Biography

Portia was born in Virginia , raised in Virginia Beach and attended Hampton University as a theatre major performing with casting director Robi Reed She later studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with classmate Bruce Greenwood in New York City. She was discovered while working at a movie theatre and signed with Profile Records as a new member of the 3 girl group, Rock Candy. After performing at the Copacabana and many top clubs in New York City ,Profile Records soon signed Portia to a deal as a solo artist, Portia Renee. She then released her hot club hit single,"He's a Miracle" and later became the wife of Tony Award winning Broadway, TV film actor Cleavant Derricks .She is also the sister in law of Emmy winning choreographer Marguerite Derricks and actor Clinton Derricks-Carroll. Portia was also the daughter in law of Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Grammy nominated songwriter Reverend Lister Cleavant Derricks .After seeing Finding Your Roots on PBS, Portia discovered that her grandfather, Frank Thomas Owens was the younger brother of Queen Latifah's great grandfather Amos Owens.
- IMDb mini biography by: Portia Renee Derricks