Jenifer Lewis A No-Holds-Barred Interview With ‘The Mother Of Black Hollywood’

I have to admit, I had no idea what to expect as I dialed Jenifer Lewis’ number for our interview. Sure, every time I watch one of her videos on Instagram I laugh like a fool, but our talk wasn’t for an audience. Lewis didn’t need to earn a standing ovation or a rave review.

In her remarkable career that has spanned more than four decades, Lewis has proven she is a force of nature who knows how to entertain. However, after reading her memoir, The Mother of Black Hollywood, available November 14, I learned of the sadness that was once buried inside her over-the-top personality.

At 33 years old, Lewis entered therapy and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In her book, Lewis candidly opened up about her journey through the pain, which today has been replaced by joy.

Within minutes of talking to Lewis, who currently stars on the ABC comedy black-ish, I knew I would have to write this article the way it happened. The range of emotions Lewis shared could not be chopped up into a few quotes.

After a half hour of laughing and sharing each other’s stories, I felt as if I had made a new friend. That’s the magic of Jenifer Lewis. I can’t help but think we’ll talk again.

DUSTIN FITZHARRIS: Hello, Ms. Lewis.

JENIFER LEWIS: Hey, baby, how you doin’? So who the fuck are you? Dustin, right?

FITZHARRIS: That’s me.

LEWIS: Baby, what’cha want with your girl this morning? You want an interview? Let’s hit it!

FITZHARRIS: First, I have to tell you how much I loved the book.

LEWIS: Did you read it, really?

FITZHARRIS: Of course. Cover to cover.

LEWIS: Get out!

FITZHARRIS: I was on the plane going to Las Vegas, and a woman who saw me reading the book said to me, “I didn’t even know that was out yet.” I felt like a big star or something and said, “It’s not.”

LEWIS: Oh, that’s hysterical.

(I suddenly recalled a story from the book about a TV journalist who said to Lewis that her earrings weren’t real. You’ll have to read the book to find out who it was.)

FITZHARRIS: And I want you to know I’m not going to say your earrings aren’t real…