Upon graduating from USC with a journalism degree, Alretha soon realized that her interest in journalism was not heartfelt. While at the taping of a live sitcom, the producer noticed her and encouraged her hand at modeling. Modeling didn’t mean much to her, but it did lead her to acting and a NAACP Theatre Award Nomination (1993) for BEST ACTRESS. 

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Alretha subsequently landed guest starring roles in numerous soap operas like “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Days of Our Lives”. Additionally, she had co-starring roles in several independent films, including Charles Phillip Moore’s “Dance with Death” and Paul Leder’s “The Baby Doll Murders”. Although she was making inroads in the industry, her personal life was not where she wanted it to be, so she took a step back from acting and focused on writing and producing plays and writing books, while at the same time holding down a fulltime job. Alretha enjoyed writing, but she knew she would one day return to acting. And more than two decades later, she did. 

 

In February 2016, Alretha left her corporate job. No longer having to travel 350 miles a week to and from work, she focused on getting back in the acting game. She reactivated her SAG membership, put together a reel from her old footage, got some great headshots, and landed a talent agent. Her first gig back was a featured role in a regional SAG commercial in Pittsburgh. Alretha was thrilled to be back and is now thriving. 

 

Since her return, she’s appeared in “General Hospital”, in several short films, and in numerous commercials. Ironically, her biggest break came during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, Alretha joined the cast of Tyler Perry’s “Assisted Living” as Anastasia Devereaux, a 70s starlit who comes to live in the house. Alretha’s character debuts in episode four (The Triangle) of Season two that begins Tuesday, May 25, 2021. She will also be in Season three. Alretha is ecstatic about working with all the wonderful actors on the show—David and Tamela Mann, J. Anthony Brown, Na'im Lynn, Courtney Nichole, Tayler Buck, Alex Henderson, Damien Leake, Chet Anekwe, Nicholas Duvernay, and Rob Bouton. Moreover, she says directors Mark Swinton and Derrick Doose are amazing to work with.

Alretha’s greatest moment was getting to meet Mr. Tyler Perry while filming season three at his studio. She burst into tears upon seeing him. She wasn’t certain if she should approach him, but she headed toward him anyway and he didn’t turn away. He was open and gracious and she thanked him for never giving up on his dream because it allowed her to realize her own.

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The actress hopes to continue in her role as Anastasia Devereaux in “Assisted Living” and in other TV, movie, and commercial projects. She gives God all the praise and honor for her blessed life and career!