Jenifer Lewis

Personal Info

Known For

Acting

Known Credits

1.9427

Gender

Female

Birthday

25-Jan-1957

Age

(69 years old)

Place of Birth

Kinloch, Missouri, USA

Also Known As
  • NO INFO PROVIDED

Jenifer Lewis

Biography

Jenifer Jeanette Lewis (born January 25, 1957) is an American film and television actress and singer. She is one of Hollywood's most familiar faces, with more than 300 appearances in film and television and was dubbed a "national treasure" by TV Guide.com. She began her career appearing in Broadway musicals and worked as a back-up singer for Bette Midler before appearing in the films Beaches and Sister Act. She delivered legendary performances as Tina Turner's mother in What's Love Got to Do With It and in The Preacher's Wife as the mother of Whitney Houston's character. She starred opposite Matt Damon in Clint Eastwood's Hereafter. For director Tyler Perry, she created unforgettable characters in Madea's Family Reunion and Meet the Browns. In the movie Cast Away, she portrayed Tom Hanks' boss. In animated films, Jenifer's uniquely recognizable voice is adored by Disney fans worldwide in roles such as "Flo" in Cars and Cars 2, and as "Mama Odie" in The Princess and the Frog. For six seasons, Jenifer portrayed "Lana Hawkins" on Lifetime's hit series Strong Medicine. She starred on the hit show Black-ish (ABC), where her hilarious portrayal of "Ruby Johnson" earned her a nomination for the 2016 Critics Choice Award. She has also written two books: The Mother of Black Hollywood and Walking in My Joy: In These Streets.


