Anecdotes

She starred in and co-wrote a one-woman show called "The Diva is Dismissed". The show earned her two NAACP Theater Awards.

Was once one of Bette Midler's Harlettes.

Despite playing her mother in Tina (1993), Lewis is just one year older than Angela Bassett.

Attended and graduated from Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri.

She is the youngest of seven children.

Has an adopted daughter named Charmaine Lewis.

Despite playing her mother in La femme du pasteur (1996), Lewis was just six years older than the late Whitney Houston.

Sang in her church choir at the age of five.

She began her career on Broadway in the musical "Eubie!".

Attended and graduated from Kinloch High School in Kinloch, Missouri.

She was awarded a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame at 6166 Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri on July 13, 2024.

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 6284 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on July 15, 2022. Debbie Allen and Marc Shaiman were guest speakers at the ceremony.

Sister of Lawrence Lewis, Jackie Davis, Vertella Lewis, and Wilatrel Rice.