Dawnn Lewis

Dawnn J. Lewis (born August 13, 1961) is an American actress, singer, voice actress , and songwriter. Lewis 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 being on the show; Lewis co–wrote the theme song. Lewis's other notable roles include portraying Robin Dumars on the ABC sitcom Hangin' With Mr. Cooper[4] 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 ==
Born in Brooklyn, New York City to Carl and Joyce Lewis, who are of African-American and Guyanese descent,[5] Lewis began singing at the age of four and acting at eleven. Lewis graduated from the High School of Music and Art (now known as Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School) at age 16. After high school, she studied at the University of Miami, graduating cum laude with a major in Musical Theatre and a minor in Journalism in 1982.[6]
== Career ==
=== A Different World (1987–1992) ===
Lewis appeared for the first five of the six-season run 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. In A Different World, Although her character was married to another of the main characters on the show, her character disappeared from A Different World without explanation, like Chuck Cunningham of 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 (1978 TV series) star Ken Kercheval, not any of her co-stars.
=== Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (1992–1993) ===
In September 1992, Lewis began starring in ABC's Hangin' with Mr. Cooperalongside 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).[7]
=== Other work ===
Lewis 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 and Mandy, and voiced the female Shokan (Sheeva) in Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm. Lewis has also done voice work as LaBarbara in 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 ===
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 most recently 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. 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 joined the vocal cast of Disney Junior's hit animated series Doc McStuffins as the voice of Grandma McStuffins.[8] In 2017 she provided the voice of Maybelle Mundy in the film Bunyan and Babe. In 2018 she provided the voice for Pru Grangers mother, Fannie Granger. In DreamWorks "Spirit Riding Free"
== Personal life ==
Lewis has been married once, to former NBA player Johnny Newman from 2004 until 2006.
== Filmography ==
2018 Revival! 
Cleo
2018 Fallout 76 (Video Game) (voice)
2018 Bravest Warriors (TV Series) 
Jeanette
- It Shouldn't Ever Have to End this Way - Part 2 (2018) ... Jeanette (voice)
- It Shouldn't Ever Have to End this Way - Part 1 (2018) ... Jeanette (voice)
2018 Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters (TV Series) 
Dr. Jones
- Rise of the Tech Men (2018) ... Dr. Jones (voice)
2018 Spirit Riding Free (TV Series) 
Fannie Granger
- Lucky and the Rough Ride (2018) ... Fannie Granger (voice)
2017-2018 The Simpsons (TV Series) 
Co-Pilot / Pat O'Brien's Waitress / Juvenile Court Bailiff
- Lisa Gets the Blues (2018) ... Co-Pilot / Pat O'Brien's Waitress (voice)
- Fears of a Clown (2018) ... Juvenile Court Bailiff (voice)
- The Great Phatsby: Part 1 (2017) ... (voice)
2018 iZombie (TV Series) 
Mama Leone
- Goon Struck (2018) ... Mama Leone
- Brainless in Seattle, Part 2 (2018) ... Mama Leone
- Brainless in Seattle, Part 1 (2018) ... Mama Leone
- Blue Bloody (2018) ... Mama Leone
2018 Apple & Onion (TV Series short) 
Patty / Croissant / Cinnamon Bun
- Block Party (2018) ... Patty (voice)
- Bottle Catch (2018) ... Patty / Croissant (voice)
- Apple's in Trouble (2018) ... Patty / Cinnamon Bun (voice)
- Falafel's Fun Day (2018) ... Patty (voice)
2018 This Is Us (TV Series) 
Rosemary
- That'll Be the Day (2018) ... Rosemary
- Clooney (2018) ... Rosemary
2014-2018 Major Crimes (TV Series) 
Patrice Perry
- By Any Means: Part 4 (2018) ... Patrice Perry
- By Any Means: Part 1 (2017) ... Patrice Perry
- Sanctuary City: Part 5 (2017) ... Patrice Perry
- Intersection (2017) ... Patrice Perry
- Moral Hazard (2016) ... Patrice Perry
Show all 11 episodes
2017 Tacoma (Video Game) 
Evelyn Victoria St. James (voice)
2017 Stitchers (TV Series) 
Arlene Grant
- Dreamland (2017) ... Arlene Grant
2017 The Rich & the Ruthless (TV Series) 
2017 The Legend of Master Legend (TV Movie) 
Tana
2017 Bunyan and Babe 
Maybelle Mundy (voice)
2016 Kirby Buckets (TV Series) 
Mayor
- Call of Doodie (2016) ... Mayor
2015 Rick and Morty (TV Series) 
Assimilated Alien #1
- Auto Erotic Assimilation (2015) ... Assimilated Alien #1 (voice)
2015 Sofia the First (TV Series) 
Helen Hanshaw
- Buttercup Amber (2015) ... Helen Hanshaw (voice)
2015/I Alone Together (Short) 
Katie
2015/I Inside Out 
Additional Voices (voice)
2015 Better Call Saul (TV Series) 
Judge
- Hero (2015) ... Judge
2015 Megachurch Murder 
Lucille Williams
2014 Tim and Eric's Bedtime Stories (TV Series) 
Agent
- The Endorsement (2014) ... Agent
2014 Survivor's Remorse (TV Series) 
Vanessa Miller
- How to Build a Brand (2014) ... Vanessa Miller
2005-2014 The Boondocks (TV Series) 
Taeshawndretta Brown / Civil Rights Protester
- Freedom Ride or Die (2014)
- Breaking Grandad (2014) ... Taeshawndretta Brown (voice)
- The Garden Party (2005) ... Civil Rights Protester (voice)
