Jenifer Lewis: The Mother of Black Hollywood Drops Legendary Wisdom | Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe

I had the distinct HONOR (yes, in all caps!) of sitting down with none other than the MOTHER OF BLACK HOLLYWOOD herself—Jenifer Lewis! The original DIVVVAAA. The powerhouse. The legend. The woman who made “scene-stealer” an art form.

From What’s Love Got to Do With It to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Sister Act, The Preacher’s Wife, Antwone Fisher, Poetic Justice, Black-ish, and Jackie’s Back!, Jenifer Lewis has been serving iconic performances like Sunday dinner—always unforgettable, always satisfying. Broadway? Check. Film and TV? Check. Cabaret? Check. She’s done it all, honey, with enough talent and charisma to power an entire studio lot.

In this episode, Jenifer Lewis bares her soul with a mix of hilarity, candor, and wisdom that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect. From her Midwestern roots to Hollywood stardom, she takes us on a journey of resilience, love, and legendary moments. And let’s not forget: she’s played “Mama” to Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, and Tupac Shakur—solidifying her throne as the ultimate Mother of Black Hollywood.

Her message? “Love yourself so that love will not be a stranger when it comes.”

#LegacyTalkPodcast #LenaWaithe #JeniferLewis

Director: Levi Maestro
Dir of Photography: Kyle Camerer
Executive Producers: Justin Riley and Rishi Rajani
Producer: Naj Nugent
Associate Producer: Anderlyn Smith
Production Assistants: Brian Li, Royce Watkins
Head of Marketing: Marquis Phifer
Creative Director: Tiscia Haigler
Set Photographer: Chrris Lowe
Set Design: Lauren Carothers, Jade Whipkey, Kimberly V. Gedeon
Stylist: Jason Bolden
Skin: Brandi J. Andrews
Hair: Hunny Bee
Location: The Walk Good Yard

ABOUT LEGACY TALK
Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe is a love letter to Black women in entertainment. Emmy Award-winning writer, actor, and producer Lena Waithe sits down with trailblazers like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jenifer Lewis, Debbie Allen, and more to discuss their creative process, their journey, and how they became the incredible women they are today. Legacy Talk is more than just a series of interviews; it’s a documentation of the stories and experiences of women who shifted narratives, broken barriers, and inspired a generation.

Produced by Hillman Grad, distributed by Lemonada Media.

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