Jump to content

Dawnn Lewis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dawnn Lewis
Lewis in 2012
Born
Dawnn Jewel Lewis

(1961-08-13)August 13, 1961(age 63)
New York City,U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Miami(BM)
OccupationActress
Years active1985–present
Spouse
​
​
(m.2004;div.2006)​
Awards1990, 1991, 1992 –BMI TV Music Award(A Different World)
Websitedawnnlewis.com

Dawnn Jewel Lewis[1][2](born August 13, 1961) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Jaleesa Vinson–Taylor on theNBCtelevision sitcomA Different Worldfrom the series beginning in 1987 until the end of its fifth season in 1992, in addition to co-writing the opening theme song for the series.

Lewis's other notable roles include portraying Robin Dumars on theABCsitcomHangin' with Mr. Cooper[3]for its first season (1992–93) and as Cheryl Spade in the 1988 filmI'm Gonna Git You Sucka.Since then, Lewis has appeared in numerous TV series, including other sitcoms, and has also performed on stage.

Early life and education

[edit]

Dawnn Lewis was born on August 13, 1961[4][5][6]inBrooklyn,New York City, to Carl and Joyce Lewis, who are of African-American andGuyanesedescent,[7]She began singing at the age of four and acting at eleven. At sixteen, Lewis graduated from theHigh School of Music & Artin New York City, now known asFiorello H. LaGuardia High School.In college, she majored inmusical theatrewith a minor injournalism,graduating with aBachelor of Musicdegree,cum laude,from theUniversity of MiamiinCoral Gables, Florida,in 1982.[8]

Career

[edit]

The Tap Dance KidNational Tour (1985-1986)

[edit]

From August 1, 1985, to July 6, 1986, Lewis performed in the chorus and as the character Dulcie in the National Tour of theBroadway musicalThe Tap Dance Kidunder the name "Dawnn J. Lewis".[9]

A Different World(1987–1992)

[edit]

Lewis appeared in the first five of six seasons ofA Different Worldas Jaleesa Vinson (later Vinson–Taylor), from 1987 until 1992. Lewis co-wrote the theme song toA Different World,withBill CosbyandStu Gardner,and co-performed the song for the first season. Although her character was married to another of the main characters on the show, her character disappeared from the series without explanation, similar to the Chuck Cunningham character inHappy Days.Lewis appeared in a special week-long segment ofA Different Worldcalled theHillman College Reunionairing onNick at Nite,along withLisa Bonet,Jasmine Guy,Kadeem Hardison,Darryl M. Bell,Cree Summer,andSinbad.On herSuper Passwordappearance in 1988, she was paired withDallasstarKen Kercheval,not any of her co-stars.

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper(1992–1993)

[edit]

In September 1992, Lewis began starring in ABC'sHangin' with Mr. CooperalongsideMark CurryandHolly Robinson.Lewis appeared in 20 of the 22 episodes of the first season as Robin Dumars, Mark's childhood best friend and roommate. Lewis did not appear on the two shows concurrently – she leftA Different Worldto star inHangin' with Mr. Cooper.Lewis and Holly Robinson, along with R&B quartetEn Vogue,performed the theme song for season one ofHangin' with Mr. Cooper.Sometime before the end of season one, the show producers decided to scale back on the updated version of the 1970s ABC sitcomThree's Companyconcept. Lewis left the show after the conclusion of the first season due to the producers deciding to change the direction of the show, replacing her character with a mother and child; Mark's cousin Geneva Lee (portrayed bySaundra Quarterman) and her daughter Nicole (portrayed byRaven-Symoné).[10]

Other work

[edit]
Dawnn Lewis receiving anhonoraryDoctor of Humane Lettersdegree from Next Dimension University, an unaccredited Bible school, on August 17, 2019

Lewis provided additional voices in the video game,True Crime: New York City.[11]She portrayed Deloris Van Cartier inPeter Schneider'sSister Act the Musical,which opened at thePasadena Playhouseon October 24, 2006. Lewis has voicedStormof theX-Menin threegames,most recentlyMarvel: Ultimate Alliance 2.She also voicedGranny GrimonThe Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy,and voiced the female Shokan (Sheeva) inMortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm.Lewis has also done voice work asLaBarbara Conrad,wife ofHermes Conrad,in the animated TV seriesFuturama,Detective Terri Lee onSpider-Man: The Animated Series,villainess Di Archer onBruno the Kid,and voiced a number of characters onThe Boondocks.Additionally, she voiced the character Sharona onKing of the Hill.