2014 Castle (TV Series) 
Yvonne
- That '70s Show (2014) ... Yvonne
2014 A Lesson in Romance (TV Movie) 
Diane
2014 The Divorce (TV Movie) 
2013 Whoa! 
Kate Sterling
2013 Turbo FAST (TV Series) 
Queen Bananica
- African Queen/Mega Snails (2013) ... Queen Bananica (voice)
2013 Toy Story of Terror (TV Short) 
Delivery Lady (voice)
2013 Regular Show (TV Series) 
Duck Lady / Woman 1 / Woman 3
- Steak Me Amadeus (2013) ... Duck Lady / Woman 1 / Woman 3 (voice)
2013 The Soul Man (TV Series) 
Erika
- Bride and Prejudice (2013) ... Erika
2013 WHOA! Comedy Short (Short) 
Kate Sterling
2013 Monsters University 
Additional Voices (voice)
2012-2013 Days of Our Lives (TV Series) 
Dr. Knapp
- Episode #1.12091 (2013) ... Dr. Knapp (as Dawn Lewis)
- Episode #1.11957 (2012) ... Dr. Knapp
- Episode #1.11955 (2012) ... Dr. Knapp
- Episode #1.11913 (2012) ... Dr. Knapp
- Episode #1.11897 (2012) ... Dr. Knapp (as Dawn Lewis)
2013 Second Chances (TV Movie) 
Maria
2012 Dino Time 
Additional Voices (voice, as Dawn Lewis)
2012 Jennifer (Short) 
Dr. Fox
1999-2012 Futurama (TV Series) 
LaBarbara Conrad / Tank / Juiced-up Butterfly Fighter / ...
- Viva Mars Vegas (2012) ... Singer (voice)
- Near-Death Wish (2012) ... Tank / Juiced-up Butterfly Fighter (voice)
- The Six Million Dollar Mon (2012) ... LaBarbara Conrad (voice)
- The Butterjunk Effect (2012) ... Tank / Juiced-up Butterfly Fighter (voice)
- Neutopia (2011) ... LaBarbara Conrad / Amana (voice)
Show all 13 episodes
2012 Let It Shine (TV Movie) 
Gail
2012 Strange Frame: Love & Sax 
Malora (voice)
2012 Breaking In (TV Series) 
Janet Jenkins
- The Blind Sided (2012) ... Janet Jenkins
2012CSI: Miami (TV Series) 
Stacy McCann
- At Risk (2012) ... Stacy McCann
2010-2012 The Cleveland Show (TV Series) 
Mrs. Bailey / Brunette Woman / Hostess / ...
