Dawnn Jewel Lewis was born on August 13, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York City. She
developed an early passion for performing, singing at the age of four and acting
by eleven. She attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City and
later graduated cum laude from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Music
degree in musical theatre.
Lewis gained
recognition for her role as Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor on A Different World
(1987–1992), a spin-off of The Cosby Show. She co-wrote the show's theme song
with Bill Cosby and Stu Gardner. After leaving A Different World, she starred as
Robin Dumars in the first season of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (1992–1993). She
also appeared in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) and had guest roles in numerous
television series.
Beyond acting, Lewis has had a
successful career in voice work, lending her voice to animated shows such as
Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Futurama, and Star Trek: Lower Decks, where she
plays Captain Carol Freeman. She has also performed on stage, including in
Broadway productions.
Lewis was married to
former NBA player Johnny Newman from 2004 to 2006.