Lewis co-starred in twoDisney Channel Original Movies,The Poof Pointas Marigold Ballord, and as Gail DeBarge inLet It Shine.In 2000, Lewis played Blabberwort the Troll in the five-episodeNBCminiseriesThe 10th Kingdom.

2006–present

[edit]

In 2006, Lewis starred as Melba Early in the film adaptation ofDreamgirls.Lewis released her debut CD, entitledWorth Waiting For,in 2006. She played Addaperle inThe WizwithNew York City Center'sEncores!In 2009, Lewis played Denise Fields onOne Tree Hill.In 2010, Lewis played a minor recurring role as Lauren's mother inThe Secret Life of the American Teenager.In 2012, she voiced Malora inStrange Frame.She also appeared as Dr. Knapp onDays of Our Livesin 2012–2013. In 2014 Lewis starred in The Divorce along with Vanessa Bell Calloway, Tatyana Ali & Freda Payne. As of 2015, Lewis is playing a recurring role onMajor Crimesas Patrice, a love interest for Lt. Provenza, whom he met during a case. In that same year, she also voiced Ruby's mother Helen Hanshaw in one episode ofSofia The First.

In March 2016, Lewis was cast inDisney Junior's animated seriesDoc McStuffinsas the voice of Grandma McStuffins.[12] In 2017 she provided the voice of Maybelle Mundy in the filmBunyan and Babe.In 2018 she began voicing Fannie Granger onDreamWorks'sSpirit Riding Freeand Dr. Jones inStretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters,while in 2019 began voicing The Chief onNetflix's animatedCarmen Sandiego.She voiced Attorney General's special agent Lenora Carter inThe Simpsonsepisode "The Fat Blue Line"in 2019, and became the voice of Bernice Hibbert starting with"Uncut Femmes"in 2021.

On November 7, 2019, under the name "Dr. Dawnn Lewis", Lewis began portraying Zelma,Tina Turner's mother in the musicalTinaonBroadway.[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

From August 2020 she starred as the voice of Captain Carol Freeman in the animated seriesStar Trek: Lower Decks.[20]

From 2021 to 2022, Lewis voiced Ms. Jackie Washington, the Neighborhood Council President of Hansberry Heights, in the animated seriesKarma's World.[21]

In 2021, Lewis was among the first honorees to be inducted into theWomen Songwriters Hall of Fame.[22]

