Exclusive: Loretta Devine on Secret to Staying Employed in Hollywood

Tonight, Loretta Devine adds yet another gig to her extensive resume of work with the premiere of ABC Family’s “State of Georgia.”

As previously reported, the sitcom stars Raven-Symone as Georgia, a young woman from the south who moves to New York with her best friend Jo to live out their respective dreams. [Scroll down to watch a scene from tonight’s premiere.]

Devine plays their landlord Aunt Honey, a character she describes as “very flamboyant and a little eccentric.”

“She owns two apartments in this huge building in New York,” Devine told EUR at a recent press day for the series. “The first floor apartment is where the girls are staying, Georgia and Jo. That first floor apartment is the result of being married to a man named Mr. Dupree.

“Mr. Dupree passed, and that was how the second apartment came about, because the man that was comforting me – I married later,” and moved into his place, she explained.

“And now I have my eye on the third floor apartment, but lesbians own that and I haven’t figured out how I’m gonna get that one in,” Devine said. “But, she’s very into real estate, and she’s just over-the-top, fun and a writer’s dream for comedy I think.”

(L-R) Raven-Symone, Majandra Delfino and Loretta Devine as Aunt Honey in “State of Georgia”

Devine, herself, has been a dream for writers across multiple genres – always filling her characters with a distinct authenticity that usually manages to steal the show – whether it’s Adele Webber suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” or the over-protective, slightly villainous Pamela Taylor from her most recent feature film “Jumping the Broom.”

The Houston native, who turns 62 next month, has been consistently working since 1981 – counting among her memorable film and television highlights “Waiting to Exhale,” “Boston Public,” “Crash” and Tyler Perry’s “For Colored Girls.”

The actress is quick to knock on wood when it comes to discussing her impressive Hollywood run, which continues this year with a voice role in the next “Scooby Doo” film and a plum spot in Robert Townsend’s next project.

Below, Devine gives her take on how she’s been able to stay in the game for three decades – and counting. Click here to listen to full interview