Credits

Sunday in Paris Sunday in Paris (1991) Character: Taylor Chase
A pilot for an unsold NBC series. A single woman with three children realizes that her family has lost sight of their values and gives up her career as a daytime-drama actress in New York to move back with her extended family on their Texas farm.
Bette Midler: No Frills Bette Midler: No Frills (1983) Character: Herself
Bette Midler’s “No Frills” Cinemax Special
Rituals Rituals (1998) Character: Carmen
A woman confides in her best friend about her deep suspicions that her husband is cheating on her. The friend is into voodoo and spirits and gives her candles and charms to have around the house when the man of the house comes home. Suddenly he changes behavior and is asking her out to dinner, bathing in the tub together and generally getting back close again. So the voodoo seemed to have worked. So much in fact that the affair he was having becomes less important, much to the surprise of the "other" woman who turns out to have been fooling herself with her plan to keep him.
Prop 8: The Musical Prop 8: The Musical (2008) Character: Riffing Prop 8'er
The conflict of the aftermath of Proposition 8 (banning gay marriage in California) is solved by Jesus.
Partners Partners (2000) Character: Detective Lancy
After stealing a briefcase, a drifter finds himself caught in the middle of an international crime caper.
Geared-Up Geared-Up (2006) Character: N/A
The Making of "Life is a Highway". A musical Road Trip with Rascal Flatts.
Bette Midler: Art or Bust Bette Midler: Art or Bust (1984) Character: Self - Harlette
The Divine Miss M is featured in a concert filmed at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, at the culmination of her most recent cross-country tour which was known as "De Tour". This live recording was a combination of footage from both September 10 and 11, 1983. Set against a Renaissance art background and outfitted in a rainbow array of costumes, Midler sings and performs her uninhibited stage antics.
Deconstructing Sarah Deconstructing Sarah (1994) Character: Betty
Thriller about an advertising executive Kelley who leads a double life, looking for men in dive bars at night. However, when she goes missing, it causes her best friend Ticotin to turn detective and infiltrate the seedy underworld to discover what happened.
Earth to America Earth to America (2005) Character: Self
Tom Hanks is the host of this show with a comic approach to raise awareness concerning the environment.
Zambezia Zambezia (2012) Character: Gogo (voice)
Set in a bustling bird city on the edge of the majestic Victoria Falls, "Zambezia" is the story of Kai - a naïve, but high-spirited young falcon who travels to the bird city of "Zambezia" where he discovers the truth about his origins and, in defending the city, learns how to be part of a community.
This Is Me…Now This Is Me…Now (2024) Character: Gemini
An intimate, fantastical and narrative-driven reflection of Jennifer Lopez's journey of self-healing and self-love in an immersive world where music and visuals intertwine, revealing the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved.
Cars 2 Cars 2 (2011) Character: Flo (voice)
Star race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.
Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square (2020) Character: Margeline
A rich and nasty woman returns to her hometown to evict everyone but discovers the true meaning of Christmas thanks to the local townsfolk – and an actual angel. Features 14 original songs with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton!
Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back (2019) Character: Self (archive footage)
Maurice Hines -- actor, director, singer, and choreographer -- navigates the complications of show business while grieving the loss of his more famous, often estranged younger brother, tap dance legend Gregory Hines.
Forbidden Forbidden (2018) Character: N/A
A musical set in the North-American city of Nacirema Falls, in the country of Nacirema, which black LGBT people rule, promoting and conducting white racism and "straightphobia". When Nolan Renner falls in love with a waitress at a diner, he gets into trouble.
The Brothers The Brothers (2001) Character: Louise Smith
This is the story of four African-American "yuppies" (a banker, a doctor, a lawyer, and a "playboy") who call themselves "The Brothers". When the playboy gets engaged, the other three friends find themselves having to come to terms with their own issues of commitment and honesty...
Little Richard Little Richard (2000) Character: Muh Penniman
The story of Little Richard Penniman, from his poor Southern upbringing to dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a Black singer in the 1950s, to his born-again phase and brief "retirement" from rock and roll.
All Boys Aren't Blue All Boys Aren't Blue (2021) Character: N/A
Actors Bernard David Jones, Dyllon Burnside, Thomas Hobson, and Jenifer Lewis bring to life the words of Black non-binary author George Matthew Johnson’s transparent and sparkling memoir, aided by director Nathan Hale Williams’ visual poetry. Tackling issues of Black masculinity and Black queerness in relationship to Blackness, each character represents Johnson at different stages of their life, chronicling their story of growing up and challenging gender identity norms, as well as learning to adapt to HIV/AIDS.
Nora's Hair Salon Nora's Hair Salon (2004) Character: Nora
Welcome to Nora's Hair Salon. Leave your troubles outside and get set for neighborhood drama, juicy gossip, and the occasional knock-down, drag-out fight. Nora runs the place and takes care of her family. Whatever the problem, Nora can make it all right in this feel-good film about life, love and lookin' fine!
Shark Tale Shark Tale (2004) Character: Motown Turtle (voice)
Oscar is a small fish whose big aspirations often get him into trouble. Meanwhile, Lenny is a great white shark with a surprising secret that no sea creature would guess: He's a vegetarian. When a lie turns Oscar into an improbable hero and Lenny becomes an outcast, the two form an unlikely friendship.
