Some actors are memorable not only for famous roles, but also for their appearances in various films. The list of Loretta Devine's projects proves that she has managed to impress both fans and critics with her natural charisma and charm from the very start. The versatile actress and stage singer from Houston, Texas started to entertain crowds with her performances even before she appeared on-screen, so there is almost no surprise that Loretta always seems familiar, whichever film or theater project she appears in. Being the creator of unique characters that are funny, strong, vulnerable, yet always credible, Devine gained great appreciation from many generations of audiences.

Early life and training

Actress Loretta Devine started her career at a very early age – she was born on August 21, 1949. Since childhood Loretta has always been interested in performing arts in the forms of music and theater, although her talent was revealed completely in later years of college when she attended the University of Houston, where she majored in theater. Later, she got her master's degree in acting. Like any professional performer, Loretta is a fan of live shows, so in the early stages of her career she was practicing her singing and acting skills as an independent singer on stage in Texas and Florida. This training helped her to develop some special characteristics – her perfect timing, voice control, acting skills and unique comic timing.

In the theater she has found herself in Dreamgirls

The first important performance of Devine happened in the musical Dreamgirls on Broadway. The year 1981 was the time when Loretta got the chance to demonstrate her singing and comic abilities. Actually, Dreamgirls was her breakthrough role. She played one of the lead roles – Lorrell Robinson, a part of the trio of girls who have dreamed about becoming successful singers and entertainers all their lives. The performance was outstanding because it demonstrated great singing skills of Devine together with a perfect performance of musical theater. The audience appreciated Devine's acting, although the main aim was to perform a song in front of many people.

Stage to screen

The next stage in the career of a talented actress took place in the film industry, when Loretta appeared for the first time in movies for wide cinema screens. Devine became famous mostly due to the movie called "Waiting to Exhale" in which she played the role of Gloria Matthews. That movie was a good opportunity to prove her skills at work with large casts and ability to play in scenes together with various characters at once. It also was very successful in showing Loretta as very comfortable in group dynamics. It is possible to mention the ensemble of women who played in the movie, and Loretta Devine became a very important element of the cast of the movie. Then she worked in such films as "The Preacher's Wife". The films in which Loretta appears are usually characterized by natural humor, so it is not surprising that in this case she became one of the stars of it. There is no doubt about the high level of Devine's skills which she demonstrated while playing the role in the movie. All of these features became especially popular among fans.

Television and recognition

Having worked for several years in film business, Loretta decided to change her activities and tried working in TV industry, too. It is also worth noting that TV shows gave many fans of Devine a chance to get acquainted with her works. Loretta's TV career started with Boston Public – a drama series in which the actress played the role of school counselor Marla Hendricks. It is very interesting to note that Devine's choice of character was quite typical – she is used to playing mothers and mentoring and professional characters which have certain authority, but they also usually possess some qualities, because they are able to understand other people. Devine has also worked on such interesting TV shows as Grey's Anatomy, The Carmichael Show, The Good Wife and many others. The choice of characters in these shows was usual – the actress is usually able to play funny but at the same time professional and wise characters. Television has offered her many new opportunities, and Devine has successfully fulfilled them. This work has become the main cause of her high ratings, awards and nominations. Thus, in 2011 the actress won an Emmy Award. It is possible to notice that guest work on Grey's Anatomy gave her such an opportunity, when she could show her talent from a new angle in one of the most praised episodes of the TV show. That was also very significant for Loretta Devine's career because this show allowed her to win an Emmy Award. Such achievements are proof that this talented actress has gained the recognition of other famous performers who understood her work from the point of view of the director and actor. In spite of the high level of her popularity, Loretta's talents do not need special promotion to attract new admirers. The actress gained her fans due to professionalism and natural skills. Directors knew exactly that Loretta would give them an excellent result; her performances were good even after the first take, and spectators enjoyed Loretta's work.

A career full of versatility

As it is mentioned above, Loretta has become a successful performer due to a special style which is inherent only to her. This performer is famous for her ability to perform humorous mother characters, mentors, professional characters who can solve all the problems of young inexperienced girls and many other popular characters which have a certain similarity. However, despite this, Loretta has become really famous because of her unusual ability to make these common characters unforgettable through her performance. It means that her talents are based mainly on the skills which Loretta managed to gain in her early life at university when she received her master's degree. Her performances in the early stage of her activity as an independent singing and theater actress helped to develop certain special skills. Thus, in her films Loretta demonstrates wonderful voice, facial expressions which are usually expressive in details. The actress is able to demonstrate humor or serious emotions without changing facial expression – just through her wonderful eyes.