Jenifer Lewis Is The Black Mother of Hollywood
Hey Cuties,
I had the most epic Friday night of 2017. Listen Linda sometimes you experience bucket list worthy things in life. This was not on my bucket list but it should have been. Matter of fact I’ve added it to my list and checked it off. I shared the same space as The Black Mother of Hollywood, Jenifer Lewis. Dare I say an icon in Hollywood, especially black Hollywood. She is also a viral video sensation. #InTheseStreets
This woman is iconic for sure she has been in movies/shows such as What’s Love Got to Do with It , Corinna, Corinna, Blackish, A Different World, Cars 3 (voice of Flo), Think Like a Man Too, Baggage Claim, Meet the Browns, The Princess and the Frog (Mama Odie voice), Girlfriends, Madea’s Family Reunion, Strong Medicine, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and about 500 other shows and movies.
My favorites are: A Different World and The Princess and the Frog
Jenifer Lewis released a book titled The Black Mother of Hollywood and she is going city to city on a book tour. Note: If she comes to a city near you YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT! Don’t say I didn’t warn you okay. She chatted with us at the Duke Ellington Performance Arts School. She is a theater gal so this was perfect. Earlier in the day she sat down with the students and inspired them. What a treat.
About the Book:
From her more than three hundred appearances for film and television, stage, and cabaret, performing comedy or drama, as an unforgettable lead or a scene-stealing supporting character, Jenifer Lewis has established herself as one of the most respected, admired, talented, and versatile entertainers working today.
This “Mega Diva” and co-star of the hit sitcom black-ish bares her soul in this touching and poignant—and at times side-splittingly hilarious—memoir of a Midwestern girl with a dream, whose journey took her from poverty to the big screen, and along the way earned her many accolades.
With candor and warmth, Jenifer Lewis reveals the heart of a woman who lives life to the fullest. This multitalented “force of nature” landed her first Broadway role within eleven days of her graduation from college and later earned the title “Reigning Queen of High-Camp Cabaret.”
In the audaciously honest voice that her fans adore, Jenifer describes her transition to Hollywood, with guest roles on hits like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Friends. Her movie Jackie’s Back! became a cult favorite, and as the “Mama” to characters portrayed by Whitney Houston, Tupac Shakur, Taraji P. Henson, and many more, Jenifer cemented her status as the “Mother of Black Hollywood.”
When an undiagnosed mental illness stymies Jenifer’s career, culminating in a breakdown while filming The Temptations, her quest for wholeness becomes a harrowing and inspiring tale, including revelations of bipolar disorder and sex addiction.
I always see a familiar face when I’m out and this night it was Tanya Barnett. She was out here in these media streets with me. Shout out to Tiffany of LadyRedd Creations Photography she rounded out our trio for the night.
After an amazing night of laughter, Jenifer Lewis signed copies of her book and took pictures. This one is legendary for sure. The audio version of her book is the absolute best, she is doing the reading.
What is your favorite Jenifer Lewis movie or show? Chat with me in the comments below or FB, IG, and Twitter.
I had so much fun that night! I am glad I had an opportunity to attend and I loved all of her! She had me quoting her all night to the hubby.
She is one you can’t forget. That night was one of the funniest ever.
I wanted to go to this with my ColorComm group! It looks like you had a great time. Loved the video!
Oh you would have enjoyed it, it was a hilarious good time.
I love Jennifer Lewis! I would love to meet her. I’m so jealous. Love love love the video and can you please take me with you next time
She is like a unicorn Tomiko, so freaking magical. I’ve got to be in her space again.
What an amazing night for you Mimi! All I have to do is hear Ms. Lewis’ voice and I immediately know who she is. On another note: How you manage to get around to all these places in record time amazes me!
Right, how incredible is that. Girl, sometimes the behind the scenes is just as crazy as you imagine it would be for me. lol
I have been a fan of Jennifer Lewis for a long time.I will definitely check her book out.It looks like you all had a great time.
I had the time of my freaking life.
SHe reminds me so much of my aunt. My aunt is the black mother of the neighborhood. Always has been. Definitely getting her book.
Ha, I love that. I plan to be this same type as I age. lol
Oh wow! I bet the book is a lot of fun, just like she seems to be. I love watching shows and movies that she’s in.
She totally is, the audiobook is like listening to your favorite Auntie.
Jennifer Lewis is an icon. I’m so happy that she is still introducing her talents to the younger generation. She makes me feel comfortable in my blackness as a strong black woman.
