Renowned Hollywood actress Jenifer Lewis has recently opened up about a harrowing incident she faced during a trip to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
In a preview of her sit-down interview with news anchor Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, Lewis recounted the terrifying fall that left her immobile and fearing for her life.
The incident occurred in November 2022, just three months after Lewis had wrapped up filming the popular series “Black-ish” and released her memoir, “Walking in My Joy: In These Streets.” At 67 years old, Lewis had embarked on a well-deserved vacation, planning to retire and explore the world.
During her trip, Lewis and her friends traveled from Cape Town to Rwanda, where they encountered mountain gorillas, an experience that filled them with both fearlessness and courage. However, it was during their stay in the Serengeti that disaster struck.
In the darkness of the African night, Lewis fell from her hotel balcony, causing severe injuries. She described the pain as “pure shock,” unable to move and fearing the worst. Despite the excruciating pain, Lewis managed to call for help, with her friend Laurie coming to her aid.
The remote location of the incident complicated the rescue efforts, but Lewis was eventually airlifted to Nairobi, Kenya, where she underwent a grueling 10-hour surgery for a fractured acetabulum. Her recovery included three blood transfusions and six days in intensive care.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Lewis expressed gratitude for the care she received from the people of Nairobi. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the experience, Lewis remained resilient, returning to work on projects like the Night Court revival and Jennifer Lopez’s musical film, “This is Me…Now: A Love Story.”
Lewis’s decision to share her story now, after months of recovery, reflects her determination to overcome adversity and inspire others. As she prepares to move forward, Lewis’s courage serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
