Christine Devine attending a Brazil 2024 Copa America match at SoFi Stadium
Christine Devine is a beloved icon of Los Angeles journalism, known as the anchor of the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts on FOX 11. With an impressive collection of 16 Emmy Awards, an honorary doctorate from Cal State LA, and a place in the Arizona State University Hall of Fame, Devine’s career is defined not only by journalistic excellence but also by deep philanthropic involvement and her rediscovery of a rich Brazilian heritage.
Her connection to Brazil is more than just cultural- it’s personal. Her father, Paulo Roberto Pio Lucas, was a professional Brazilian dancer from São João de Meriti, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. “In the 1960s, my mother joined the U.S. Peace Corps and worked as a volunteer nurse in a Rio de Janeiro favela,” Christine recalls. “That’s when she met my father. It’s a long story. My mom returned to the U.S., and I was born in Upstate New York. Their relationship ended before I was born, so I never met my father- until recently.”
Christine’s journey of cultural reconnection began two decades ago in Los Angeles through the Long Beach Brazilian Street Carnaval, an annual celebration of Brazilian music and culture founded by American David De Hilster and his Brazilian wife, Doris. “It was a turning point,” Christine says. “They introduced me to samba, to carnival- this amazing side of my identity I hadn’t yet explored.”
Devine’s Brazilian roots even include family in the arts. The acclaimed late Brazilian actress Lea Garcia, known for the classic film Black Orpheus, was her aunt. In recent years, Devine has become a familiar face at Brazilian events in L.A., cheering for the “Seleção Brasileira” in her yellow jersey, enjoying feijoada and açaí, and connecting with local Brazilian communities. She attended Brazil vs. Costa Rica at SoFi Stadium during the 2024 Copa América, proudly supporting Brazil.
It wasn’t until January 2024 that Christine made her first trip to Brazil, a life-changing experience that included meeting her father for the first time at the airport in Rio. “It was an incredibly emotional moment to see his face – finally,” she shares.
During the trip, she met her extended family, including her younger brother, Paulo Vinicius Cunha Lucas, a talented fashion designer. Christine was also honored in a Rio de Janeiro theater during a tribute to her aunt Lea Garcia. She visited the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, describing Brazil as a country filled with warmth, rhythm, and unmatched energy.
A Brazilian-American Voice in U.S. Media
Christine Devine’s impact extends far beyond the newsroom. In 2012, she was named one of the “50 Women Changing LA” by Los Angeles Magazine. She’s also been honored by the U.S. Congress as an “Angel in Adoption” for her commitment to children in foster care.
Her long list of awards includes the Governors Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio & Television News Association (RTNA), and the President’s Award for Impact on Media from the Los Angeles Press Club.
Devine has also appeared in various Hollywood productions, often portraying a news anchor or reporter, with credits in Independence Day, Wag the Dog, Cable Guy, Prison Break, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, and American Horror Story.
Though born in the U.S., Christine Devine is reclaiming her Brazilian roots, weaving them into her identity and public life. She continues to honor her heritage, proving that cultural legacy can transcend borders – and that it’s never too late to embrace where you come from.