Yes, Elle. I’m glad the younger generation gets to experience her too. She was one of my favorites on A Different World.
She sounds like such an amazing woman! So jealous!
She really is.
Did you faint?! I met Terry McMillan earlier this year wasn’t on my list either but I’m checking it off. Isn’t it amazing how you can still add to that list?! Mama Lewis is super dope, so happy for you.
Girl, I had to keep it together the best I could. lol
I love Jennifer Lewis. I watched her sing to/about Oprah on when she was on The View not too long ago. PLus, I love her video with brandy that went viral. She really drops some gems and she keeps it real.
Yes, I totally watched as well. That video is still one of my favorites of all times.
How cool is that! Oh my goodness, she is crazy but I love her in all the movies a somebody’s mama. I’ll have to watch all of this when I have some extra time.
She is my kind of crazy for sure. I love a woman who speaks her mind period. hahahaha
Jenifer Lewis has always be a favorite of mine. In every single role she’s in. She’s unapologetic. I bet an evening with her would have your sides hurting from laughing, and then having you stop short to really think about what she was saying.
Girl, she is the absolute best therapy ever. Every inch of your funny bone was worked out.
Sounds like you had a memorable evening and got to see someone you look up too. Always nice to have those special moments.
Yes, I will treasure this one for many years to come.
That sounds like an amazing read and if the book tour comes around here to Boston, I totally want to go see her. Off to order the book now….
Yes!!!
This book sounds like a good one! I’ve seen her in many movies…Corinna, Corinna is one of my favorites.
Yes, that is my favorite as well.
She is certainly a well-respected and iconic actress! I’m looking forward to reading the book and learning even more about this amazing woman.
Right, I love learning about people I admire from a distance.
This sounds like an amazing night! I love when you get to meet someone who you think is so untouchable (hollywood) and they are so relate-able — like we are all real people! I’m not sure I have seen any of her movies, but I’ve been in mommy mode lately and only go to kid friendly movies ☺
Yes, Teresa that is the best gift. She is only kid friendly on Blackish.
She sounds like an amazing woman. I am sure the book is a great read.
It was such a great read, I had no idea how she got into Hollywood. She has worked with the greats since before I was born.
Who doesn’t love The Princess and the Frog? I’ve also seen every Fresh Prince episode, loved hat show.
Yes, she was a trip on Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
What an amazing opportunity! She is an amazing actress. Can’t wait to read her new book!
She is, she has lasted in Hollywood for many years.
Sounds like you had a fantastic night! I look forward to someday enjoy something like this myself. I also plan to look into Jenifer Lewis’ book.
She was a total and complete joy. I love people with such carefree spirits.
I love the show Black-ish, in large part because of Jenifer Lewis. How awesome that you got to meet her in person. Great book review, too.
She is hilarious in every role she takes on.
It’s so cool that you were able to meet Jenifer and I love that you even joked with you when she was on stage! Learning more about her through her writings should be interesting!
She is so iconic, I laughed the entire time.
She does have an impressive resume when it comes to books and movies. I agree, you shouldn’t miss her when she’s in town.
Exactly!
I didn’t realize she did the voice in the two animated movies. It sounds like a really memorable day for you!
Yup! That voice-over work can last much longer than the other movie work.
I would love Jenifer’s book! She’s one of a kind actress!
She really is, I love that she shared her back story. I knew nothing about how she got started in the business.
She is absolutely amazing! I didn’t know that she had a book! What an incredible experience to meet her.
Yes, and it is good. I did the audio version and it was even better.
Jennifer Lewis is so incredibly talented. My boys are Cars obsessed and I would know Flo’s voice anywhere. I so appreciate her talent and handwork!
Yes, she has left her mark in the animated world. Her voice is iconic.
“Matter of fact I’ve added it to my list and checked it off.” Don’t you love when that happens? Amazing how we have to be right in front of things or in the middle to recognize their uniqueness and star quality. And definitivamente Jenifer Lewis is MEGA STAR quality! Looking forward to hearing her audio book; gracias for the heads up. BB2U
Let me know what you think.
Audio version read by Jenifer herself? SOLD!!! Gracias for the background bio, should have known she was a theater gal, all she does is BUENISIMO!
The audio version is one long theatrical experience.
For her voice is the best! Indeed she is the black mother of the Hollywood. I look forward on her movies in the future. I hope I will be able to read her book too.
The book is incredible but the audio version is next level.
Looks like you had an amazing time with Jenifer Lewis! My favorites are The Princess and the Frog, Cast Away, What’s Love Got to Do With It and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Great choices.