Actress Jenifer Lewis is denying retirement two years after recovering from a fall from a balcony that almost killed her

While promoting her recent Disney project, actress Jenifer Lewis reflected on her illustrious profession at age 67, including her recent admission two years after a 10-foot fall.

In November 2022, the veteran Broadway actress suffered a life-threatening accident while on vacation within the Serengeti region of Tanzania.

Her role as Grandma Ruby on Black-ish had ended five months earlier and he or she was planning to retire.

But tragedy struck when Lewis fell from the hotel balcony into a pit with “black tar“darkness. She made a peaceful recovery and only recently began sharing her story of hearing a lion roar while waiting for help and having to learn to walk again after a freak accident.

“I’m not going anywhere, that’s why God put me in this fall,” Lewis told Atlanta Black Star during an exclusive interview concerning the red carpet premiere of her recent project.

“He said, ‘let me show you what it’s like to take a seat down. Let me show you what it’s like to take a seat down, Mrs. Lewis, now rise up and do what it is advisable do,” she shared.

The “Meet the Browns” star, who was unfamiliar with the property, explained that she went out onto the deck to see the infinity pool, but tragically fell into a dry ravine stuffed with boulders and sharp rocks attributable to section not closed deck.

The Doctors Without Borders team airlifted her to Nairobi, Kenya, where she learned she had fractured the acetabulum, or socket, of her hip joint. She underwent a nine-hour surgery to switch the acetabulum with titanium.

After three blood transfusions, six days in intensive care and a total of 10 days in hospital, Lewis emerged from the ordeal physically and mentally exhausted but deeply grateful to be alive.

The Jamie Foxx Show star described her path as marked by labor and noted that she has a deep sense of pride in continuing to do what she loves.

During an event promoting the brand new project, she was asked: “What challenge did you have to overcome and now you are at this moment, here and now?”

Noting that this was a great query, Lewis dramatically said, “Well, let’s quote the song ‘Almost There,’ which was sung by actress and fellow Anika Noni Rose within the film ‘The Princess and the Frog.’

“Trials and tribulations, I’ve had my share.” The difference between me and Tiana is I’m not nearly there yet. I’m there,” Lewis continued.

“I’m 67, young lady, I’ve been to the mountaintop and I’ve been to the valley, and now I’m in the happiest place in the world. It couldn’t be better,” said the creator of “Mother of Black Hollywood.” But it’s a job. Don’t let me be dismissive of it. Life is a job.”

Lewis began showcasing her work ethic and skills on Broadway within the 1979 musical Eubie and later within the workshop of Dreamgirls as the unique Effie, given to Jennifer Holliday, and Hairspray.

At one point, the multi-talented singer became a background vocalist for Bett Midler’s “Hartlette” before launching her television profession within the ’90s on shows equivalent to “Murphy Brown,” “In Living Color,” “Roc,” “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” “A Different World” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

Decades after landing her first acting role, she began landing roles in movies equivalent to Sister Act, Poetic Justice, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Think Like a Man, and lots of Tyler Perry movies. She also appeared in series and voiced characters in animated series equivalent to The PJs, Girlfriends as Toni Child’s mother, and kids’s shows equivalent to Big Hero 6: The Series and Princess Power.

In 2018, Lewis was forged within the ABC sitcom “Black-ish” as Ruby’s grandmother, a role that lasted for six years and introduced her to a recent generation of fans. While appearing on the show, she used her platform to speak about her bipolar disorder.

In her autobiography, she shared that she was diagnosed with the disorder within the Nineties and has since grow to be an advocate for mental health awareness. Although she explained how terrifying it was for her before she got help, the scariest and most threatening moment of her life was not managing her mind, but her body.

“I thought, hey, whatever you want, honey, just don’t dump me anymore,” Lewis added within the interview.

This level of resilience strengthened her temperament while filming and promoting the brand new Disney attraction.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. The highly anticipated ride will take guests through the colourful Louisiana bayou with Princess Tiana and her friends, offering a combination of engaging storytelling, water rides and thrilling moments.

Lewis, who voices Mama Odie in “The Princess and the Frog,” praised the ride’s creators for its authentic portrayal of New Orleans, noting that the experience beautifully captures the essence of the Big Easy.

According to Lewis, the director meticulously ensured that the music, cuisine and unique nuances of the town were faithfully reflected within the theme park attraction. This commitment to authenticity makes the attraction a true ode to New Orleans culture.

“They captured New Orleans beautifully. They captured the culture with Mama Odie’s beignets. You’ll see,” she said.