Lewis is an honorary member of theZeta Phi Betasorority.[23]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1988 I'm Gonna Git You Sucka Cheryl Spade
1992 Stompin' at the Savoy Ella Fitzgerald Television film
1993 Mouse Soup - Voice, short
A Cool Like That Christmas Jarvis Voice, television film
1994 Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad Minnie Television film
1996 The Cherokee Kid Stagecoach Mary/Love Gang
Bruno the Kid: The Animated Movie Di Archer Voice, direct-to-video
1997 Bad Day on the Block Officer Sandy Tierra
1999 The Wood Woman in Cleaners
2001 Nicolas -
The Poof Point Marigold Ballard Television film
2002 Endgame: Ethics and Values in America Alison
2003 Charlotte's Web 2: Wilbur's Great Adventure Bessie/Female Judge Voice, direct-to-video[24]
2005 The Venom Saga Detective Terri Lee Voice, direct-to-video
2006 The Adventures of Brer Rabbit Mom/Sister Mink Voice, direct-to-video[24]
Dreamgirls Melba Early
2007 The Last Sentinel Angel - Tallis' Rifle Voice[24]
Futurama: Bender's Big Score LaBarbara Conrad Voice, direct-to-video
2009 Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder LaBarbara Conrad/Women's Prison Warden
2010 Preacher's Kid Mya
2012 Strange Frame: Love & Sax Malora Voice[24]
Let It Shine Gail DeBarge Television film
Jennifer Dr. Fox Short
Dino Time Additional Voices
2013 Second Chances Maria Television film
Monsters University Additional Voices
Toy Story of Terror! Delivery Lady Voice, television film[24]
WHOA! Comedy Short Kate Sterling Short
2014 The Divorce Yolanda Massey Television film
Mom and Dad Undergrads Diane
2015 Megachurch Murder Lucille Williams
Inside Out Additional Voices
Alone Together Katie Short
2017 Bunyan and Babe Maybelle Mundy Voice[24]
The Legend of Master Legend Tana Television film
Cycle 2017 Robyn
2018 Revival! Cleo
2020 Be the Light Gladys
Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal Chief Voice, short[24]
2021 The Good, the Bart, and the Loki Ravonna Renslayer Voice, short
Writing Around the Christmas Tree Sharon Samuels
2022 For Gunter's Eyes Only Additional Voices Short
Minions: The Rise of Gru Additional Voices
Welcome to the Club Ursula/Kaa Voice, short
Blackjack Christmas Corrine Allen
2023 Rogue Not Quite One TIE InterceptorSystem Voice, short

