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Dawnn Lewis

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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 the NBC television sitcom A Different World from 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 the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper[3] for its first season (1992–93) and as Cheryl Spade in the 1988 film I'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

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Dawnn Lewis was born on August 13, 1961[4][5][6] in Brooklyn, New York City, to Carl and Joyce Lewis, who are of African-American and Guyanese descent,[7] She began singing at the age of four and acting at eleven. At sixteen, Lewis graduated from the High School of Music & Art in New York City, now known as Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. In college, she majored in musical theatre with a minor in journalism, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree, cum laude, from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, in 1982.[8]

Career

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The Tap Dance Kid National Tour (1985-1986)

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From August 1, 1985, to July 6, 1986, Lewis performed in the chorus and as the character Dulcie in the National Tour of the Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid under the name "Dawnn J. Lewis".[9]

A Different World (1987–1992)

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Lewis appeared in the first five of six seasons of A Different World as Jaleesa Vinson (later Vinson–Taylor), from 1987 until 1992. Lewis co-wrote the theme song to A Different World, with Bill Cosby and Stu 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 in Happy Days. Lewis appeared in a special week-long segment of A Different World called the Hillman College Reunion airing on Nick at Nite, along with Lisa Bonet, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, and Sinbad. On her Super Password appearance in 1988, she was paired with Dallas star Ken Kercheval, not any of her co-stars.

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (1992–1993)

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In September 1992, Lewis began starring in ABC's Hangin' with Mr. Cooper alongside Mark Curry and Holly 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 left A Different World to star in Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. Lewis and Holly Robinson, along with R&B quartet En Vogue, performed the theme song for season one of Hangin' 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 sitcom Three's Company concept. 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 by Saundra Quarterman) and her daughter Nicole (portrayed by Raven-Symoné).[10]

Other work

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Dawnn Lewis receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree 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 in Peter Schneider's Sister Act the Musical, which opened at the Pasadena Playhouse on October 24, 2006. Lewis has voiced Storm of the X-Men in three games, most recently Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. She also voiced Granny Grim on The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, and voiced the female Shokan (Sheeva) in Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm. Lewis has also done voice work as LaBarbara Conrad, wife of Hermes Conrad, in the animated TV series Futurama, Detective Terri Lee on Spider-Man: The Animated Series, villainess Di Archer on Bruno the Kid, and voiced a number of characters on The Boondocks. Additionally, she voiced the character Sharona on King of the Hill.

Lewis co-starred in two Disney Channel Original Movies, The Poof Point as Marigold Ballord, and as Gail DeBarge in Let It Shine. In 2000, Lewis played Blabberwort the Troll in the five-episode NBC miniseries The 10th Kingdom.

2006–present

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In 2006, Lewis starred as Melba Early in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls. Lewis released her debut CD, entitled Worth Waiting For, in 2006. She played Addaperle in The Wiz with New York City Center's Encores! In 2009, Lewis played Denise Fields on One Tree Hill. In 2010, Lewis played a minor recurring role as Lauren's mother in The Secret Life of the American Teenager. In 2012, she voiced Malora in Strange Frame. She also appeared as Dr. Knapp on Days of Our Lives in 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 on Major Crimes as 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 of Sofia The First.

In March 2016, Lewis was cast in Disney Junior's animated series Doc McStuffins as the voice of Grandma McStuffins.[12] In 2017 she provided the voice of Maybelle Mundy in the film Bunyan and Babe. In 2018 she began voicing Fannie Granger on DreamWorks's Spirit Riding Free and Dr. Jones in Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters, while in 2019 began voicing The Chief on Netflix's animated Carmen Sandiego. She voiced Attorney General's special agent Lenora Carter in The Simpsons episode "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 musical Tina on Broadway.[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

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

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

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

Lewis is an honorary member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority.[23]

Filmography

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Film

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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 Interceptor System Voice, short

Television

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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

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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

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References

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  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. Retrieved October 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 from the original on April 9, 2014. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  9. ^ "Dawnn Lewis: Touring" on the Internet 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. ISSN 0021-5996.
  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. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  13. ^ "Dawnn Lewis: Broadway" on the Internet Broadway Database
  14. ^ Cast & Creative|TINA - The Musical 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021
  15. ^ DAWNN LEWIS BIOGRAPHY Wisdom Digital Media. 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  16. ^ Dawnn Lewis Wisdom Digital Media. 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  17. ^ Dawnn Lewis University of Miami. 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  18. ^ Buzz Photos Broadway.com 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021
  19. ^ Speaker Details Jack 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. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  21. ^ "Netflix Drops 'Karma's World' Trailer". Animation World Network. September 27, 2021. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved April 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. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "Dawnn Lewis (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 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 credits or other reliable sources of information.
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