Why Loretta Devine Had a ‘Mixed’ Experience Working With Jennifer Love Hewitt on ‘The Client List’

Loretta Devine Opens Up About Her Mixed Experience Working with Jennifer Love Hewitt on The Client List

In a recent interview with People magazine, published on Tuesday, February 18, veteran actress Loretta Devine, 75, shared candid details about her experience working with Jennifer Love Hewitt, 45, on the short-lived Lifetime drama series The Client List. Devine, who played the role of Georgia Cummings on the show, revealed that her time with Hewitt, who was both the star and an executive producer, was “mixed.” The actress expressed frustration over what she described as Hewitt’s abrupt and significant creative changes during the production of the series. “She decided to rewrite the entire angle of the show right in the middle,” Devine told the outlet, highlighting the challenges she faced while working with Hewitt. The show, which premiered in 2012, revolved around Riley Parks (played by Hewitt), a single mother who takes a job at a day spa offering X-rated services, known as “The Rub.” Devine’s character, Georgia Cummings, was the owner of the spa, and the dynamic between their characters was central to the show’s premise.

The Rise and Fall of The Client List and Its Creative Challenges

The Client List debuted in 2012 to moderate success but struggled to maintain its momentum. The show was canceled after just two seasons in 2013, with reports suggesting that the network and the creative team could not agree on a storyline for a third season, according to Entertainment Weekly. The series also starred Cybill Shepherd, Rebecca Field, and Colin Egglesfield, among others. While the show had its loyal fan base, it faced challenges in balancing its blend of drama and risqué themes. Devine’s revelations about Hewitt’s last-minute creative decisions shed light on the behind-the-scenes turmoil that may have contributed to the show’s early demise. Despite the series’ short run, it remains memorable for its bold premise and the performances of its cast.

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s History of On-Set Tensions

Loretta Devine’s comments about her experience with Jennifer Love Hewitt are not the first time the actress has been linked to rumors of on-set tension. During the filming of the 1997 horror classic I Know What You Did Last Summer, Hewitt was reportedly at odds with her co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the role of Helen Shivers. At the time, rumors circulated that Gellar’s character was killed off because of Hewitt’s influence, a claim Hewitt has consistently denied. In a December 2024 episode of the podcast I’ve Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario, Hewitt addressed the rumors, stating, “I was 18. They were not taking script notes from me. All of us were in that experience together, you know, figuring it all out and everything. And I root for her and Freddie [Prinze Jr.],” referring to her co-star Freddie Prinze Jr., who is now married to Gellar. Hewitt emphasized that she did not have the power to make such creative decisions at the time.

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. Set to Return in the I Know What You Did Last Summer Reboot

While Sarah Michelle Gellar will not appear in the upcoming 2025 reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are set to reprise their roles. The new iteration of the film will introduce a fresh cast, including Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King, Lola Tung, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, and Austin Nichols. The reboot aims to breathe new life into the beloved horror franchise, which has maintained a cult following since its release over two decades ago. Fans of the original will undoubtedly be excited to see Hewitt and Prinze Jr. return to their iconic roles, while the new additions bring fresh energy to the project.

Loretta Devine’s Illustrious Career Beyond The Client List

While her experience on The Client List was less than ideal, Loretta Devine has enjoyed a long and accomplished career in Hollywood. Long before her role as Georgia Cummings, Devine had already made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She starred alongside the late Whitney Houston in the 1995 film adaptation of Terry McMillan’s bestseller Waiting to Exhale, and she originated the role of Lorrell Robinson in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Devine’s talent and versatility have earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her recurring role as Adele Webber on Grey’s Anatomy in 2011. Her contributions to film, television, and theater have solidified her status as a respected and beloved actress.

A Look Back at Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Career and Legacy

Jennifer Love Hewitt, who rose to fame in the 1990s with roles in Party of Five and I Know What You Did Last Summer, has had a career marked by both success and challenges. While she has faced rumors of on-set tension and creative conflicts, she has also earned a loyal fan base for her performances in projects like The Client List and her earlier work. Hewitt’s return to the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise signals a new chapter in her career, as she continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Hollywood. Love her or not, Jennifer Love Hewitt remains a recognizable and enduring figure in popular culture, and her contributions to the entertainment industry are undeniable.