Loretta Devine
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Loretta Devine was born on August 21, 1949, in Houston, Texas. Her mother, Eunice O'Neal, worked as a beautician, while her father, James Devine, was employed primarily as a laborer. She was raised in the Acres Homes area of Houston and has since become a celebrated African-American actress and singer known for her powerful performances and vocal talent.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 21 Aug, 1949
- Age
- 70 yrs
- Citizenship
- United States of America
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- Birth Place
- Houston
- Education
- University of Houston
Brandeis University - Gender
- Female
- Description
- American actress
- Net Worth 2021
- 10 million
People Mentioned in This Biography
Education
Devine pursued higher education at the University of Houston, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Drama in 1971. Furthering her passion for the performing arts, she enrolled at Brandeis University in 1976 and received a Master of Fine Arts in Theater. During her academic journey, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, specifically the Epsilon Lambda chapter.
Broadway Beginnings and Early Screen Roles
Devine’s professional acting debut came in the 1978 Broadway production A Broadway Musical, although it closed after only one performance. Despite its brief run, this experience marked the start of her enduring career. She gained significant attention for her performance as Lorrell Robinson in the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls, which became a major success and played a pivotal role in boosting her career.
Throughout the 1980s, Devine appeared in various film and television projects in supporting roles. Her early screen credits include appearances in Little Nikita, Stanley & Iris, and The Colored Museum. She made her television debut in the hit series A Different World and later starred in the short-lived sitcom Sugar and Spice.
Breakthrough in Film and Critical Recognition
Devine's breakthrough film role came in 1995 with the adaptation of Terry McMillan’s novel, Waiting to Exhale. Her portrayal of Gloria Matthews, alongside Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett, won her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. She followed this success with another Image Award win for her role in The Preacher’s Wife (1996).
In 1998, she starred opposite Alfre Woodard in Down in the Delta, and a year later appeared in Funny Valentines. She continued to earn praise for her versatility and emotional depth on screen.
