer film series. He has continued to direct and produce, including his latest collaboration with Spike Lee on Highest 2 Lowest.
3. Courtney B. Vance, portraying Reverend Henry Biggs
Vance infused the anxious pastor with warmth as he struggled to save his church and reunite with his family. Since then, he has built a broad career across television, film, and theater, delivering notable work in The People v. O.J. Simpson, Lovecraft Country, and Genius: Aretha. He remains one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors.
4. Jenifer Lewis, portraying Margueritte Coleman
Margueritte exuded the auntie vibe well before “auntie” became a full-fledged online persona. Lewis has stayed busy ever since, with prominent roles in Black-ish, The Princess and the Frog, Cars, and many other projects. She has continued performing and working in theater as well.
5. Loretta Devine, portraying Beverly
Devine has maintained a steady pace across film and television for decades. Following The Preacher’s Wife, she added roles in Grey’s Anatomy, Crash, Dreamgirls, P-Valley, and Family Reunion to an already impressive résumé.
6. Gregory Hines, portraying Joe Hamilton
Hines infused the project with his renowned dance ability and acting prowess. Tragically, the tap-dance icon passed away in 2003 at age 57, yet his influence on dance, Broadway and the broader entertainment world remains undeniable.
7. Cissy Houston, portraying Mrs. Havergal
Whitney’s own mother also appears on screen. Cissy Houston, a Grammy-winning gospel and soul vocalist whose career stretched across more than seven decades, passed away in 2024 at the age of 91.
From Hollywood icons to legendary musicians, The Preacher’s Wife boasted an all-star ensemble.
