Editor’s note: You can watch the full interview with Jenifer Lewis in the video player at the bottom of this story.
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis native Jenifer Lewis is set to receive a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame this weekend. The actress sat down for a one-on-one interview with FOX 2 to discuss her contributions to the entertainment industry and her worldwide fame.
“You know what everybody’s been asking me? ‘You got the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and now you are getting the star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Equal. One made me and the other one is what it made me,” she said.
The St. Louis Walk of Fame honors notable people from St. Louis who have made significant contributions to society. There are 170 stars located along six blocks of the Delmar Loop.
Lewis was born in Kinloch, Missouri and attended Webster University.
“Went to the Kinloch School District, went to First Missionary Baptist Church, where I sang my first solo, and that’s where it all started,” she said. “When I saw the reaction of the church, I stood there with my thumb in my mouth; they were clapping, screaming, and I never looked back.
After performing in Broadway musicals, she appeared in movies such as “Sister Act,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Poetic Justice,” “The Preacher’s Wife,” “Madea’s Family Reunion,” and “Think Like a Man.” She most recently appeared on the FOX show “The Masked Singer.”
Lewis, known as the “Mother of Black Hollywood,” has brought charisma, wit, and personality to over 400 episodes of television, including the critically acclaimed series, “Black-ish.”
“And if I had an amazing time, I’m one of the lucky ones,” she said. “I got to do what I loved to do with my life and extremely grateful for the journey I’ve taken.”
Lewis became emotional as she recounted her terrifying near-death fall from a 10-foot balcony while on a trip in Africa.
“I want to thank Doctors Without Borders for (getting) me out of Tanzania. It’s been quite the journey. But I’m back,” she said.
Lewis will receive her star this Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.