Jenifer Lewis recently shared the details of a tragic accident that nearly took her life during a vacation to the Serengeti in Africa in 2022. In an exclusive special with Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, the 67-year-old actress, known as “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” opened up about the harrowing experience. Despite her usual vivacious demeanor, Jenifer described the past year as the hardest of her life as she grappled with the aftermath of what was supposed to be a dream vacation turning into a nightmare.
Following the conclusion of her long-running sitcom Black-ish in April 2022, Jenifer had planned to retire and celebrate by embarking on a trip to the Serengeti in November of the same year. However, what was meant to be a joyous occasion quickly took a dark turn. Jenifer vividly recounted the moment when she fell over ten feet off her deck into a dry ravine surrounded by boulders and sharp rocks, with little vegetation to cushion her fall.
As Jenifer lay motionless on the ground, her friend captured the chilling scene on camera as rescuers rushed to her aid. With her shoulder striking a stone and her hip absorbing the brunt of the impact, Jenifer found herself in a state of shock, unable to comprehend the severity of her situation. Despite the excruciating pain, she mustered the strength to urge herself to move, calling out to her friend through labored breaths.
Throughout the ordeal, Jenifer demonstrated remarkable resilience and humor, even in the face of grave danger. Facing the very real threat of wild animals in the vicinity, Jenifer’s thoughts turned to the ironic possibility of becoming a sensational headline. Her ability to find levity in a dire situation speaks volumes about her strength of character and unwavering spirit.
While Jenifer had initially chosen to keep her recovery process private, a mutual friend, actress Niecy Nash, encouraged her to share her story with Robin Roberts before making it public on social media. This decision led to a candid conversation that shed light on the challenges Jenifer faced in the aftermath of the accident. From physical injuries to emotional trauma, Jenifer’s journey to recovery serves as a testament to her resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
As Jenifer Lewis continues to heal and rebuild her life after the near-death experience in the Serengeti, her story stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit in overcoming even the most daunting challenges. Through her unwavering resilience and indomitable spirit, Jenifer serves as an inspiration to us all, showing that even in the darkest of moments, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.