Mother of Black Hollywood and her near-death experience in Tanzania

Jenifer Lewis, affectionately known as the "Mother of Black Hollywood," has built an illustrious career portraying maternal figures to numerous stars, including Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, and Taraji P. Henson.

Her extensive body of work spans over 300 productions across television, film, and Broadway, showcasing her remarkable versatility and talent.

Born in Kinloch, Missouri, Lewis was the youngest of seven children raised by a single mother. She began singing in her church choir at the tender age of five, displaying a natural affinity for performance.

However, her early years were marred by trauma; during her adolescence, she suffered sexual abuse by her pastor. When she confided in her mother about the abuse, her revelations were met with disbelief and dismissal.

This profound betrayal and the ensuing emotional turmoil contributed to personal challenges later in life, including struggles with sex addiction and bipolar disorder.

Despite these formidable obstacles, Lewis's resilience and determination propelled her to Hollywood, where she became renowned for her dynamic performances.

She portrayed Angela Bassett's mother in the Tina Turner biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It," Tupac Shakur's mother in "Poetic Justice," and Whitney Houston's mother in "The Preacher's Wife."

Her versatility extended to roles such as the overprotective mother in "Think Like a Man" and a memorable portrayal in the television series "Black-ish," for which she won an Emmy in 2016.

In November 2022, Lewis faced a harrowing near-death experience while vacationing in Tanzania's Serengeti region.

After a day of exploration, she was admiring the view from her hotel balcony when she accidentally fell approximately 10 feet into a dry ravine filled with boulders and stones. The fall resulted in severe injuries, including a fractured femur socket, leaving her immobile and in excruciating pain.

Alone in the pitch-black darkness, she struggled to breathe and muster the strength to call for help. Her travel companion, Lori, awakened by Lewis's faint cries, rushed to her aid.

As they awaited assistance, the sounds of nearby wildlife, including the roar of a lion, heightened the peril of the situation.

Lewis was airlifted to Nairobi, Kenya, where she underwent a grueling nine-hour surgical procedure at Aga Khan University Hospital.

She spent six days in the intensive care unit and a total of ten days in the hospital.

Following this traumatic incident, Lewis faced an arduous recovery journey. She was unable to walk for eight months and had to rely on the support of caregivers for basic daily activities.

Despite the severity of her injuries and the lengthy rehabilitation process, Lewis maintained a positive outlook, focusing on her determination to heal and return to her life's passions.

Throughout her career, Lewis has been candid about her personal struggles, including her battles with bipolar disorder and sex addiction.

Her openness has inspired many, shedding light on mental health issues and the importance of seeking help.

In her memoir, "The Mother of Black Hollywood," she delves into these experiences, offering readers an intimate look at her journey toward healing and self-acceptance.

In the aftermath of her accident, Lewis chose to keep the incident private until she had made significant strides in her recovery.

She explained, "I didn't want you all to know I had fallen until I was able to tell you how I had gotten up." 

Now, having regained her strength, she is sharing her story to inspire others facing adversity. She has announced plans for an upcoming book titled "Get Up," which will chronicle her journey of resilience and recovery.

Jenifer Lewis's life and career are testaments to her unwavering resilience and indomitable spirit. From overcoming personal traumas to achieving professional acclaim, and facing life-threatening challenges with courage, she continues to inspire and uplift others.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the capacity to rise above adversity.