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1987-92 A Different World Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor Main Cast: Season 1-5
1990 Kid 'n Play Lela Voice, main role
1992-93 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Robin Dumars Main Cast: Season 1
1995 ABC Weekend Special Temba's Sister Episode: "Jirimpimbira: An African Folk Tale"
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child Princess Songe Voice, episode: "The Valiant Little Tailor"
The Savage Dragon Additional Voices
1996 Dream On Rema Hort Recurring Cast: Season 6
The Faculty Mrs. Lowman Episode: "Daisy's Secret"
C Bear and Jamal Grandma Voice, recurring role
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm Sheeva
1995-97 Spider-Man Detective Terri Lee
1996-97 Bruno the Kid Di Archer
1997 The Steve Harvey Show Alise Peyton Episode: "Coming to Chicago"
Sliders Dr. Natalie Sylvius Episode: "The Breeder"
Die Gang Stella Tumbrell Episode: "Das Duell"
The Burning Zone Dr. Janice Rhodes Episode: "Elegy for a Dream"
Waynehead Cheetah Voice, episode: "Rebel Without a Paw"
The Parent 'Hood Bernadette Episode: "Father Wendell"
The Incredible Hulk Agent Diana Voice, episode: "Mission: Incredible"
1997-99 King of the Hill Sharona Johnson Voice, guest role (seasons 1 and 3)
1998 The Secret Files of the Spy Dogs Additional Voices Episode: "Hair/Homework"
1999 The Jamie Foxx Show Dr. Kanella Episode: "Scareder Than a Mug"
Nash Bridges Winifred Holt Episode: "Resurrection"
Early Edition Gayle Clark Episode: "Number One with a Bullet"
1999-present Futurama LaBarbara Conrad Voice, recurring role
2000 The 10th Kingdom Blabberwort the Troll Recurring Cast
Supermodels Catwalk Voice, main role
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command Mary Voice, episode: "Panic on Bathyos"[24]
2000-02 Any Day Now Gail Williams Recurring Cast: Season 3, Guest: Season 4
2001 The Legend of Tarzan Naoh Voice, episode: "Tarzan and the Eagle's Feather"
2001-02 Heavy Gear: The Animated Series Sonja Briggs Voice, recurring role
2002 Andy Richter Controls the Universe Jackie Episode: "We're All the Same, Only Different"
2002-07 Grim & Evil Additional Voices
2003 Strong Medicine Detective Wright Episode: "Risk"
Ozzy & Drix Cilia Tyson Voice, episode: "An Out of Body Experience"[24]
Girlfriends Linda Dent 2 episodes
2004 Static Shock Brickhouse Voice, episode: "Army of Darkness"[24]
Medical Investigation Dr. Burton Episode: "Little Girl"
NYPD Blue Jocelyn Barker Episode: "The 3-H Club"
2005-14 The Boondocks Additional Voices
2006-07 Holly Hobbie & Friends Carolyn Baker Voice, 2 episodes
2007 Handy Manny Tanya Voice, episode: "Musica/Ice Cream Team"
2008-09 One Tree Hill Denise Fields Recurring Cast: Season 6
2008-12 The Life & Times of Tim The Boss' Wife Voice, guest role (seasons 1-3)
2009-10 Glenn Martin, DDS Nurse Voice, 2 episodes
2010 The Secret Life of the American Teenager Lauren's Mom Recurring Cast: Season 2-3
2010-12 The Cleveland Show Additional Voices
2011 Reed Between the Lines Trishelle Episode: "Let's Talk About College Boys"
2012 CSI: Miami Stacy McCann Episode: "At Risk"
Breaking In Janet Jenkins Episode: "The Blind Sided"
2012-13 Days of Our Lives Dr. Knapp Regular Cast
Regular Show Fun Fun Zone Employee, JB Voice, 2 episodes[24]
2013 The Soul Man Erica Recurring Cast: Season 2
Turbo Fast Queen Bananica Voice, episode: "African Queen"[24]
2014 Castle Yvonne Episode: "That '70s Show"
Survivor's Remorse Vanessa Miller Episode: "How to Build a Brand"
Tim and Eric's Bedtime Stories Agent Episode: "The Endorsement"
2014-18 Major Crimes Patrice Perry Recurring Cast: Season 3-6
2015 Better Call Saul Judge Episode: "Hero"
Sofia the First Helen Hanshaw Voice, episode: "Buttercup Amber"
Rick and Morty Assimilated Alien #1 Voice, episode: "Auto Erotic Assimilation"
2016 Kirby Buckets Mayor Episode: "Call of Doodie"
Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh Guppa Voice, episode: "Wrinkly Humans People"[24]
2016-20 Doc McStuffins April McStuffins Voice, recurring role[24]
2017 Stitchers Arlene Grant Episode: "Dreamland"
2017-present The Simpsons Bernice Hibbert,Lenora Carter, Additional Voices
2018 This Is Us Rosemary 2 episodes
iZombie Mama "Renegade" Leone Recurring Cast: Season 4
Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters Dr. Jones Voice, episode: "Rise of the Tech Men"[24]
Bravest Warriors Jeanette Voice, recurring role (season 4)
2018-19 Spirit Riding Free Fannie Granger Voice, guest role (seasons 1 and 5)[24]
2018-20 Curious George Mrs. Parker Voice, guest role (seasons 10 and 12)
2018-21 Apple & Onion Patty, Cinnamon Bun, Croissant Voice[24]
2019 Veronica Mars Marcia Langdon Main Cast: Season 4
Spirit Riding Free: Pony Tales Fannie Granger Voice, episode: "The Healing Tree"
2019-21 Carmen Sandiego The Chief/Tamara Fraser Voice, main role[24]
The Rich and the Ruthless Beth Main Cast: Season 3-4
2020 Cleopatra in Space Professor Klabrax V Voice, 2 episodes
Spirit Riding Free: Riding Academy Fannie Granger Voice, episode: "Race to the Finish"
The Boys Valerie Episode: "Nothing Like It in the World"
2020-23 Star Trek: Lower Decks Carol Freeman Voice, main role
2021 9-1-1 Danvers Episode: "Survivors"
HouseBroken Additional Voices
Rick and Morty - Voice, episode: "Rick & Morty's Thanksploitation Spectacular"
Duncanville - Voice, 2 episodes
2021-22 Karma's World Ms. Jackie Washington Voice, recurring role
Star Trek Logs Captain Carol Freeman Voice, episode: "Carol Freeman Personal Audio Log 1-3"
2022 Grey's Anatomy Jamarah Blake Recurring cast (season 18)
The Cuphead Show! Bedelia/Boo-Boo Voice, episode: "Dead Broke"
Interrupting Chicken Ms. Clara/Mail Lady Voice, episode: "Where's The Party?/Chicken Out West"
2022-23 Young Rock Prime Minister Angela Honig Recurring Cast: Season 3
2023 Fired on Mars Judith Voice, episode: "The God of War"

