Celebrity Interview
Written By: Alton
Coleman
Devin Devasquez: First Impressions
At the age of 18 Devin Devasquez showed the world she had what it took, and in all the
right places, when she appeared in Playboy’s 1981 pictorial "Girls of the
SEC". What readers might have initially missed was the fact that some of her right
places could not be seen on the pages of the popular men’s magazine. A few
years later she appeared in Playboy (again) as Miss June (1985).
If you knew Devin, you would have to be amused that this
5’7" Latin goddess once wished she was blonde haired and blue eyed. Her
appearance in Playboy was followed with becoming the 1986 Grand Champion Spokes Model on
the popular talent show "Star Search". After that, Playboy featured her
again, this time on the cover and in a celebrity pictorial (November 1986). Since then,
Devin has compiled quite a resume. In addition to her television appearances (which
include "Married With Children" and numerous commercials), she has also
graced the stage ("Southern Rapture" and "Murders
Anonymous") and co-starred in several films ("A Low Down Dirty Shame",
"House 2", "Society" and "Can’t Buy Me Love").
The world famous pinup artist Olivia and the German artist Michael Mobius have even
immortalized this Latin beauty from Louisiana.
Evidence of her intellect, wit and common sense can be found
within various magazine articles (see Oye, Controversy and Celebrity Sleuth). Other Devin
projects include a newly released book "Living In A Blonde World" (joint venture
with Julie Strain) and KIDZ EYES (a non-profit organization for children which
encourages art in public schools). While it is said "you never get a second chance to
make a first impression", Devin has shown what one can do after that initial
impression has been made.
Modamag:
What origin is the name Devasquez?
Devin: It is Spanish. My
real father, who I never knew, died before I was born. He was from Madrid, Spain. I took
on the name when I first posed for Playboy and added Devin from the cologne by Aramis,
because I thought is was exotic and went well with Devasquez. My real name is Renee',
which is French. Devin is Irish which, I am also, and Devasquez is Spanish so my name sort
of describes me and besides most people never forget it.
Modamag: When
did you first realize you wanted to become a model? And how did you end up getting into
the industry? Was it with Playboy?
Devin: When Playboy placed
an ad in the campus newspaper looking for "Girls of the SEC"; which was my first
appearance in the magazine, over 400 girls responded to that ad. It was such a big deal at
LSU, because Playboy rarely came to the deep South; where people were ultra conservative
about nudity. I believe it was only their second visit to us and I looked at it as a rare
opportunity, and one I couldn't pass up. I really didn't have modeling aspirations, but
was always told that I was photogenic. I was intrigued when David Chan thought I was
Playmate material and two years later worked up enough courage to pose fully nude as Miss
June 1985. It was a huge break for a small town girl and to be one of five chosen was a
thrill for me.
Modamag: How did you get on "Star Search"? And
tell us about winning the 1986 Spokes Model Championship?
Devin: I was an Elite model
and went to a cattle call for the show, which was going into it's third season and very
popular in the spokes model category. I auditioned, along with top Chicago model Cindy
Crawford who was not famous yet (and just about every model in Chicago) and was actually
one of two Chicago girls chosen! It was unbelievable. Luck was on my side I guess.
Unfortunately, I could be on the show when I was suppose to because I was still shooting
my video for Playboy and had to turn down "Star Search". I sent flowers to the
producer hoping they would keep me in mind for the next season of shows. Then a girl
scheduled had to drop out due to a death in her family, and the producer that I sent
flowers to called me. I went on the tail end of the season and never lost. I guess it was
meant to be and Playboy again featured me the following year with a celebrity cover
pictorial. It was the highlight of my career as a model since I was just beginning. I even
went on "Johnny Carson" after that.
Modamag: Did you like working on the
"Married With Children" set? Could you tell our readers what brought on the bra
removal scene?
Devin: That was the first
time anyone had ever taken their bra off on prime time television. The show caused a
controversy because of a Michigan housewife wrote to advertisers saying the show was
distasteful and should be taken off the air. My appearance was aired on ET, national news
etc. I later ran into some of the cast members who credited my appearance for actually
boosting the ratings and keeping the long running sitcom on the air for 11 years, one of
the longest running sitcoms ever! I guess I love controversy and again luck was on my
side.