Antwone Fisher Antwone Fisher (2002) Character: Aunt Mary Williams (uncredited)
A sailor prone to violent outbursts is sent to a naval psychiatrist for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood. Through the guidance of his doctor, he confronts his painful past and begins a quest to find the family he never knew.
Cars 3 Cars 3 (2017) Character: Flo (voice)
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected turns.
Dirty Laundry Dirty Laundry (2006) Character: Aunt Lettuce
After ten years, Sheldon returns from New York City to Paris, Georgia. His mother Evelyn, a laundress who is stubborn, ornery, opinionated, mean-spirited, insulting, and inflexible, has sent a ten-year-old boy who says he's Sheldon's son up to see Sheldon. Sheldon comes home to straighten things out. Old arguments flare up - between mother and son and between brothers. Sheldon wants no part of fatherhood or family. Then, someone else from New York shows up at Evelyn's door, bringing a new set of challenges. Will this family ever stop airing its dirty laundry? And what of Sheldon: where is his pride? Can he, in the words of James Baldwin, go where his blood beats and live the life he has?
Think Like a Man Too Think Like a Man Too (2014) Character: Loretta
All the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas, but plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event.
The Wedding Ringer The Wedding Ringer (2015) Character: Doris Jenkins
Doug Harris is a loveable but socially awkward groom-to-be with a problem: he has no best man. With less than two weeks to go until he marries the girl of his dreams, Doug is referred to Jimmy Callahan, owner and CEO of Best Man, Inc., a company that provides flattering best men for socially challenged guys in need. What ensues is a hilarious wedding charade as they try to pull off the big con, and an unexpected budding bromance between Doug and his fake best man Jimmy.
Undercover Blues Undercover Blues (1993) Character: Cab Driver
When fun-loving American agents Jeff and Jane Blue are called back from maternity leave for a special assignment in New Orleans, the spy parents decide to skip the sitter and give their bouncing baby girl the adventure of a lifetime.
Renaissance Man Renaissance Man (1994) Character: Mrs. Coleman
An advertising man is slowly sliding downhill. When he is fired from his job in Detroit, he signs up for unemployment. One day they find him a job: teaching thinking skills to Army recruits. He arrives on base to find that there is no structure set up for the class.
Sister Act Sister Act (1992) Character: Michelle
When lively lounge singer Deloris sees her mobster beau commit murder, she is relocated for her protection. Set up in the guise of a nun in a California convent, she proceeds to upend the quiet lives of the resident sisters.
Dead Presidents Dead Presidents (1995) Character: Mrs. Curtis
On the streets they call cash dead presidents. And that's just what a Vietnam veteran is after when he returns home from the war only to find himself drawn into a life of crime. With the aid of his fellow vets he plans the ultimate heist -- a daring robbery of an armored car filled with unmarked U.S. currency!
Meet the Browns Meet the Browns (2008) Character: Vera
A single mother living in inner city Chicago, Brenda has been struggling for years to make ends meet and keep her three kids off the street. When she's laid off with no warning, she starts losing hope for the first time - until a letter arrives announcing the death of a father she's never met. Desperate for any kind of help, Brenda takes her family to Georgia for the funeral, but nothing could have prepared her for the Browns, her father's fun-loving, crass Southern clan. In a small-town world full of long afternoons and country fairs, Brenda struggles to get to know the family she never knew existed... and finds a brand new romance that just might change her life.
Think Like a Man Think Like a Man (2012) Character: Loretta Hanover
The balance of power in four couples’ relationships is upset when the women start using the advice in Steve Harvey’s book, Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man, to get more of what they want from their men. When the men realize that the women have gotten a hold of their relationship “playbook,” they decide that the best defense is a good offense and come up with a plan to use this information to their advantage.
Juwanna Mann Juwanna Mann (2002) Character: Aunt Ruby
A basketball star is booted out of the NBA when his on-court antics go too far, so he poses as a woman and joins the WUBA.
Five Five (2011) Character: Maggie
An anthology of five short films exploring the impact of breast cancer on people's lives.
Frozen Assets Frozen Assets (1992) Character: Jomisha
Zach Shepard is excited to find he's been hired as president of a bank. When he finally arrives in Hobart, Ore., he discovers to his dismay that the bank is actually a sperm bank. There he meets the cold Dr. Grace Murdoch, the scientist in charge, whose disregard for him seems to mask romantic intentions. Meanwhile, in order to save the business, the sperm bank holds a fundraiser to find the man with the highest sperm count.
Hereafter Hereafter (2010) Character: Candace
Three people — a blue-collar American, a French journalist and a London school boy — are touched by death in different ways.
Not Easily Broken Not Easily Broken (2009) Character: Mary 'Mama' Clark
A car accident and shifting affections test the bond between a married couple.
Dancing in September Dancing in September (2001) Character: Judge Warner
A black female TV producer struggles in Hollywood.
Hiccups Hiccups (2013) Character: Flo (voice)
When Lightning McQueen gets the hiccups, everyone in Radiator Springs thinks they have the cure.
black-ish: A Celebration – An ABC News Special black-ish: A Celebration – An ABC News Special (2022) Character: Self
