Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine (born August 21, 1949) is an American actress and singer. She is known for numerous roles across stage and screen. Devine's most high profile roles include Lorrell Robinson in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls and the long-suffering Gloria Matthews in the film Waiting to Exhale. She also gained recognition for her recurring role as Adele Webber on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2011. Devine was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in the Acres Homes area. She graduated from the University of Houston and received a Master of Fine Arts in Theater from Brandeis University. Devine has had an extensive career on Broadway.