- Brown Magic (2012) ... Brunette Woman / Hostess (voice)
- Sex and the Biddy (2011) ... Mrs. Bailey / Receptionist (voice)
- Murray Christmas (2010) ... Mrs. Bailey (voice)
2008-2012 The Life & Times of Tim (TV Series) 
The Boss' Wife
- A Tale of Two Rodneys/Keith to the Rescue (2012) ... The Boss' Wife (voice)
- Personality Disorder/Stu Is Good at Something (2010) ... The Boss' Wife (voice)
- Bashko's Hairy Daughter/Tim's Not Singing (2008) ... (voice)
2011 Billion Dollar Freshmen (TV Movie) 
Melanie
2011 Reed Between the Lines (TV Series) 
Trishelle
- Let's Talk About College Boys (2011) ... Trishelle
2009-2010 Glenn Martin DDS (TV Series) 
Nurse
- Volunteers (2010) ... Nurse (voice)
- From Here to Fraternity (2009) ... Nurse (voice)
2010 The Secret Life of the American Teenager (TV Series) 
Lauren's Mom
- Sweet and Sour (2010) ... Lauren's Mom
- Lady Liberty (2010) ... Lauren's Mom
- The Rhythm of Life (2010) ... Lauren's Mom
- Let's Try That Again (2010) ... Lauren's Mom
2010 Preacher's Kid 
Mya
2009 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 (Video Game) 
Storm (voice)
2009 Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder (Video) 
LaBarbara Conrad / Womens' Prison Warden (voice)
2009 Nick Jr. IDs (TV Series) 
- Pilot (2009) ... (voice)
2008-2009 One Tree Hill (TV Series) 
Denise Fields
- Things a Mamma Don't Know (2009) ... Denise Fields
- Bridge Over Troubled Water (2008) ... Denise Fields
- Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. (2008) ... Denise Fields
2008 The Rise of the Argonauts (Video Game) (voice)
2007 Hell on Earth (TV Movie) 
Amber / Jesse
2007 Futurama: Bender's Big Score (Video) 
LaBarbara Conrad (voice)
2007 Handy Manny (TV Series) 
Tanya
- Musica/Ice Cream Team (2007) ... Tanya (voice)
2007 The Last Sentinel 
Angel - Tallis' Rifle (voice)
2007 Spider-Man 3 (Video Game) 
Additional Voices (voice)
2002-2007 The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (TV Series) 
Grim's Granny / Old Lady / Old Monster / ...
- Nergal's Pizza/Hey, Water You Doing? (2007) ... Grim's Granny / Old Lady / Old Monster (voice)
- One Crazy Summoner/Guess What's Coming to the Dinner (2005) ... Granny / Girl #2 (voice)
- Billy's Growth Spurt/Time Hole Incident/Billy and the Bully (2002) ... Grim's Granny (voice)
2007 Holly Hobbie and Friends: Secret Adventures (Video short) 
Carolyn Baker (voice)
2006 Dreamgirls 
Melba Early
2006 Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes (Video short) 
Carolyn Baker (voice)
2006 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (Video Game) 
Storm (voice)
2006 The Adventures of Brer Rabbit (Video) 
Mom (voice)
2005 True Crime: New York City (Video Game) (voice)
2005 X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse (Video Game) 
Storm (voice, as Dawn Lewis)
2004 NYPD Blue (TV Series) 
Jocelyn Barker
- The 3-H Club (2004) ... Jocelyn Barker
2004 Medical Investigation (TV Series) 
Dr. Burton
- Little Girl (2004) ... Dr. Burton
2004 Static Shock (TV Series) 
Brickhouse
- Army of Darkness (2004) ... Brickhouse (voice)
2003 Girlfriends (TV Series) 
Linda Dent
- Viva Las Vegas (2003) ... Linda Dent
- And Baby Makes Four (2003) ... Linda Dent
2003 Gladius (Video Game) 
Additional Voices (voice, as Dawn Lewis)
2003 Ozzy & Drix (TV Series) 
Cilia Tyson
- An Out of Body Experience: Part 2 (2003) ... Cilia Tyson (voice)
- An Out of Body Experience: Part 1 (2003) ... Cilia Tyson (voice)
2003 Strong Medicine (TV Series) 
Detective Wright
- Risk (2003) ... Detective Wright
2002 Charlotte's Web 2: Wilbur's Great Adventure (Video) 
Bessie / Female Judge (voice)
2002 Andy Richter Controls the Universe (TV Series) 
Jackie
- We're All the Same, Only Different (2002) ... Jackie
2002 Endgame: Ethics and Values in America (TV Movie) 
Alison
2000-2002 Any Day Now (TV Series) 
Gail Williams
- Call Him Macaroni (2002) ... Gail Williams
- It's Not Just a Word: Part 2 (2001) ... Gail Williams
- It's Not Just a Word: Part 1 (2001) ... Gail Williams
- Tick, Tick, Tick (2001) ... Gail Williams
- 10 Days? Are You Crazy? (2001) ... Gail Williams
Show all 8 episodes
2001 Nicolas
 2001 The Legend of Tarzan (TV Series) 
Naoh
