Television and movie’s favorite sassy aunt/mother, Jenifer Lewis attended the Hollywood premiere of the Tyler Perry film Single Moms Club. In the video above, Lewis discusses the impact of the movie and the topic of single motherhood. Having played a mother on television and in movies, Lewis indicated that she uses her eight aunts as inspiration for the characters she plays. When asked about real-life single moms, Lewis stated, “As women we wear many hats. It’s not easy: from the soccer practice to tutoring. We need to honor and support our single mothers. It’s not easy.”
When it comes to the negative media that is received from and about women, Lewis gave a candid response: “When you have more years in front of you than behind you, you learn compassion.”
Regarding her career and being the success she’s had, Lewis credited her discipline. “My discipline is honoring myself first and then you can lend a helping hand. I work out and take care of myself.”Lewis has been performing her whole life starting with her mother’s club. ” I would go in and make them laugh. I’ve always been in front, always performing. I knew it was what I wanted to do. When I started out, I had a girlfriend give me a gem. She said ‘don’t change.’ I know she meant my charisma.”
Not many people are aware of Lewis’ singing career, but she has performed with giants like Bette Midler in a group called the Harlette’s. “I got to stand in the wings and study her. I got to study the giants.” Lewis also played alongside Meryl Streep in the play Mother Courage and Her Children.
