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Loretta Devine biography
Loretta Devine is a respected American actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater. Born on August 21, 1949, in Houston, Texas, she has garnered acclaim for her talent, stage presence, and contributions to the entertainment industry. Here are some key points about her:
Early Career:
Loretta Devine started her career in theater and gradually transitioned into film and television, becoming a well-known face in various genres:
- Broadway Debut: She made her Broadway debut in the musical “Dreamgirls,” earning praise for her role as Lorrell Robinson. This marked a significant milestone in her career.
- Film Roles: Devine has appeared in numerous films, often portraying strong, memorable characters. Some notable films include “Waiting to Exhale” (1995), “The Preacher’s Wife” (1996), and “For Colored Girls” (2010).
Television Success:
Loretta Devine has been a familiar presence on television, often taking on both comedic and dramatic roles:
- “A Different World”: She gained recognition for her role as Stevie Rallen on the hit TV series “A Different World,” a spin-off of “The Cosby Show.”
- “Grey’s Anatomy”: Devine portrayed Adele Webber, the wife of Dr. Richard Webber, in the long-running medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”
- “The Carmichael Show”: She played the character Cynthia Carmichael in this sitcom, showcasing her comedic talents.
Voice Acting:
Devine has also lent her voice to animated characters, adding her talent to various projects:
- “Doc McStuffins”: She provided the voice for Hallie the Hippo in this popular children’s animated series.
- “The Princess and the Frog”: Devine voiced the character of James’s mother in Disney’s animated film “The Princess and the Frog.”
Awards and Recognition:
Throughout her career, Loretta Devine has received critical acclaim, including awards for her work in both theater and television. Her presence in the industry has been celebrated by fans and peers alike.
Please note that while I strive to provide accurate and comprehensive information, my knowledge is based on data available up to September 2021, and there may have been developments in Loretta Devine’s career or personal life since that time.
Trivia of Loretta Devine
Loretta Devine is a talented and respected actress with a wide-ranging career in film, television, and theater. While specific trivia about her may have evolved since my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, here are some interesting facts and points of trivia about Loretta Devine up to that date:
- “Dreamgirls” Connection: Loretta Devine made her Broadway debut in the iconic musical “Dreamgirls.” She originated the role of Lorrell Robinson, a pivotal character in the show, and earned acclaim for her performance.
- Award-Winning Actress: Devine has won several awards for her acting, including a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the television series “Grey’s Anatomy,” showcasing her talent and dedication to her craft.
- Educational Background: She studied at the University of Houston and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama. Her education has undoubtedly contributed to her strong foundation as an actress.
- Early Work: Before her breakout roles in film and television, Loretta Devine had a successful career in theater, performing in numerous stage productions.
- Collaboration with Tyler Perry: She has worked frequently with filmmaker and playwright Tyler Perry, appearing in multiple Perry-directed films, including roles in the “Madea” film series.
- Wide Range of Roles: Devine has demonstrated her versatility by taking on a wide range of roles in both comedic and dramatic projects, showcasing her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters.
- Voice Acting: In addition to her live-action work, Loretta Devine has lent her voice to various animated projects, providing her talents to characters in children’s programming.
- Activism and Advocacy: Devine has used her platform to advocate for social causes, including raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, a cause she has been particularly vocal about.
- Respected by Peers: She is highly regarded by her fellow actors and industry professionals, known for her professionalism, dedication, and contributions to the world of entertainment.
- Impact on Television: Her portrayal of Adele Webber on “Grey’s Anatomy” earned her a dedicated fanbase and highlighted the importance of diverse and compelling characters on popular television shows.
Please note that any developments or additional trivia about Loretta Devine that have occurred since September 2021 would not be included in this response.
Movies and webseries of Loretta Devine
As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, Loretta Devine has appeared in various movies and television series. Here are some of her notable works:
Movies:
- “Waiting to Exhale” (1995) – Loretta Devine had a significant role in this drama film based on the novel by Terry McMillan, portraying the character Gloria Matthews.
- “The Preacher’s Wife” (1996) – She played the role of Beverly, the wife of a preacher played by Denzel Washington, in this heartwarming Christmas-themed film.
- “The Best Man” (1999) – Devine appeared as the character Susan in this romantic comedy-drama about a group of college friends reuniting for a wedding.
- “Death at a Funeral” (2010) – She had a role in this ensemble comedy film, where a funeral ceremony takes comedic and chaotic turns.
- “For Colored Girls” (2010) – Loretta Devine was part of the ensemble cast in this film adaptation of Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem, portraying the character Juanita.
- “Jumping the Broom” (2011) – She played the role of Mrs. Taylor in this romantic comedy-drama about the merging of two families from different socioeconomic backgrounds during a wedding weekend.
Television Series:
- “A Different World” (1987-1993) – Devine had a recurring role as Stevie Rallen, the dorm director, in this spin-off of “The Cosby Show.”
- “Boston Public” (2000-2004) – She played the role of Marla Hendricks, a secretary at Winslow High School, in this drama series focused on a Boston public high school.
- “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-2019) – Loretta Devine portrayed Adele Webber, the wife of Dr. Richard Webber, in this long-running medical drama.
- “The Carmichael Show” (2015-2017) – She played the character Cynthia Carmichael, the mother of the main character, in this comedy series.
Web Series:
As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, I do not have specific information about Loretta Devine’s involvement in web series. It’s possible that there may have been developments in her filmography or projects since that time that I’m not aware of.
Please note that there may have been additional projects or developments in Loretta Devine’s career since September 2021 that I’m not aware of, as my information is not up to date beyond that time.
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