Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is a theater, television and film actress. She appeared in the films Sister Act, What's Love Got to Do with It? and The Preacher's Wife.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Jenifer Jeanette Lewis
2. Born: January 25, 1957
3. Birth place: Kinloch, Missouri
4. Performed as a backup singer for Bette Midler
5. Children: One adopted daughter
6. Safety instructions announcer before the "Star Tours" ride at Disneyland
7. Lost her cousin Ronald Stewart to AIDS
8. An AIDS and Bipolar Disorder advocate

Bipolar Disorder

On September 24, 2007, Lewis appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss her battle with bipolar disorder. Lewis was diagnosed with the disorder in 1997.

Stage Roles

• Eubie
• Dreamgirls
• Hairspray

Film Roles

• Diva in Beaches (1988)
• Michelle in Sister Act (1992)
• Zelma Bullock in What's Love Got to Do With It? (1993)
• Mrs. Coleman in Renaissance Man (1994)
• Jevina in Corrina, Corrina (1994)
• Mrs. Curtis in Dead Presidents (1995)
• Boss #1, Lil in Girl 6 (1996)
• Margueritte Coleman in The Preacher's Wife (1996)
• Lady Em in The Cookout (2004)
• Nora in Nora's Hair Salon (2004)
• Motown Turtle in Shark Tale (2004)
• Flo in Cars (2006)

Television Roles

• Dean Dorothy Dandridge Davenport on A Different World (1990-1993)
• Aunt Helen on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1991-1996)
• Paula on Friends (1994)
• Receptionist Lana Hawkins on Strong Medicine (2000-2006)
• Grandma Vivian on That's So Raven (2004)

Categories