- Tarzan and the Eagle's Feather (2001) ... Naoh (voice)
2001 The Poof Point (TV Movie) 
Marigold Ballard
2000 Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV Series) 
Mary
- Panic on Bathyos (2000) ... Mary (voice)
2000 The 10th Kingdom (TV Mini-Series) 
Blabberwort the Troll
- Episode #1.10 (2000) ... Blabberwort the Troll
- Episode #1.9 (2000) ... Blabberwort the Troll
- Episode #1.8 (2000) ... Blabberwort the Troll
- Episode #1.4 (2000) ... Blabberwort the Troll
- Episode #1.3 (2000) ... Blabberwort the Troll
Show all 7 episodes
1999 The Wood 
Woman in Cleaners
1997-1999 King of the Hill (TV Series) 
Sharona Johnson
- Wings of the Dope (1999) ... Sharona Johnson (voice)
- Plastic White Female (1997) ... Sharona Johnson (voice)
1999 Early Edition (TV Series) 
Gayle Clark
- Number One with a Bullet (1999) ... Gayle Clark
1999 Nash Bridges (TV Series) 
Winifred Holt
- Resurrection (1999) ... Winifred Holt
1999 The Jamie Foxx Show (TV Series) 
Dr. Kanella
- Scareder Than a Mug (1999) ... Dr. Kanella
1998 The Secret Files of the SpyDogs (TV Series) 
Additional Voices
- Hair/Homework (1998) ... Additional Voices (voice)
1997 The Incredible Hulk (TV Series) 
Agent Diana
- Mission: Incredible (1997) ... Agent Diana (voice)
1995-1997 Spider-Man (TV Series) 
Detective Terri Lee / Lt. Terri Lee
- The Return of Hydro-Man: Part 2 (1997) ... Detective Terri Lee (voice)
- The Return of Hydro-Man: Part 1 (1997) ... Detective Terri Lee (voice)
- Partners in Danger Chapter 7: The Vampire Queen (1997) ... Detective Terri Lee (voice)
- Sins of the Fathers Chapter 11: Carnage (1996) ... Detective Terri Lee (voice)
- Sins of the Fathers Chapter 10: Venom Returns (1996) ... Detective Terri Lee (voice)
Show all 13 episodes
1997 The Parent 'Hood (TV Series) 
Bernadette
- Father Wendell (1997) ... Bernadette
1997 Bad Day on the Block 
Sandy Tierra
1997 The Burning Zone (TV Series) 
Dr. Janice Rhodes
- Elegy for a Dream (1997) ... Dr. Janice Rhodes
1997 Die Gang (TV Series) 
Stella Tumbrell
- Das Duell (1997) ... Stella Tumbrell
1997 Sliders (TV Series) 
Dr. Natalie Sylvius
- The Breeder (1997) ... Dr. Natalie Sylvius
1997 The Steve Harvey Show (TV Series) 
Alise Peyton
- Coming to Chicago (1997) ... Alise Peyton
1996 Bruno the Kid: The Animated Movie (Video) 
Di Archer (voice)
1996 Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (TV Series) 
Sheeva
- Overthrown (1996) ... Sheeva (voice)
- Fall from Grace (1996) ... Sheeva (voice)
- Acid Tongue (1996) ... Sheeva (voice)
1996 The Cherokee Kid (TV Movie) 
Stagecoach Mary, Love GAng
1996 Bruno the Kid (TV Series) 
Di Archer (voice)
1996 The Faculty (TV Series) 
Mrs. Lowman
- Daisy's Secret (1996) ... Mrs. Lowman
1996 Dream On (TV Series) 
Rema Hort
- Finale with a Vengeance (1996) ... Rema Hort
- Finale - Part One (1996) ... Rema Hort
- Cupid Is as Cupid Does (1996) ... Rema Hort
1996 C-Bear and Jamal (TV Series) (voice)
1995 Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (TV Series) 
Princess Songe
- The Valiant Little Tailor (1995) ... Princess Songe (voice)
1995 ABC Weekend Specials (TV Series) 
Temba's Sister
- Jirimpimbira: An African Folk Tale (1995) ... Temba's Sister (voice)
1994 Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad (TV Movie) 
Minnie
1993 A Cool Like That Christmas (TV Movie) 
Jarvis (voice)
1993 Mouse Soup (Short) (voice)
1992-1993 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (TV Series) 
Robin Dumars
- Livin' a Large Lie (1993) ... Robin Dumars
- A Moving Experience (1993) ... Robin Dumars
- PMS: Post Moving in Syndrome (1993) ... Robin Dumars
- Piano Lesson (1993) ... Robin Dumars
- The Unteachables (1993) ... Robin Dumars
Show all 22 episodes
1987-1992 A Different World (TV Series) 
Jaleesa Vinson
- Save the Best for Last: Part 2 (1992) ... Jaleesa Vinson
- Save the Best for Last: Part 1 (1992) ... Jaleesa Vinson
- Special Delivery (1992) ... Jaleesa Vinson
- Love Taps (1992) ... Jaleesa Vinson (credit only)
- May the Best Man Win (1992) ... Jaleesa Vinson
Show all 109 episodes
1992 Stompin' at the Savoy (TV Movie) 
Ella Fitzgerald
1990 Kid 'n' Play (TV Series) 
Lela (1990) (voice)
1988 I'm Gonna Git You Sucka 
Cheryl
Category:American film actresses