*Loretta Devine is returning to holiday television in the Lifetime movie “Deck The Hallways,” where she portrays Agnes, a grandmother who reclaims her independence after losing her husband. The character’s journey unfolds alongside family tension, especially with her granddaughter, but Devine says the story’s warmth and humor drew her in.
The 76-year-old icon says acting continues to bring her joy, a passion that dates back to her early years performing in “Dreamgirls” alongside Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jennifer Holliday. Reflecting on that formative time, she recalls advice that stayed with her throughout her career. “I still have a strong work ethic. Even at my age now, I’m so surprised when I get a chance to actually work because this career is a hard thing,” she told HELLO!.
“I really know now how to make it work for me as far as creating a character and how to get the lines, and you learn over time that it is an art form; you’ve got to do all the steps to make it work,” Devine added. She noted that Michael Bennett used to tell the cast, “It’s show business, not show charity.”
When asked why Agnes resonated with her, Devine says she gravitates toward roles that lift rather than diminish characters. She seeks projects that “make me happy,” noting that “Deck The Hallway was one of the most fun things I’ve done.” Devine appreciated the emotional moments as well as the chance to sing and play a grandmother charting a new path in life. The actress said she is “looking for new adventures – and I want to be a hip grandma!”
Scroll to continue reading
Her personal life also reflects lessons learned in her fifties, the decade when she met her husband. Sharing her perspective on long-lasting love, she said, “I go away and come back! I think separate lives really works.” She admits that earlier in life, she was focused on building her career rather than seeking romance.
Asked whether she might return to Broadway, Devine reflected on how much the landscape has evolved. “Broadway has changed a great deal. This past year, there was a street that had Black leading ladies in every show, and I never thought I’d see that when I was doing Dreamgirls back in the 80s. Things have progressed and I am proud,” she said.
“But I found out that they’re getting ready to take Dreamgirls back to Broadway, and I said, ‘Why don’t they let these young girls create their own show?’ We worked on Dreamgirls for years before it actually became Dreamgirls, and when new artists are doing work that’s already been created, they miss out on all of that. That was the point I was trying to make. I don’t know if people got that, but I wish that for them as well.”
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Will Smith Braves Earth’s Extremes in Epic New Series ‘Pole to Pole’ | Watch Trailer
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