An exclusive look at final table read and original audition tapes; interviews with cast, crew and guest stars of the show's eight seasons.
The Addams Family The Addams Family (2019) Character: Great Auntie Sloom (Voice)
The Addams family's lives begin to unravel when they face-off against a treacherous, greedy crafty reality-TV host while also preparing for their extended family to arrive for a major celebration.
Get Bruce! Get Bruce! (1999) Character: Self
Affectionate tribute to Bruce Vilanch, who writes material for celebrities who make public appearances, from Oscar hosts and award recipients to Presidents. We meet his mom and see photos of his childhood; in Chicago, he writes for the Tribune and then heads West. Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, and Bette Midler talk with him and to the camera about working with Bruce, and we also watch Bruce help others prepare for Liz Taylor's 60th, Bill Clinton's 50th, and an AIDS awards banquet where the hirsute, rotund Vilanch lets his emotions show.
The Greatest Love Story Never Told The Greatest Love Story Never Told (2024) Character: Self
Follow Jennifer Lopez as she attempts her most daring project yet: independently producing a new album and cinematic original that explore her twenty-year journey to self-love.
Spellbound Spellbound (2024) Character: Nazara (voice)
When a powerful spell turns her parents into giant monsters, a teenage princess must journey into the wild to reverse the curse before it's too late.
An Unexpected Life An Unexpected Life (1998) Character: Camille
A single woman has her idyllic life disrupted when she takes in orphans. But, soon she comes to depend on the sound of little feet and couldn't think of life without them.
Jewel's Catch One Jewel's Catch One (2017) Character: Self
With four strikes against her (black, female, poor and a lesbian), our trailblazer, Jewel Thais-Williams, helped changed laws, save lives and influence communities across Los Angeles, California as she opened her legendary nightclub's door for 42 years.
Poetic Justice Poetic Justice (1993) Character: Annie
Still grieving after the murder of her boyfriend, hairdresser Justice writes poetry to deal with the pain of her loss. Unable to get to Oakland to attend a convention because of her broken-down car, Justice gets a lift with her friend, Iesha, and Iesha's postal worker boyfriend, Chicago. Along for the ride is Chicago's co-worker, Lucky, to whom Justice grows close after some initial problems. But is she ready to open her heart again?
When Harry Met Sally 2 with Billy Crystal & Helen Mirren When Harry Met Sally 2 with Billy Crystal & Helen Mirren (2011) Character: Retirement Home Waitress (uncredited)
The remake of 'When Harry Met Sally' that everyone has been waiting for is finally here.
The Preacher's Wife The Preacher's Wife (1996) Character: Margueritte Coleman
Good-natured Reverend Henry Biggs finds that his marriage to choir mistress Julia is flagging, due to his constant absence caring for the deprived neighborhood they live in. On top of all this, his church is coming under threat from property developer Joe Hamilton. In desperation, Biggs prays to God for help – which arrives in the form of an angel named Dudley.
Shake, Rattle and Rock! Shake, Rattle and Rock! (1994) Character: Amanda
In 1950s America, teenage rebellion comes easy when something like rock 'n' roll is viewed as sinful. Looking to have a good time while they're young, small-town teens Susan, Cookie and Tony start a nightclub where host Danny Klay introduces the newest rock 'n' roll talent, and everyone can dance the night away. Of course, not everyone in town is happy with the new establishment.
Secrets of the Magic City Secrets of the Magic City (2015) Character: Aunt Valerie
The Magic City, by Director R. Malcolm Jones, is a motion picture based on hope and resilience played out in a coming of age story laced with sometimes insurmountable tragedies and exhilarating adventures. Characters Tiana, Nia and Amiya initially adversaries, forge a lifelong friendship through hope and adversity in one of Miami’s gritty and unforgiving neighborhoods, Liberty City.
Mystery Men Mystery Men (1999) Character: Lucille
When Champion City's hero Captain Amazing is kidnapped by the recently paroled supervillain Casanova Frankenstein, a trio of average, everyday superheroes -- Mr. Furious, the Shoveler and the Blue Raja -- assemble a new super team to save him.
The Radiator Springs 500½ The Radiator Springs 500½ (2014) Character: Flo (voice)
A 'leisurely drive' planned in honor of Radiator Springs’ town founder, Stanley, turns precarious as Baja pros descend on the town and challenge Lightning McQueen to an off-road race. Meanwhile, the townsfolk, led by a Stanley-costumed Mater, enjoy the planned 'leisurely drive' to retrace Stanley’s original frontier route. Thinking they’re on the same course, a wrong turn sends McQueen and the Baja pros on a treacherously wild bid for survival. The misunderstanding leaves the racing professionals in awe of the 'legend' of Stanley: the Original Off-Road Racer.
Cast Away Cast Away (2000) Character: Becca Twig
Chuck Noland, a top international manager for FedEx, and Kelly, a Ph.D. student, are in love and heading towards marriage. Then Chuck's plane to Malaysia crashes at sea during a terrible storm. He's the only survivor, and finds himself marooned on a desolate island. With no way to escape, Chuck must find ways to survive in his new home.
What's Love Got to Do with It What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) Character: Zelma Bullock
Singer Tina Turner rises to stardom while mustering the courage to break free from her abusive husband Ike.
Finding Kendrick Johnson Finding Kendrick Johnson (2021) Character: Narrator (voice)
A filmmaker cracks a major case dealing with the racially charged murder of a teen.
The Cookout The Cookout (2004) Character: Lady Em
