Many associate Loretta Devine, with her many memorable performances on both the big and small screen, including the hit movies Waiting to Exhale and Jumping The Broom, as well as her Emmy-winning performance on Grey's Anatomy, her scene-stealing role on Being Mary Jane, her starring role on the breakout hit, The Carmichael Show or her voice on the hugely popular kids cartoon, Doc McStuffins.
"It’s a very positive script," explains Devine when speaking about Doc McStuffins. "And Hallie is so supportive to what this young girl is trying to do, and it’s all about the stuffed animals. They all have these little ailments, which are not true ailments, which makes it sort of playful. It’s such a great teaching tool for young kids, from two up to five. They won’t be afraid to go to the doctor. They’ll understand what a check-up is. They’ll understand how important a check-up is. If they have a bite, they’ll know to show their mom. I think it’s a very positive little show. It was so successful – I was very happy with that. We did like 52 episodes in the first year."
In recent years, Devine has taken her talents to the STARZ hit show, P-Valley.
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“In ‘P-Valley’ I play an 80-year-old cussing stripper that owns a juke joint down in the valley, and it was just an incredible experience,” said Devine of the role. “I was very excited to do it, but I was so scared of some of the language, and some of the stuff I said ’bout Jesus. I said, ‘Oh Lord, it’s a good thang my mom wasn’t here to hear it.'”
Her portrayal of the foul-mouthed grandmother to The Pynk’s owner, Uncle Clifford, won her an NAACP Image Award for the best outstanding guest performance.
“There are roles I wouldn’t take, there are roles I haven’t taken. You know, people think I took everything. I’m getting a chance at this age to play things I never dreamed of.”
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Her First Breakout Role Used All of Her Talents at Once
But there's one role that still comes to mind when many people think of Loretta.
Over 30 years ago, Loretta achieved fame as Lorrell in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls.
The original Broadway production of Dreamgirls opened at the Imperial Theatre on December 20, 1981. The musical played 10 previews and 1,521 performances before closing on August 11, 1985, earning 13 Tony nominations and winning six.
Focusing on the fictional Motown group the Dreams— famously inspired by the Supremes—Dreamgirls explores the stardom, competition, and love lives surrounding three Black women climbing the ranks of the music industry in the ’60s and ’70s. The musical features a book and lyrics by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger.
Dreamgirls starred Jennifer Holliday as Effie White (who earned a Tony Award for her performances) Sheryl Lee Ralph as Deena, and Loretta Devine as Lorell
Growing up in Texas in a single-parent home with six children, Devine wanted to be a singer but wasn't finding musical scholarships or opportunities, so she focused on acting. After receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Houston, she headed to Boston, where she got a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater at Brandeis. Then it was off to New York, where she took acting and dancing classes and began working in the theater.
"We had such a long run, and people came to see it over and over," recalls Devine, who, since then, has appeared in over one hundred television series and films. "That's what happens when you're in a classic," she says. "And I feel so lucky that I've continued to find work, especially at my age."
The actress has shared her steps for always feeling like a "Dreamgirl":
Things Every Dreamgirl Should Do: "Sit Up and Stand Tall"
Studies show that people who sit up straight in their chairs instead of slouching tend to be more...
...confident and healthier. Keeping your shoulders back and chest up also makes you look taller, slimmer, and more self-assured.
When You Wake Up: "Make The Mirror Your Friend"
Find something you like when you look at yourself in the mirror. Being positive about your body helps to reinforce your self image. Don't look for flaws, look at the divine beauty the creator made you to be.
Words to Live by: "Just Say 'Thank You'"
"Stop deflecting praise about your appearance. Saying things like, 'Oh, this old thing?' doesn't help you or the person trying to be nice to you. Instead, simply say "thank you" when someone compliments you or your wardrobe. You and your admirer will feel better about the positive exchange."
How a Dreamgirl Should Feel: "Loosen Up!"
"When you wear clothes in smaller sizes, the feeling of constriction sends a constant signal to your brain that you're not thin enough. Find clothes that are both elegant and comfortable—in the size you are now."
"Her advice to actors regarding auditioning: 'Be prepared. You have to know your part, know your lines. You have to be on time. People like to know that they'd like to work with you and like to be around you.' If you get the part, she says, it's important to make a good impression. There are etiquette things that actors, new actors, need to know about. Because it only takes one mess-up on a set to get fired. Not being where you're supposed to be or saying something to the wrong person that you're not supposed to say, and those are like basic things that the actors need to know. And they just need to be prepared and do very well when they go in for that first job, because it has a tendency to roll. If you were great on one thing, people will go, 'Oh, he's easy to work with,' and they will recommend you to someone else."
Now go and be the Dreamgirl you know you are!
