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By her own account, Waithe described Devine’s influence on Black culture and being an icon of her own generation- industrial site with creations that speak to multiple generations. A homage to Devine’s storied career on Broadway, film, and television consisting of a Legacy Talk episode with her was to be initially released on September 9.
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The usual interview is simply not worthy of Linnea Waithe’s special touch; she is really constructing a monument. Her Legacy Talk returns with the arguably most important episode featuring the great Loretta Devine. Judging from the sneak peek, this is less of an interview and more of anointment.
She confidently states that she’s “not just part of the story; she is the story.” Waithe went through Devine’s career path from Dreamgirls on Broadway through Emmys for Grey’s Anatomy and even made note of her being the first Black woman to be in a hit film of her generation with Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher’s Wife. Devine does not just come in and act through a scene. She goes in and transforms that scene; she infuses it with texture, humor, vulnerability, and grace equally.
The snippet from the transcripts shows something deeper—the humble view Devine has of herself. When Waithe says she’s “one of our really great actresses,” Devine replies, in disbelief, “Really? Yes, I would never think you would think that.” This moment of humility from someone like Devine is a testament to her character. She feels “real regular,” in direct opposition to Waithe’s insistence that “there’s nothing regular about you.”
Praises and anecdotal stories filled the comments. Bresha Webb appreciated Waithe “giving your guests their flowers,” while many others just shouted “iconic” and “legendary” to Devine. One comment highlighted Devine’s “innocent and pure” inflection of the word “really,” which sums up her true character.
Departing from the main topic, imitationbyjerell commented, “I knew Miss Loretta could act, but LAWD!!!” The comment was met with affirmation, one responded, “She played that part! Lol,” while another added, “She was not playing in that role!” The conversation acknowledged that even villainous acts by Devine turn into performances that become unforgettable, with people reminiscing about them years later.
The comments are reminded of the most tender moment coming from Devine herself: “Love you, I woke up to you praise thank you so much, You are all my blessings.” This personal reaction from the legend herself only shows just how much these kinds of honors mean to those artists who have been working for decades on developing their craft.
Legacy Talk serves an extremely important cultural purpose-Waithe celebrates Black excellence because these icons can still do so while getting their flowers. “This space to give our legends their flowers. The RIGHT way!” summed up one commenter. Another said the simplest of all opinions: “We all just LOVE seeing her!!”
It is a must-watch for all who care for the history of Hollywood, Black culture, or just downright brilliant acting. As Waithe puts it rightly: “Loretta Devine has been shifting the atmosphere for decades.” Given this preview, this is the kind of legacy this conversation tries to carve out for her.
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Legacy Talk S02E07: Loretta Devine airs September 9th on all podcast platforms, with the video going up on Hillman Grad’s YouTube channel.