Her career spans decades. She's been hailed a "mega diva," a "national treasure" of both the stage and screen.
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The star is in Philadelphia Thursday night to talk about her latest role: author.
She will talk candidly at the African American Museum and sign copies of her memoir "The Mother of Black Comedy."
And she promises, she will sing!
Lewis' story starts in poverty. She was diagnosed as bipolar. She suffered abuse, but she rose up.
And she said she left nothing out in her book.
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"I kept a journal every day of my life since 7th grade because I knew this day would come. It's what I wanted all my life, and I was unstoppable. When I sat down to write the book, I knew it would be difficult," Lewis said. "This was hard stuff. I gave up many times. I did it, took me two years. It's when you're hardest hit that you mustn't quit. It's right around the corner. I can promise you that."
Lewis says there's something powerful about being cast as the mother and now grandmother: you get to teach, you get to show compassion and care and lead the way
The meet and greet and book signing starts at 5 p.m. at the Literary Café at the African American Museum.
Her conversation with Patty Jackson, followed by a book signing, begins at 6 p.m.
The cost is $30 and includes a free copy of Lewis' book.
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