The Jill of All Trades: Demetria McKinney

Demetria McKinney is chameleon-like. This young woman can be found on television, in stage plays, singing, or dancing. She is a student of many art forms and a master in acting. With a spoken eloquence and mature style, Demetria McKinney has effortlessly morphed her character on House of Payne–Janine Payne–from a woman we loved into one we loved to hate, and back. As an actress, she flawlessly connects with the human condition. She can tug on her viewers’ heartstrings as fast as her characters pull on their last nerves. That talent is what Tyler Perry saw in Ms. McKinney and what the nation eventually got to witness in her work. Yet, one cannot deny the fact that Ms. McKinney is multi-faceted.

McKinney starred in earlier stage plays such as Meet the Browns and Why Did I Get Married? She was also a part of the cast in Perry’s Madea’s Christmas. It only seemed fitting that she received the call from the entertainment mogul to portray Janine when House of Payne went into its pilot season. McKinney remembers, “I’ve worked with Perry for the last five years. One day, I had an unknown caller on my phone. I normally don’t answer those calls. Something told me to this time. I answered it and it was him (Tyler Perry). I read for the part of Janine and I got it.” Evidently, McKinney is on her way. Through Janine Payne, we see the talented, bright spirit behind the controversial character.

Janine was portrayed as a seemingly responsible woman, only to be exposed as a drug addict. Her home and family are dismantled behind her actions and it takes the strongest part of her to enter rehab and focus on making better choices in her life. Janine goes through rehabilitation, unplanned pregnancies, marriage and divorce. Comparing her complex character to her own life, Demetria says “Janine comes from a well-to-do family. I relate in knowing that there are still steps we need to take in order to get where we ultimately want to go. I realize that with one choice, I could be her. We don’t have a lot of specific similarities, but I understand the process of making the right choices in my life. It was ironic because when I was a crack head on the show, I’d get stopped by fans that hated me. I though to myself, ‘I am the Susan Lucci of House of Payne.’ No one is supposed to like you in that role.” She adds, “I think she personifies what a woman is. She’s a multi-dimensional character, a catalyst for change and growth.”

To further elaborate on her passions in life, Demetria emphasizes that she has a love for the arts on numerous planes. “I am in love with music and have a passionate affair with acting,” she explains. “In school, I had friends in Drama and made fun of them, but I happened to be in a play in Alabama and Mr. Perry was there. It wasn’t my choice, but I’m glad it chose me.

Since the House of Payne, Ms. McKinney evidently cannot sit still. “I’ve been reading through scripts. I’ve been working with the Atlanta-based designer, Maria Harper, on a high fashion line suitable for everyone. I’ve worn her work on the red carpet.” And to confirm how multi-talented she is, besides “a movie or two,” Demetria concluded, “The music–I’d love to get an album out and for it to be successful. I plan to be working extensively with charities. Also, I will be starting an organization that helps homeless people through teaching them agriculture. With these skills, they can learn how to provide for themselves.”

Keep an eye out for the gifted Demetria McKinney as she makes her name stand out in numerous genres of entertainment and within the community nationwide.

Images: Paul Lawson

Makeup: Clarence Hiley

Hair: Gena Sullivan

Styling: Betrice Benbow