In a revealing interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, legendary actress Jenifer Lewis recounted a terrifying near-death experience she endured in late 2022 during a trip to Africa. This marks her first time speaking publicly about the incident, shedding light on the challenges she faced in the aftermath.
Lewis, known for her role in Black-ish, described the fall from a balcony in Africa as a moment of sheer terror.
“Did you think you were going to die?” Roberts inquired, to which Lewis admitted, “I did.”
Recalling the intense pain she felt, Lewis expressed disbelief at the contrast between her triumphant moments, like standing on her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and the sudden vulnerability she experienced after the fall.
The accident occurred in the Serengeti, following what Lewis described as “a trip of a lifetime” with friends. Exploring the mountains with gorillas in Rwanda, Lewis felt a sense of exhilaration and courage. However, it was at a lodge in the Serengeti where the harrowing incident took place. The lack of proper lighting and signage led to Lewis inadvertently stepping off a balcony and plummeting 10 feet into a ravine filled with rocks.
In the aftermath of the fall, Lewis found herself in excruciating pain, unable to move. Calling out to her friend Laurie for help, she struggled to even scream due to the severity of her injuries. To add to the danger, Laurie spotted a Cape buffalo nearby, heightening the sense of urgency. Lewis humorously recounted her thoughts during the ordeal, including a wry observation about potential headlines involving her demise.
Despite the terrifying circumstances, Lewis eventually received medical attention and began her road to recovery. Reflecting on the experience, she admitted feeling humbled and uncertain about her path forward. However, she emphasized her determination to embrace life fully, acknowledging the resilience required to overcome such a traumatic event.
The full interview, titled “After the Fall: A Conversation with Robin Roberts and Jenifer Lewis,” will delve deeper into Lewis’s journey to recovery and her renewed perspective on life. It will air on ABC News Live and Hulu, offering viewers a glimpse into the strength and resilience of a Hollywood icon who faced her mortality head-on.