Bettina Devin, born and raised in San Francisco, was fortunate to have parents who valued ongoing training and invested in her artistic development. She began classical singing at 15, later applying her skills to Broadway and Jazz repertoire, influenced by iconic performers like Dionne Warwick, Julie Andrews, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbra Streisand.
Her diverse influences shaped her unique singing style, making it challenging to categorize her genre in Los Angeles, where record companies sought specific marketing hooks. However, this versatility ultimately contributed to her successful career, allowing her to work in various styles and genres.
In the 1980s, Devin worked for a company producing demos for songwriters, recording vocals in R&B, Country, Jazz, and Pop styles. Her first headlining gig was at the prestigious Catamaran jazz room in San Diego, a venue that hosted jazz legends like Sara Vaughan and Carmen McRae.
She soon landed a voiceover agent and moved to Los Angeles, performing at notable nightspots, including the Playboy Club, Vine Street Bar and Grill, and Le Cafe. In 1981, Devin joined the esteemed acting company, Theater West, where she played the role of Anne in Sondheim's "A Little Night Music," befriending the legendary Betty Garrett.
Devin's experience with Theater West led her to focus on acting and voiceover work, securing roles in films like "Little Secrets" and TV shows like "Who's the Boss?" and "Alice." Under the guidance of her acting coach, Joan Darling, she continued to book roles and develop her craft.
A move back to the Bay Area led to a long-term collaboration with songwriter Rita Abrams, and in 2004, Devin landed the role of Idina Menzel's mother in the film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical "Rent."
Devin's voice can be heard in numerous commercials, CD Roms, and theme songs, including the NBC-TV mini-series "Moviola." She has also created voices for Disney Records recordings, such as "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Goldilocks."
Since returning to Northern California, Devin has built a successful career in film, focusing on casting, producing, and acting coaching. Her jazz CD, "Dangerous Type," released in 2004, continues to be played on top jazz stations across the US.
In 2007, Devin was diagnosed with Spasmodic Dysphonia, a rare voice disorder that threatened to end her acting and singing careers. However, using her own singing technique, she overcame the disorder and continues to work as an on-camera and voiceover actress, acting coach, and motivational coach, living by her mantra, "Never Say Never."
