Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Jeanette Lewis, born January 25, 1957, is an acclaimed American actress known for her dynamic roles in both film and television. She launched her career with appearances in Broadway musicals and as a backup singer for Bette Midler. Her breakthrough came with roles in notable films including Beaches (1988) and Sister Act (1992). She has portrayed a myriad of maternal figures in movies such as What's Love Got to Do with It (1993), The Preacher's Wife (1996), The Brothers (2001), and Think Like a Man (2012). In addition, she worked on the animated features The Princess and the Frog (2009) and Pixar's Cars series, lending her voice to the characters Mama Odie and Flo respectively.

From 2000 to 2006, Lewis starred as Lana Hawkins in the Lifetime medical drama Strong Medicine and has had recurring roles in sitcoms like A Different World, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Girlfriends. Since 2014, she has been a series regular on the ABC comedy series Black-ish, which landed her two Critics' Choice Television Award nominations. Also known unofficially as 'The Mother of Black Hollywood’, she has authored a memoir under the same title detailing her encounters with various iconic personalities. In her personal life, Lewis has overcome challenges, bravely sharing her bipolar disorder diagnosis and the struggles that came with it. Her resiliency and talent have placed her as one of the most influential figures in modern American cinema.