Loretta Devine

A native of Houston, Texas, Loretta obtained her BA in speech and drama from the University of Houston. Leaving her home state for schooling in Massachusetts, Loretta obtained her MFA in drama from Brandeis University.

Starting off as a stage actress, Loretta was in the original onstage production of ‘Dreamgirls.’ Maneuvering her skills toward a different medium, Loretta tried out for movies and television, landing herself a reoccurring role on ‘A Different World’ (1987). From that point on she had several roles on various television shows, such as Picket Fences, and was even cast in supporting roles on films like Class Act and Amos & Andrew. Her big break came in 1995 when she was cast as a supporting role in the hit movie Waiting to Exhale.

Within the past decade she has also played in several supporting television roles, including Boston Legal. Her most recent television work was on the supernatural legal drama, ‘Eli Stone.’ On the show she displayed her magnificent singing voice during song and dance sequences that were part of the main character’s visions. Unfortunately the show was not picked up for a third season due to ratings and budgetary issues.

Coming around full circle from her days on Broadway, Loretta also appeared in the movie adaptation of Dreamgirls (2006). Loretta’s most recent movie, Death at a Funeral, is soon-to-be released in theaters.