Research Catalog

The mother of Black Hollywood : a memoir

Title
The mother of Black Hollywood : a memoir / Jenifer Lewis.
Author
Lewis, Jenifer, 1957-
Publication
  • New York, NY : Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2017]
  • ©2017

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TextUse in library Sc E 18-154Schomburg Center - Research & Reference

Details

Description
320 pages ; 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color); 24 cm
Summary
  • The star of "Black-ish" traces her journey from poverty to fame, sharing insights into her battles with undiagnosed mental illness and sex addiction while citing the support of loving friends and her philosophy about self-acceptance that enabled her success.
  • "From her more than three hundred appearances for film and television, stage and cabaret, performing comedy or drama, as an unforgettable lead or a scene-stealing supporting character, Jenifer Lewis has established herself as one of the most respected, admired, talented, and versatile entertainers working today. This 'Mega Diva' and costar of the hit sitcom black-ish bares her soul in this touching and poignant--and at times side-splittingly hilarious--memoir of a Midwestern girl with a dream, whose journey took her from poverty to the big screen, and along the way earned her many accolades. With candor and warmth, Jenifer Lewis reveals the heart of a woman who lives life to the fullest. This multitalented 'force of nature' landed her first Broadway role within eleven days of her graduation from college and later earned the title 'Reigning Queen of High-Camp Cabaret.' In the audaciously honest voice that her fans adore, Jenifer describes her transition to Hollywood, with guest roles on hits like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Friends. Her movie Jackie's Back! became a cult favorite, and as the 'Mama' to characters portrayed by Whitney Houston, Tupac Shakur, Taraji P. Henson, and many more, Jenifer cemented her status as the 'Mother of Black Hollywood.' When an undiagnosed mental illness stymies Jenifer's career, culminating in a breakdown while filming The Temptations, her quest for wholeness becomes a harrowing and inspiring tale, including revelations of bipolar disorder. Written with no-holds-barred honesty and illustrated with more than forty color photographs, this gripping memoir is filled with insights gained through a unique life that offers a universal message: 'Love yourself so that love will not be a stranger when it comes.'"--Dust jacket flap.
Subjects
Genre/Form
  • Autobiographies.
  • Biography.
Note
  • "Career overview": pages 313-320.
Bibliography (note)
  • Includes filmography (pages 313-320).
Contents
black-ish to greenish -- Shoulders back, titties first -- Don't tell Mama -- Dick diva -- Love versus Dreamgirls -- "Ma'am, are you a delegate?" -- A doll named "Killer" -- Hollywood not swinging -- Kinloch -- "It ain't that kind of call, motherfucker" -- Dismissing the diva -- Kicking down doors -- Jackie's back! -- Mother Courage -- On the back of a two-humped camel.
Call Number
Sc E 18-154
ISBN
  • 9780062410405
  • 0062410407
  • 9780062839190 (canceled/invalid)
OCLC
973100938
Author
Lewis, Jenifer, 1957- author.
Title
The mother of Black Hollywood : a memoir / Jenifer Lewis.
Publisher
New York, NY : Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2017]
Copyright Date
©2017
Edition
First edition.
Type of Content
text
Type of Medium
unmediated
Type of Carrier
volume
Bibliography
Includes filmography (pages 313-320).
Local Note
Schomburg copy with dust jacket.
Local Subject
Black author.
Research Call Number
Sc E 18-154
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