Modamag: Did
the script originally call for your bra being removed or did they work it into the scene
while on the set? They had to have known it would cause a roar?
Devin: It was called for in
the script and was done before a live audience and they did roar indeed.
Modamag: You've
done a vast range of work; stage, television, film and modeling. Which type of work
interest you the most and why?
Devin: Because I was
discovered by "Playboy" and was viewed mostly as a model, being taken seriously
as an actress has always been so hard. Also, my look was not a popular back then as it is
today so work was so scarce. I wished I was blonde and blue eyed with huge fake boobs at
the time so that I would work more, but being different actually made me stand out in a
crowd and I was in control. I tried my hand at everything just to see what I was best at
and what I liked the most. I love doing film more than television, because I have more
time to play with my character. Stage is so hard because it's before a live audience and
I'm really quite shy. I still love modeling, but only if I'm in the mood and having fun.
Modamag: What
was it like working under the direction of Peter Fonda in "Southern Rapture"?
Devin: Peter Fonda is really cool and down to earth.
My mother passed away (of breast cancer) during the run of that play. Peter was very
compassionate, since he knew what it was like to loose a parent and the heartache involve.
Modamag: Tell
us about the Olivia painting(s); are they out yet? Where can we see them?
Devin: I’m in her 2002
calendar and she's done about a dozen paintings that will be coming out over the next 2-3
years. You may go to www.worldofpinups.com
and view more on Olivia as well as other pinup artists I've worked with like Michael
Mobius. I am featured in Playboy next month, in a limited art print done by him. I'm very
proud of all my art and can't wait for each one to appear. Michael has done a dozen
paintings of me as well and I think he's the Vargas of this century. I'm looking forward
to getting art prints for a new home I'm currently moving into.
Modamag: Tell us about your plans to launch
your own perfume and beauty products.
Devin: I have been talking
to a few people and trying to develop something that I really think defines me. Until I'm
totally happy I will not endorse it. It may take a while. I'm picky and want only the best
to give my fans.
Modamag: Tell
us about your interest in the metaphysical. Do you see it as a guideline for your life?
Devin: It's totally a
guideline for my life. As you can see from Playboy to "Star Search", to
"Married with Children" to this website, I have what seems to be a force
guiding me through the unusual and against the odds; situations in which I have prevailed
as someone who wins. I think that is because I never seek anything but always put my best
into anything that interest me. I follow my instincts, which had always lead me in the
right direction despite public opinion. I'm very intuitive and find that by doing whatever
I love and am good at I will be successful. I never do anything for money.
Modamag: On your website there is a picture of
you standing with former President Regan. Would you tell us about the photo?
Devin: I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Reagan a few years when I was invited by
his secretary at the time. I gave him some jelly beans which he loved.
Modamag: Have
you begun your (website) worldwide tour yet? How can fans find out where and when you will
be appearing?
Devin: Since I rarely
make public appearances, I really can't say. I may start it soon to promote a movie I just
finished. I'm so excited to meet all these people that have been so loyal to me all of
these years and the new ones I'm making everyday because of the web. I am looking forward
to it, but I just don't have the time right now and I love being home with my dogs Elvis
and Romeo. They’re my babies and it's hard to leave them. You can always find out
where I will be appearing on my website.
Modamag: What
is on the horizon for Devin Devasquez? Anything you would like to let your fans know in
advance?
Devin: I back and I'm here
to stay this time. I feel I have a message to give and that the universe wants me to give
it to you. If I inspire someone from the artwork that has been done on me, or evoke an
emotion because of a piece of work I've done in film or television, then I am
communicating something. I want that something to be positive an uplifting. If I can do it
against all odds, so can you!
Devin now fills her days with running her own website, going
on countless auditions and pursuing her ambitions. What other accomplishments could she
possibly achieve? Would you believe building a performing arts school for inner city
children in Los Angeles? One where teaching positions would be filled by the entertainment
community? Is it possible? Yes, if Devin is involved. That’s the first impression
we got. |
