This Saturday July 13th in the heart of the Delmar Loop, the community of St. Louis will gather to honor one of our own—Jenifer Lewis, the vivacious actress, singer, and author will be awarded a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. On this memorable occasion, Jenifer Lewis will be awarded a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, cementing her legacy near the very city where her journey began.

A Star is Born in Kinloch

Jenifer Lewis’s story is one of resilience, talent, and unyielding determination. Born and raised in Kinloch in St. Louis County, she discovered her passion for performance at a young age. Lewis sang her first church solo at the age of 5 and attended Kinloch High School where she was elected Senior Class president. She would go on to study at Webster University where she would later be awarded an Honorary Doctorate and helped to raise millions for the college’s Next Century Leaders Scholarship Fund.

Lewis possesses an unwavering dedication and a strong and powerful spirit, Lewis carved out a niche for herself in the entertainment industry and has made over 300 appearances on the big and small screen bringing to life a wide range of characters with her signature flair.

A Star Like None Other

Jenifer Lewis’s career spans over four decades, during which she has become a beloved figure in Hollywood. Her impressive filmography includes roles in iconic movies such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,”,”The Preacher’s Wife,” and the blockbuster “Think Like a Man” series.

On television, she has been a standout in shows like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Girlfriends,” and more recently, the hit series “black-ish,” where she plays the sassy and lovable Ruby Johnson.

On stage she has several accolades such as having helped to develop and originally perform the character, Effie, in Dreamgirls as well as writing and headlinig her autobiographical cabaret act in 1994 entitled, The Diva Is Dismissed, which earned her two NAACP Theater Awards. She also was a back up singer to another Broadway and Hollywood legend, Bette Midler.

Jenifer Lewis as Ruby Johnson on the hit TV series Black-ish

Beyond her acting prowess, Lewis is also a celebrated singer and author. Her memoir, “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” offers an unfiltered look at her life, career, and the struggles she has overcome. Her honesty, humor, and strength resonate with readers and audiences alike, further endearing her to fans across the globe.

A Homecoming Celebration and a Lasting Legacy

The St. Louis Walk of Fame star ceremony will be a joyous homecoming for Jenifer Lewis. Friends, family, and fans will gather to celebrate her achievements and the impact she has had on the entertainment industry. The atmosphere will be electric and inspiring when Lewis, will take to the stage to accept the honor.

Jenifer Lewis’s star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame is very timely as St. Louis continues to shine in the entertainment industry. Lewis’ star is sure to serve as a reminder of her journey from the streets of Kinloch to the heights of stardom, a journey fueled by passion, hard work, and an unbreakable spirit and what could be more So St. Louis than that?

DeWarren Smith
Latest posts by DeWarren Smith (see all)