Jenifer Lewis: 13 of Her Best Roles in Film & TV

Jenifer Lewis, a celebrated actress known for her compelling performances, has maintained a consistently busy career thanks to her remarkable range. While often cast in maternal roles, Lewis has proven her versatility across numerous projects, spanning film, television, and animation. A recent look back at her work highlights 13 notable roles that demonstrate her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

A Career Defined by Range

Lewis’s ability to seamlessly transition between hilarious and deeply serious characters has made her a standout performer. Her work in projects like “black-ish,” Think Like A Man, Baggage Claim, and What’s Love Got to Do with It showcases her talent for bringing nuance to the “Black Hollywood mom” archetype. She has also lent her voice to animated classics, including Disney’s The Princess and the Frog and “Cars on the Road.”

Notable Roles

1. Ruby Johnson in “black-ish”

As Ruby Johnson in ABC’s “black-ish,” Lewis delivers a memorable performance characterized by comedic timing and often selfish behavior. The character’s dynamic with Dre and Rainbow provides both humor and meaningful family moments.

2. Zelma Bullock in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’

Lewis portrayed Zelma Bullock, the mother of Tina Turner, in the biographical film What’s Love Got to Do with It. Ike Turner referred to Zelma as a “fine young thing” within the context of the film, which chronicles Tina Turner’s life.

3. Margueritte Coleman in ‘The Preacher’s Wife’

In The Preacher’s Wife, Lewis plays Julia’s mother, Margueritte Coleman, offering insightful observations about relationships. She delivers the line, “Child, men ain’t changed since Adam! And he gave up one of his own ribs just so he could have somebody to keep things from.”

4. Loretta in ‘Think Like A Man’

Lewis’s character, Loretta, in Think Like a Man, is known for a memorable encounter with Kevin Hart’s character, Cedric, involving an invitation to taste her “yams.” The film also starred Meagan Good, Taraji P. Henson, and Terrence J.

5. Anne in ‘Poetic Justice’

Lewis played the mother of Tupac Shakur’s character, Lucky, in Poetic Justice. A now-famous line, “Boy, shut the f**k up and put the cigarette out,” was reportedly not part of the original script, as Lewis shared on “Legacy Talk.” She described Shakur as a “cold professional.”

6. Mary Clark in ‘Not Easily Broken’

As Mama Clark in Not Easily Broken, Lewis portrays a mother who projects her own experiences with men onto her daughter’s marriage. She has shared the screen with Taraji P. Henson on multiple occasions.

7. Michelle in ‘Sister Act’

Lewis appeared as Michelle, a lounge singer, in the 1992 musical Sister Act, alongside Whoopi Goldberg as Sister Mary Clarence.

8. Catherine Moore in ‘Baggage Claim’

In Baggage Claim, Lewis plays Catherine Moore, a mother eager for her daughters to get married, despite not receiving her first karat until her third marriage. She described the set as one of the “happiest” she’s ever worked on.

9. Mama Odie in ‘The Princess and the Frog’

Lewis voiced Mama Odie, a 197-year-old voodoo priestess, in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Her performance of “Dig a Little Deeper” is a standout moment in the film.

10. Dean Davenport in “A Different World”

Lewis took on the role of Dean Davenport in the television series “A Different World,” where she reversed a student’s expulsion after a plea from Dwayne.

11. Mrs. Curtis in ‘Dead Presidents’

As Mrs. Curtis in Dead Presidents, Lewis played a mother concerned about her son’s decision to enlist in the Marine Corps instead of attending college.

12. Aunt Helen in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

Lewis portrayed Aunt Helen in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” known for her teasing interactions with Uncle Phil.

13. Vera Brown in ‘Meet The Browns’

In Meet The Browns, Lewis played Vera Brown, whose memorable scene involves being pushed into a gravesite after bursting into song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of roles has Jenifer Lewis played?

Jenifer Lewis has played a variety of roles, including mothers, aunts, and supporting characters in both comedic and dramatic projects. She has also lent her voice to animated films.

In which film did Lewis portray Tina Turner’s mother?

Lewis portrayed Zelma Bullock, the mother of Tina Turner, in the film What’s Love Got to Do with It.

What is one of Lewis’s most memorable lines from ‘Poetic Justice’?

Lewis’s line, “Boy, shut the f**k up and put the cigarette out,” from Poetic Justice was reportedly not originally in the script.

Considering Jenifer Lewis’s extensive and varied career, what role do you believe best showcases her unique talent and range?