Loretta Devine
Loretta Devine was born on this date in 1949. She is a Black actress.
Born in Houston, TX, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and a master's from Brandeis University. After moving to New York City, she landed her first professional role in "Coming Uptown." She then appeared in Bob Fosse’s Broadway production "Big Deal." But her portrayal and creation of Lorell in the Broadway hit "Dreamgirls" won her the admiration of critics and audiences.
Devine made her film debut in "Will" in 1981. She has also appeared in "Little Nikita," "Amos & Andrew," "Class Act," and "Stanley & Iris." But the film "Waiting To Exhale" brought her to everyone's attention and won her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Her role in that film would lead to roles in such films as "The Preacher's Wife," "Down in the Delta," and "I Am Sam."
From 2000 to 2004, Devine starred as high school teacher Marla Hendricks on the drama series Boston Public. Devine won three more Image Awards for her work in the series. She also continued to work in film.
