(Editor’s Note: The Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Jenifer Lewis on Friday, July 15, is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. St. Louis time and will be live-streamed on WalkofFame.com.)
The spotlight will be on St. Louis’ own Jenifer Lewis next week as she gets her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Lewis, an actress, singer and activist, starred on the hit ABC sitcom, “Black-ish,” as Ruby for eight seasons. She is also the author of “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” which became a national bestseller in 2017.
The youngest of seven children, Lewis was born and raised in Kinloch in North St. Louis County. She attended Kinloch High School and Webster University before moving to New York to pursue acting.
Lewis is “a national treasure and a force to be reckoned with,” according to Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez.
Martinez also notes that Lewis’ star will be next to Katharine Hepburn’s, one of Lewis’ all-time favorite actresses.
“Those ladies are two peas in a pod, as both delved in human rights activities and are known to be as feisty as all get out!” Martinez said.
Lewis, who was earlier announced as a member of the Walk of Fame Class of 2021, will be celebrated during a ceremony on Friday, July 15, which begins at 1:30 p.m. St. Louis time. The star unveiling will be emceed by Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, chair of the Hollywood Chamber. Expected to be on hand will be 2020 Kennedy Center honoree and Emmy Award-winning artist Debbie Allen and Tony- and Emmy-award winner Marc Shaiman.
Lewis made her Broadway debut in a small role in “Eubie” in 1979 before originating the role of Effie in the pre-Broadway workshop of “Dreamgirls.” She moved on to work as a back-up singer for Bette Midler, consequently appearing in Midler’s HBO specials. She appeared in numerous films over the years, beginning with her role as a singer in “Beaches.” Her movie credits also include “Sister Act,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Poetic Justice,” “The Preacher’s Wife” and “Think Like a Man.” She has also appeared in more than 400 television episodes, including recurring roles in “A Different World” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Lewis’ upcoming book, “Walking in My Joy: In These Streets,” features a collection of stories and launches in August.
