Devin Devasquez is more than just another pretty face. Her diverse background has led her to being a successful model, actress, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Devin was first discovered while attending college at Louisiana State University; that discovery led her to Los Angeles and eventually to become a co-founder of Kidz Eyes -- a non-profit organization for children.
Her great looks and intelligence have made her romantically sought after by celebrities, including Prince and Sylvester Stallone. Her beauty has awarded her to be chosen one of the first Hispanic Playboy Playmates, and her charm contributed to her winning $100,000 in the Spokesmodel Competition on "Star Search."
Her personal dream: the creation of a School for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles that will bring together children of all backgrounds. Her own background incorporates many cultures: She is French Canadian, Irish, American Indian and Spanish -- "an ethnic and cultural gumbo," she admits.
Being a role model is important to Devin. "I feel that the Hispanic community can use more female role models and I want to use my own life story of perseverance to achieve goals as an example," explains Devin.
While attending LSU as a marketing and accounting major, Playboy entered her life. The university newspaper ran an ad asking for women to appear in a Playboy pictorial, "Girls of the South East Conference."
"I thought I'd go by the auditorium just to check it out. I met renowned Playboy photographer David Chan, who persuaded me to try out." Her appearance in Playboy was, she admits, "a little too hot for Baton Rouge." However, it led to local area modeling jobs, and also confirmed Devin's decision: "I wanted to be a Playmate."
She left Louisiana and headed for Chicago with $50 to support herself. She worked as a waitress for only a short time before her bold decision paid off. Devin Devasquez became a Playboy Playmate. This was the second beginning. Astutely, she applied to Elite Modeling -- home of Cindy Crawford -- and was signed by the agency. Devin moved to Los Angeles. Although she enjoyed modeling, the exhausting travel associated with the career was overwhelming, so she concentrated on commercials. She established herself quickly in commercials, and soon had over 100 national and international spots to her credit for major names including: Diet Coke, Pontiac and Taco Bell.
Acting soon followed. Devin found herself co-starring and being featured in such movies as "Can't Buy Me Love," "Busted," "A Low Down Dirty Shame," as well as appearing on TV series ("Married With Children," "Best Friends," ect.)
She recently lost her mother to breast cancer at the age of 50. Devin admits, "The experience strengthened me and provided me with new insights about myself that are reflected in my desire to help children -- through Kidz Eyes." Her involvement ranges from producing and hosting fund-raising events to contacting companies for financial assistance.
Devin Devasquez recently launched her own website - www.devindevasquez.net - and is in pre-production on a television sitcom entitled, "Potluck."
COPYRIGHT 1998 Hispanic Times Enterprises
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
"In your twenties you feel like you've got all the time in the world. In your thirties, you ask yourself, 'what am I doing with the rest of my life?'," explains Devin. This Louisiana lady is making the most of her life in many ways: she is a writer/producer with a TV sitcom in development; she is currently marketing the revolutionary ButtBurner; and she is heavily-involved in KIDZ EYES, a non-profit organization comprised of role models that motivate and encourage self-expression in children of all ages. KIDZ EYES' last event was "Creating A Voice." Sponsored by Art Share Los Angeles, it was a forum where students painted a mural reflecting the works and words of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi.