Jenifer Lewis: 13 Best Acting Roles Throughout Her Career
- There are few actresses as endlessly compelling as Jenifer Lewis,a performer who can be hilarious and dead serious in the same breath.
- Thanks to her roles in "black-ish," Think Like A Man, Baggage Claim, What's Love Got to do with It, and several other projects, we've seen that the Black...
- In any case, Lewis is great at what she does, which probably explains why she's been booked and busy for the bulk of her career.
There are few actresses as endlessly compelling as Jenifer Lewis,a performer who can be hilarious and dead serious in the same breath. And while she may often be known for playing a mother figure rather than a romantic lead - though she’s very much capable of that, too – Lewis proves range matters more than any archetype.
Thanks to her roles in “black-ish,” Think Like A Man, Baggage Claim, What’s Love Got to do with It, and several other projects, we’ve seen that the Black Hollywood mom trope can look wildly different depending on the film or series.Even outside her live-action work, Lewis has lent her voice to animated classics like disney’s The Princess and the Frog and “Cars on the Road.”
In any case, Lewis is great at what she does, which probably explains why she’s been booked and busy for the bulk of her career. With that in mind, REVOLT looked back at 13 of her best roles, in no particular order.
1. Ruby Johnson in “black-ish”
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1. Taraji P.Henson’s Career Overview
Taraji P. Henson is a highly acclaimed American actress and producer known for her powerful performances in film and television. She rose to prominence with her Academy Award-nominated role in Hustle & Flow and has as become a celebrated figure in Hollywood, consistently delivering compelling portrayals across diverse genres.
Henson began her career with guest appearances on television shows like sister, Sister and Felicity in the late 1990s.She gained wider recognition with supporting roles in films such as Baby Boy (2001) and Four Brothers (2005). Her breakthrough role came in 2005 with Hustle & Flow, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She has continued to build a prosperous career, starring in critically acclaimed projects like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) and the television series Empire (2015-2020).
In 2006, Henson received a Black reel Award for Best Actress for her performance in Detroit.She also won a Golden Globe Award in 2016 for her role as Cookie Lyon in Empire.
2. Clarice in ‘Baby Boy’
Taraji P. Henson plays Yvette, the strong-willed and independent girlfriend of Jody (Tyrese Gibson) in the 2001 film Baby Boy. Her character provides a grounded counterpoint to Jody’s immaturity and struggles, showcasing her ability to portray complex and relatable women.
Baby Boy, directed by John Singleton, explores themes of love, responsibility, and the challenges of growing up in South Central Los Angeles. Henson’s performance as Yvette was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. The film grossed $30.1 million domestically,according to Box Office Mojo.
In a 2015 interview with Essence, Henson described Yvette as a character who “loved Jody unconditionally, but she also knew she deserved better.”
3. Queen Latifah’s Freind in ‘Hustle & flow’
Taraji P. henson portrays Shug in the 2005 film Hustle & Flow, a close friend and confidante to Queen Latifah’s character, Sina. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Hustle & Flow, directed by Craig Brewer, tells the story of a pimp trying to become a rapper. Henson’s character provides emotional support and a realistic outlook on the challenges faced by the protagonist. The film was praised for its gritty realism and powerful performances. It earned $16.7 million at the box office.
Henson’s nomination for the Academy Award made her the second African-American actress to be nominated for best Supporting Actress, following diana Ross in 1972 for Lady Sings the Blues.
Taraji P. Henson plays Lorraine Miller, the mother of Daisy Fuller (Cate Blanchett) in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Her role, though supporting, is pivotal in establishing the emotional core of the story.
Directed by David Fincher, the film follows the life of Benjamin Button, a man who ages in reverse. Henson’s portrayal of Lorraine is marked by warmth and resilience. The film received 13 Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Art Direction and Best Makeup.
According to Variety, Henson’s performance was “a standout” in a film filled with acclaimed actors.
Taraji P. Henson stars as Cookie Lyon in the Fox television series Empire (2015-2020), a role that catapulted her to mainstream recognition and earned her numerous awards, including a Golden Globe. Cookie Lyon is the ex-wife of Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) and a fiercely independent businesswoman.
Empire quickly became a cultural phenomenon, known for its dramatic storylines, catchy music, and compelling characters. Henson’s portrayal of Cookie Lyon was lauded for its energy, humor, and vulnerability. The show averaged 13.82 million viewers per episode during its peak season (
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