Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Jeanette Lewis, born January 25, 1957, is a multifaceted American actress and singer whose 300-plus appearances in film and television have cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most recognizable presences. Starting her career on Broadway and as a backup singer for Bette Midler, she transitioned to film with notable roles in "Beaches" and "Sister Act." Lewis's powerhouse performances as Tina Turner's mother in "What's Love Got to Do With It" and as Whitney Houston's character's mother in "The Preacher's Wife" garnered critical acclaim. She has starred alongside Matt Damon in "Hereafter," created memorable characters for Tyler Perry's films, and lent her distinctive voice to beloved Disney characters like "Flo" in "Cars" and "Mama Odie" in "The Princess and the Frog." On television, her portrayal of "Lana Hawkins" on "Strong Medicine" and the hilariously feisty "Ruby Johnson" on "Black-ish" earned her a Critics Choice Award nomination.