Jennifer Lewis Reveals Bipolar Disorder

Jennifer Lewis Reveals Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis at the

2015 American Black Film Festival (ABFF)/ Awards Ceremony

Though she’s known for her bright smile, big personality and for always playing somebody’s mama, there’s another side to Jenifer Lewis that most people don’t know about: her mental illness. 

The 57-year-old actress was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1990 and after 17 years of therapy and 10 years of being medicated for the illness, she’s ready to open up about it, while offering advice to other who may be suffering from the same disorder.

Tracee Ellis Ross often bickers with Jenifer Lewis on the ABC hit comedy “Black-ish.” But the two co-stars shared a special moment at “The Best of the ABFF” awards ceremony as Ross presented Lewis with the festival’s coveted Career Achievement Award.

Before handing Lewis the award, Ross reminded the audience of Lewis’ extensive body of work. After a short video montage with congratulations from individuals such as Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburn, and other celebrities, Lewis accepted the award and shared how she established herself in Hollywood.

Watch anything from “A Different World,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Girlfriends” on the small screen to “Poetic Justice,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Cars” on the big screen and chances are you’ve probably seen or heard Jennifer Lewis.

Nowadays, the acting veteran can be found on the hit ABC show “Black-ish” alongside Tracee Ellis Ross, who was among those honoring Lewis at “The Best of the ABFF” awards ceremony. While accepting the festival’s Career Achievement Award, Lewis detailed her path to fame while revealing the moment she discovered she had a mental disorder.

Starting out, Lewis encountered difficulty with finding a steady job on New York’s Broadway scene. As a result, she decided to take her destiny in her own hands by writing, directing, and starring in her own one-woman stage play, “The Diva is Dismissed. “

The off-Broadway production that showcased her talent gave way to more work in TV and film. Despite her career taking an upward swing, things weren’t going as well for Lewis personally.

During her acceptance speech, Lewis confessed to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well as her struggle with coming to terms with the mental disorder. As it turned out, Lewis ultimately decided to get help, the decision proved to be good as she never allowed her disorder to prevent her from reaching her goals.

“That journey I took has given me the permission to help others,” Lewis said. “That what my life is about now, helping others. I help people wherever and whenever I can. Just don’t ask me for money [laughs]!”

Before presenting Lewis with the Career Achievement Award, Ross acknowledged her “Black-ish” co-star’s large body of work over the years.



2015 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS LIST:

“BEST OF THE ABFF” AUDIENCE AWARD (TIE) (Presented by VH1): KNUCKLEHEAD Directed by: Ben Bowman Written by: Bryan Abrams, Ben Bowman Produced by: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Ben Bowman Executive Producers: Jonathan Gray, Debra Azemar Cast: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Alfre Woodard, Amari Cheatom, Justin Myrick, Nikiya Mathis, Carla Duren

AND

LAST NIGHT Directed by: Harold Jackson III Written by: Harold Jackson III Produced by: Harold Jackson III, Hope Taylor, Prince Levy Jr., Latecia Durham Cast: Judi Blair, Danny Gavigan, Benton Greene, Nedra McClyde, Nikkole Salter

GRAND JURY PRIZE FOR BEST SCREENPLAY (Presented by Time Warner Foundation):


LAST NIGHT Directed by: Harold Jackson III Written by Harold Jackson III Produced by: Harold Jackson III, Hope Taylor, Prince Levy Jr., Latecia Durham Cast: Judi Blair, Danny Gavigan, Benton Greene, Nedra McClyde, Nikkole Salter

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR (Presented by Cadillac):

THE NIGHT BEFORE Directed by: Kenny Young Written by: Kenny Young Produced by: Phil James, Lisa D. Washington, Kim Hardin Executive Producers: Angela White, Felicia James Cast: Colin Egglesfield, David Faustino, Fred Willard, Anna Hutchinson, Brian White, Gary Owen

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST NARRATIVE (Presented by Prudential):

THE NIGHT BEFORE Directed by: Kenny Young Written by: Kenny Young Produced by: Phil James, Lisa D. Washington, Kim Hardin Executive Producers: Angela White, Felicia James Cast: Colin Egglesfield, David Faustino, Fred Willard, Anna Hutchinson, Brian White, Gary Owen

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR (Presented by ASPiRE) LISA ARRINDELL ANDERSON IN THE SIN SEER Directed by: PaulD.Hannah Written by: Paul D. Hannah Produced by: Paul D. Hannah, Angela White, Isaiah Washington



Actress Lisa Arrindell Anderson accepting her award at the 2015 ABFF Awards Ceremony

HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION: STANHOPE Directed, written, and produced by: Solvan Naim, Co-produced by Akshay Bhansali Cast: Malik Lockett, Johnnie Mae, Rob Morgan, Nedra McClyde, Simeon Buresch



Cast member “Stanhope” (Malik Lockett) and director Solvan Naim

BEST WEB ORIGINAL (Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal): AMERICAN KOKO Directed by: Diarra Kilpatrick & Miles Orion Feld Written by: Diarra Kilpatrick Produced by: Anna Micayla Feld Cast: Diarra Kilpatrick, Terrence Colby Clemons, Miles Orion Feld, Elaine Kao, Cedric Sanders

BEST DOCUMENTARY (Presented by BET Networks): ALTHEA Directed by: Rex Miller Produced by: Nancy Buirski, Elisabeth Haviland James, Rex Miller Executive Producers: John Amos, Billie Jean King, William Ackman Principal Subject(s): Billie Jean King, Nick Bollettieri, David Dinkins, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe




Best Documentary winner for “Althea”, Rex Miller

ABFF TALENT COMPETITIONS COMEDY WINGS COMPETITION WINNER (Presented by HBO) : Chastity Washington MCDONALD’S LOVIN’ VIDEO COMPETITION WINNER: “PUPPY LOVE” Written and Directed by Richard T. Fields STAR PROJECT (Presented by NBCUniversal) Female – Asha Kamali Male – Rahmell Peebles TV ONE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION DEADBEAT DAD REHAB Written by Keronoda “Kiki” McKnight

Congratulations to all the 2015 ABFF competition winners!!