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Gladius Additional voices
2004 World of Warcraft
2005 X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse Storm [24]
2006 True Crime: New York City Additional voices
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Storm [24]
2007 Spider-Man 3 Additional voices
2008 The Rise of the Argonauts
2009 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 Storm
2017 Tacoma Evelyn Victoria St. James [24]
2018 Fallout 76 Kesha McDermott, Mayor Barbara, Clara Davis [24]
2020 World of Warcraft: Shadowlands Additional voices

Album appearances

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^Who's who Among African Americans – Ashyia N. Henderson – Gale Group, 2000
  2. ^University of Miami Alumni Association.Annual Report. 2008-2009. University of Miami Alumni Association. 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2021
  3. ^"Dawnn Lewis, Holly Robinson And Mark Curry Star In" Hangin' Wit Mr. Cooper "".JET Magazine (Google Books).Johnson Publishing Company. November 2, 1992.RetrievedOctober 9,2017.
  4. ^Your Birthday Card – Dawnn Lewis
  5. ^Historical Dictionary of African-American Television – Dawnn Lewis (1961–) – Kathleen Fearn-Banks, Anne Burford-Johnson
  6. ^The A to Z of African American Cinema – Lewis, Dawnn (1961–) – S. Torriano Berry, Venise T. Berry
  7. ^Dawnn Lewis Biography (1961–)
  8. ^"Meet Olympic Diver Greg Louganis and Actor Dawnn Lewis at the Soc".Archived fromthe originalon April 9, 2014.RetrievedMay 15,2014.
  9. ^"Dawnn Lewis: Touring"on theInternet Broadway Database
  10. ^"Dawnn Lewis Says ABC-TV Won't Let Her Keep On 'Hangin' With Mr. Cooper".Jet.84(6). Johnson Publishing Company: 18. June 7, 1993.ISSN0021-5996.
  11. ^Luxoflux.True Crime: New York City.Activision.Scene: Pause menu credits, 4:30:21 in, VOICE TALENT.
  12. ^Laughing Place Disney Newsdesk (February 11, 2016)."Doc McStuffins Family to Adopt New Baby".Laughing Place.RetrievedFebruary 27,2016.
  13. ^"Dawnn Lewis: Broadway"on theInternet Broadway Database
  14. ^Cast & Creative|TINA - The Musical2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021
  15. ^DAWNN LEWIS BIOGRAPHYWisdom Digital Media. 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  16. ^Dawnn LewisWisdom Digital Media. 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  17. ^Dawnn LewisUniversity of Miami. 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  18. ^Buzz PhotosBroadway.com 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  19. ^Speaker DetailsJack and Jill of America, Incorporated. 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  20. ^""Star Trek: Lower Decks" Voice Cast and Animated Characters Unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con(R) | TheFutonCritic.com ".www.thefutoncritic.com.July 20, 2019.RetrievedAugust 11,2020.
  21. ^"Netflix Drops 'Karma's World' Trailer".Animation World Network.September 27, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on October 19, 2021.RetrievedApril 18,2022.
  22. ^Diop, Arimeta (June 29, 2021)."The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame Has Honored Its First Class of Inductees".Vanity Fair.
  23. ^PHI BETA SORORITY, INC. CLOSES OUT 2022 GRAND BOULÈ IN PHILADELPHIA, LEAVING BEHIND AN ECONOMIC IMPACT OF OVER $6.5 MILLION
  24. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv"Dawnn Lewis (visual voices guide)".Behind The Voice Actors.RetrievedOctober 22,2023.A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related toDawnn Lewis.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dawnn_Lewis&oldid=1242208796"