Jenifer Lewis

Biography

Jenifer Lewis was born and raised in Kinloch, Missouri. She holds a bachelor's degree in theater arts from Webster University in St. Louis. Jenifer has over 60 films and 200 TV appearances to her credit. Her uniquely recognizable voice is adored by fans, worldwide, in such animated roles as "Flo" in Cars (2006) and Cars 2 (2011) and as "Mama Odie" in The Princess and the Frog (2009). Jenifer earned the title, "Black Mother of Hollywood", thanks to memorable performances as Tina Turner's mother in What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) and, alongside Denzel Washington, in The Preacher's Wife (1996). In 2010, she portrayed the distraught mother, "Candace", opposite Matt Damon, in Clint Eastwood's Hereafter (2010).Jenifer is a series regular on NBC's The Playboy Club (2011). In October 2011, she plays a featured role on Lifetime's prestigious TV-movie, Five (2011), under the helm of first-time director, Alicia Keys. As an activist, Jenifer participates in mental health causes and, in 2007, Jenifer chose The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986) as a platform to reveal that she has bipolar disorder.Jenifer's versatility is at the heart of her long and diverse career. Her TV roles have ranged from regular appearances as "Aunt Helen" on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990) to guest star roles on Friends (1994), Boston Legal (2004) and Girlfriends (2000). For six seasons, Jenifer portrayed "Lana Hawkins" on Lifetime's number-one hit series, Strong Medicine (2000). Also on Lifetime, Jenifer achieved "Diva" status as star of the "mock-umentary", Jackie's Back! (1999).For director Tyler Perry, Jenifer created unforgettable characters in Madea's Family Reunion (2006) and Meet the Browns (2008). She portrayed a small-yet-notable role as Tom Hanks' boss in Cast Away (2000).Jenifer is highly…