If Jennifer Lewis is the the mother of Black Hollywood, then Loretta Devine is the aunty! The Houston, Texas (H-Town standup!) native has been in some of our favorite films and shows, including This Christmas, Jumping The Broom, Grey’s Anatomy, and Family Reunion, all while managing to always have a job (she just wrapped four films and is reportedly working on two more).
The 72-year-old beauty just celebrated her birthday on Aug. 21st and, in a toast to a lifetime well-served, she is being featured in the fourth season premiere episode of TV One’s UNCENSORED where she divulges about the pinnacles of her career journey.
In one revelation, Devine talks about her experience working with her Waiting To Exhale co-stars Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, and Gregory Hanes. Hanes, who made a way for himself as one of the most prolific tap dancers of his time, advised Devine to work on losing weight after the production of Waiting To Exhale was completed.
“I remember him telling me that, ‘Now, as soon as this movie’s over, you have to lose all the weight so you can move into the next category,” Devine said in a clip of the episode. “I don’t know what category that was because I never did lose the weight like he talked about.”
Devine didn’t take any offense to his comments and even goes on to speak of the nice things he did for her, such as ordering flowers for her first day on set. Devine worked with Hanes on Broadway and developed a close bond with Hanes.
“I was just so glad that I had never did anything with him because I learned early that men don’t like to work where they sleep,” Devine said.
Devine’s experience is not isolated. Interestingly enough, there is a stigma that mainly resides with women in Hollywood that skinny is the only way to be taken seriously. Of course, the industry provides exceptions for the women that choose to be comedians because extra weight is….funny?
Devine stayed the Texas thick woman that she is and still blazed a fiery trail through those desert vegetated Hollywood Hills. Just for inspiration, here are some other ladies that defied the stereotypes in recent times and became major success stories in the entertainment industry.
Queen Latifah – Award-Winning Rapper-turned-Actress
Adele – Chart-Topping Music Artist
Oprah Winfrey – Media Mogul
Ashley Graham – Plus-Size Model
Lizzo – Music Superstar
Melissa McCarthy – Film Mogul & Actress
Jennifer Hudson – Oscar-Winning Actress & Artist
Dascha Polanco – Budding TV Actress
Gabourey Sidibe – Film Starlett
Monique – Oscar-Winning Actress & Comedian
Rebel Wilson – Buzz-worthy Actress
Amber Riley – Multi-talented Actress & Singer
Loni Love – Engineer-Turned-TV Host
