HEART AND SOUL MAGAZINE
Jennifer Lewis Talks the Power of Therapy and Storytelling
by: Quassan Castro
After a few minutes chatting with actress Jennifer Lewis, you quickly absorb her zest for life. Her straight-forwardness and gutsy vernacular reminds you of the characters you might meet in her movies, including What’s Love Got To Do With It and The Preacher’s Wife. But don’t get it twisted; she’s no one-dimensional actress and was handpicked to star in Clint Eastwood’s new thriller Hereafter.
Along with wooing Hollywood veterans and fans, the 53-year-old Lewis is also one of 2.3 million Americans with bipolar disorder. The leading lady talks staying healthy, the power of therapy and the importance of telling our own stories.
HEART & SOUL: Congrats on your new film! What was it like making a film dealing with the afterlife, alongside Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon?
JENNIFER LEWIS: It was a great experience. Over 60 women auditioned, and Clint Eastwood chose me. It was a great feeling to be with A-listers in the business. I was honored, as they also felt honored working with me. Wherever I go in the afterlife, it’s going to be fabulous.
HEART & SOUL: What do you do to stay fit and feel whole?
LEWIS: I’m not so thin, but I take care of myself. I cycle, swim and I do yoga. I’m very athletic. I believe we have to focus on our self wholly and spiritually. It’s important that we make a difference. It’s not what you do, it’s who you are as you are doing it. The work starts inside. You start to love yourself when you stop blaming other people.
HEART & SOUL: How do you continue to keep your bipolar condition under control?
LEWIS: I keep myself in therapy. I’ve been in therapy for seventeen years. I am on a low dosage of medication. The medication has allowed me to come to a center. I’m very happy in my life.
HEART & SOUL: And you definitely glow. What’s your secret to healthy skin and living?
LEWIS: Drink some water. Vegetables and fruit are good for you. Steam rooms are great. Even climbing a mountain is good for rejuvenation. Cut the television off and write a book. Tell your story and tell people what you’ve overcome, that’s living.
HEART & SOUL: So, what’s the status on more stories on black women in Hollywood?
LEWIS: Don’t wait for anyone to tell your story. No one will give you anything. Sit down and write your story. Look at Tyler Perry, he’s writing stories and if you don’t like that story, write your own.
http://www.heartandsoul.com/2010/10/jennifer-lewis-talks-the-power-of-therapy-and-storytelling/
