Jenifer Jeanette Lewis, born on January 25, 1957, is a renowned American actress and singer, celebrated for her extensive contributions to film and television. With an impressive portfolio of over 300 appearances, she is widely recognized as one of Hollywood's most iconic figures, earning the title of "national treasure" from TV Guide.com.
Jenifer's career took off on Broadway, where she showcased her talent in musicals and served as a backup singer for the legendary Bette Midler. She gained further acclaim through notable film roles in classics like Beaches and Sister Act. Her unforgettable portrayal of Tina Turner’s mother in What's Love Got to Do With It and Whitney Houston’s mother in The Preacher's Wife solidified her status as a powerful actress.
In Clint Eastwood's Hereafter, she starred alongside Matt Damon, while her collaborations with Tyler Perry in Madea's Family Reunion and Meet the Browns showcased her range. She also appeared as Tom Hanks’ boss in Cast Away. Additionally, her distinctive voice resonated in beloved animated films, including "Flo" in Cars and Cars 2, and "Mama Odie" in The Princess and the Frog.
Jenifer spent six successful seasons as "Lana Hawkins" on Lifetime's Strong Medicine and garnered a Critics Choice Award nomination for her role as "Ruby Johnson" on the hit show Black-ish. Beyond acting, she is also an accomplished author, having penned two books: The Mother of Black Hollywood and Walking in My Joy: In These Streets.