When Todd Anderson signs a $30 million deal with his hometown team, the New Jersey Nets, he knows that his life is set for a big change. To keep things real, he decides to throw a barbeque at his place -- just like the ones his family used to have. But when you have new and old friends, family, agents, and product reps in the same house, things are bound to get crazy.
The Meteor Man The Meteor Man (1993) Character: Mrs. Williams
One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the information in any book ... for about thirty seconds. Now his friends and family want him to protect their community from the dreaded Golden Lords.
Blast from the Past Blast from the Past (1999) Character: Dr. Aron
Following a bomb scare in the 1960s that locked the Webers into their bomb shelter for 35 years, Adam now ventures forth into Los Angeles to obtain food and supplies for his family, and a non-mutant wife for himself.
Beaches Beaches (1988) Character: Diva
A privileged rich debutante and a cynical struggling entertainer share a turbulent, but strong childhood friendship over the years.
Cars Cars (2006) Character: Flo (voice)
Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town's offbeat characters.
Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan (1995) Character: Denice Cooper
Inspired by the the life of Pulitzer Prize-winning, Miami-based journalist, Edna Buchanan, who investigates the murder of a man with ties to the Miami mafia.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure | Disneyland Resort Tiana's Bayou Adventure | Disneyland Resort (2025) Character: Mama Odie (Voice)
Grab your party shoes and hold onto your beignets because something magical's cookin'! Embark on a thrilling water ride through the bayou with Princess Tiana, Ray, Mama Odie and gator pal Louis. From glowing fireflies and jazzy critters to the sweetest celebration this side of the Mississippi, for the Disneyland® Resort 70th Celebration we want you to experience this musical journey with all of its twists, turns and festive fun like never before! Seven decades of storytelling crescendos with a 50-foot drop and a swingin' soiree! But don't worry, you won't get wet in this immersive Point of View ride along.
Baggage Claim Baggage Claim (2013) Character: Catherine Moore
Although she has traveled all over the world, flight attendant Montana Moore has yet to find a man with whom she wants to settle down. However, with her sister's upcoming wedding and pressure from her oft-married mother, she's determined to get engaged in the next 30 days. In that time, her best friends (and fellow flight attendants) conspire to help her re-encounter her exes as she flies all over the country.
GOAT GOAT (2026) Character: Flo Everson (voice)
A small goat with big dreams gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball, a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world.
Corrina, Corrina Corrina, Corrina (1994) Character: Jevina
When Manny Singer's wife dies, his young daughter Molly becomes mute and withdrawn. To help cope with looking after Molly, he hires sassy housekeeper Corrina Washington, who coaxes Molly out of her shell and shows father and daughter a whole new way of life. Manny and Corrina's friendship delights Molly and enrages the other townspeople.
Who's Your Caddy? Who's Your Caddy? (2007) Character: C-Note's Mom
Superstar rap mogul C-Note wants to join the Carolina Pines Golf & Country Club, but faces stiff opposition from the establishment's snooty members. C-Note forces the issue by purchasing the land adjacent to the golf course's 17th hole. As the club leaders search for a way to revoke his membership, C-Note realizes his family's honor and golf history are at stake, and digs in for the fight of his life.
Madea's Family Reunion Madea's Family Reunion (2006) Character: Milay Jenay Lori
Southern matriarch Madea has a lot on her plate. Her nieces, Vanessa and Lisa, have relationship troubles - Vanessa moves into Madea's house with her 2 young children and Lisa is engaged to a controlling man that her mother set her up with. In addition, Madea has just been court-ordered to become the guardian of Nikki, a rebellious runaway teenager. Madea must keep the peace and her family together while simultaneously planning her clan's reunion.
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993) Character: Vegas Backup Singer #1
Deloris Van Cartier is again asked to don the nun's habit to help a run-down Catholic school, presided over by Mother Superior. And if trying to reach out to a class full of uninterested students wasn't bad enough, the sisters discover that the school is due to be closed by the unscrupulous chief of a local authority.
Ado Ado (2025) Character: Ms. Hopkins
Ms. Hopkins is rehearsing Much Ado About Nothing with her middle school theatre class when it is interrupted by a school shooter.
Panther Panther (1995) Character: Rita
In this sprawling, fictionalized history of the Black Panthers, 1960s Oakland becomes a war zone as the Panthers battle for the right to exist.
Girl 6 Girl 6 (1996) Character: Boss #1 - Lil
A struggling actress in New York City takes a job as a phone sex operator.
The Mighty The Mighty (1998) Character: Mrs. Addison
Kevin, an intelligent guy helps out Maxwell to improve his reading skills. In return, Kevin wants Maxwell to take him out places since he is not authorized to go out. Being the social outcasts of the town, Kevin and Maxwell come to realize that they are similar to each other and accept that they are "freaks" and nothing will stop them.
Redrum Redrum (2007) Character: Therapist
A bored couple rejuvenate their marriage by turning to murder.
The Princess and the Frog The Princess and the Frog (2009) Character: Mama Odie (voice)
A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him.
Jackie's Back! Jackie's Back! (1999) Character: Jackie Washington
A British documentarian profiles washed-up diva Jackie Washington as she prepares for her comeback concert.



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