The youngest of seven children, Jenifer Lewis has traveled far from her childhood home in Kinloch. The actress/singer has performed in 259 TV appearances, 200-plus concerts, more than 60 films, and four continents. On February 10, she returns to sing with the
St. Louis Symphony and the IN UNISON Chorus in celebration of Black History Month.
What do you recall about your hometown?
I sang my first solo when I was 5 years old at First Baptist Church. When I saw the reaction of the congregation, I knew at that moment what I was going to do with my life.
And when you first moved to L.A., you relived your memories of growing up here in a one-woman show, The Diva Is Dismissed.
It was a very powerful piece. They were true stories of my having come from Kinloch. I had 16 different characters in that show: my teacher, the minister, a neighbor who made me biscuits…I think to this day that it was my best.
Over the years, you’ve worked with Whoopi Goldberg, Bette Midler, Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood, Matt Damon… What’s the best advice you’ve ever received from a colleague?
Tom Hanks said, “Don’t say it unless you really believe it.” And that, of course, is what acting is all about—being true to the character.
What’s most exciting about performing at Powell Hall?
As a kid, I remember we took a field trip to hear the orchestra, and I was very excited. Like Carnegie Hall, I always dreamt of singing at Powell Symphony Hall, so this is pretty exciting for me… I can only say that I’ve been successful because I love what I do.
