Editing Andrea Lewis

{{Short description|Canadian actress (born 1985)}}
{{Other people}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Andrea Lewis
| image              = 
| imagesize          = 
| alt                = 
| caption            = 
| birth_name         = Andrea Desiree Lewis
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1985|08|15}}
| birth_place        = [[Pickering, Ontario]], Canada
| occupation         = Actress, singer
| years_active       = 1998–present
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Felix Howard]]|2021}}
| website            = {{URL|missandrealewis.com}}
}}
'''Andrea Desiree Lewis''' (born August 15, 1985) is a [[Canadians|Canadian]] actress and singer, known for her role as [[Hazel Aden]] in the long-running TV series ''[[Degrassi: The Next Generation]]''.

== Early life ==
One of two children, Lewis is the daughter of Caribbean-born parents. Her mother is from [[Jamaica]] and her father is from [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|St. Vincent]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Andrea Lewis - Biography |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0506916/bio |website=IMDB}}</ref>

==Career==
Lewis made her feature flim debut in 1998 as Cassandra in [[Maya Angelou|Maya Angelou's]] directorial debut ''[[Down in the Delta]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Andrea |date=10 Nov 2016 |title=Ex-'Degrassi' Star Andrea Lewis To Host Panel For Aspiring Black Actresses |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20161110/south-loop/degrassi-star-andrea-lewis-host-panel-for-aspiring-black-actresses |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=DNAinfo Chicago}}</ref> The following year, she acted with [[Naomi Judd]] in the television Christmas special ''[[A Holiday Romance]]''.<ref>{{Citation |title=A Holiday Romance |type= |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0213965/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |publisher=IMDb}}</ref>  

In 2001, Lewis appeared with [[Diahann Carroll]] in the [[biopic]] ''The Natalie Cole Story''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date= |title=Andrea Lewis |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0506916 |website=IMDB}}</ref> The same year, she played Brigette in an episode of ''[[Soul Food: The Series]]'' on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]], returning in 2003 for one episode, playing Dana.<ref name=":0" /> She also began her role as Hazel Aden in ''[[Degrassi: The Next Generation]]''. She would stay as a regular on the show until her character's graduation in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hearon |first=Sarah |date=2023-05-22 |title='Degrassi: The Next Generation' OGs: Where Are They Now? |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/degrassi-the-next-generation-ogs-where-are-they-now/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2003 and again in 2006, she was nominated in the category of Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) for her role in ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' at the Young Artist Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Andrea Lewis - Awards |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0506916/awards?ref_=nm_awd |website=IMDB}}</ref> 

In 2002, Lewis played [[Hilary Duff]]'s best friend, Carla Hall, in the [[Disney Channel Original Movie]] ''[[Cadet Kelly]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-03-11 |title='Cadet Kelly' Cast Today Then-and-Now Photos: Hilary Duff, More |url=https://www.j-14.com/posts/cadet-kelly-cast-then-and-now-disney-channel-original-movie-pics/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=J-14 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Lewis released her debut album ''Float Away'', on September 20, 2005. The album was released in Canada only. 

She appeared in the [[Nickelodeon]]'s musical film ''[[Spectacular!]],'' playing Robin, a member in a high school choir. Lewis appeared alongside [[Nolan Gerard Funk]], [[Tammin Sursok]], [[Victoria Justice]] and [[Simon Curtis (actor)|Simon Curtis]]. The film's premiere broadcast was on February 16, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zarinah |title=Andrea Lewis Shines Her Light On Black Women and Wellbeing |url=https://21ninety.com/andrea-lewis-shines-her-light-on-black-women-and-wellbeing |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=21Ninety |language=en}}</ref>

Her second album, ''5-4-3-2-1,'' was released on October 10, 2010 for free on her blog.<ref name=":3" />

In 2011, Lewis played a minor role in the musical ''[[Hairspray (musical)|Hairspray]]'' which travelled around Canada.

She founded the entertainment company Jungle Wild Productions in 2012 with Brian Walker. The company's mission is to produce diverse and original television, film, and digital content showcasing women, people of colour, and people in [[LGBT]] communities.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=About Andrea |url=https://missandrealewis.com |website=Miss Andrea Lewis}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Danielle |date=2015-04-08 |title=SHE WORKS: 'Black Actress' Creator Andrea Lewis: 'I Want To Take Us Out Of The Box Media Puts Us In' [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO] |url=https://hellobeautiful.com/2781391/andrea-lewis-black-actress-exclusive-interview/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=HelloBeautiful - Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle and Hair Care for Black Women |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2013, Lewis created her own YouTube channel where she could showcase her own work. Much of the work featured on the channel "focuses on the theme of self-love and finding inner strength."<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Monique |title=Black Boys And Men Speak Their Truth On Self-Love In Latest Project From 'Degrassi' Alumna Andrea Lewis - Blavity |url=https://blavity.com/entertainment/black-boys-and-men-speak-their-truth-on-self-love-in-latest-project-from-degrassi-alumna-andrea-lewis |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Blavity News & Entertainment |language=en}}</ref> That year she created and starred in her own web series called ''Black Actress'',<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cross|first=Latoya|date=5 May 2015|title=ANDREA LEWIS: THE PURSUIT OF A 'BLACK ACTRESS'|work=JETMag|url=https://www.jetmag.com/entertainment/andrea-lewis-pursuit-black-actress/#.Voi3guOAOkr}}</ref> which can be seen on [[Issa Rae]]'s [[YouTube]] channel. ''Black Actress'' includes candid confessionals by actresses such as [[Amber Riley]], [[Garcelle Beauvais|Garcell Beauvais]], [[Jenifer Lewis]], and [[Naturi Naughton]], who share their experiences in the acting profession.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Daniels|first=Karu|date=3 June 2015|title='Degrassi' Alum Creates Hilariously Brilliant 'Black Actress' Series|work=NBC News Digital|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/degrassi-alum-creates-hilariously-brilliant-black-actress-web-series-n357776}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trahan |first=CJ |date=2013-10-31 |title=Spotlight: Andrea Lewis's "Black Actress" {{!}} LESSONS FROM HAPPY HOUR {{!}} Lifestyle Blog |url=http://www.lessonsfromhappyhour.com/wp/blog/2013/10/31/spotlight-andrea-lewiss-black-actress/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2016, she created and starred in the web series ''Beyond Complicated'', which can be found on Lewis' YouTube Channel.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2019-04-30 |title=Meet Andrea Lewis - Voyage LA Magazine {{!}} LA City Guide |url=https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-andrea-lewis-actress-filmmaker-west-hollywood/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=voyagela.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Lewis reunited with the ''Degrassi'' cast in 2018 for former co-star and on-screen romance [[Drake (musician)|Drake]]'s music video for his single "[[I'm Upset]]."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Platon |first=Adelle |date=2015-12-24 |title=Drake Shares Photo of 'Degrassi' Reunion With Onscreen Girlfriend Andrea Lewis |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/drake-degrassi-andrea-lewis-denzel-washington-tyrese-6821561/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Desire |date=2018-06-14 |title=The Backstories To Every 'Degrassi' Character Featured In Drake's "I'm Upset" Video |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/backstories-every-degrassi-character-featured-in-drakes-im-upset-video-591136/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

She released her short documentary, ''Black Men'', on her YouTube channel in 2019. The short included interviews of Black men and boys, including stars [[Shamier Anderson]], [[Allen Maldonado]], and [[Sinorice Moss]], investigating how "hyper-masculinity, societal oppression, and sterotypes influence how Black men relate to each other and to themselves."<ref name=":4" />

Lewis served as the creator and executive producer of the three-part docuseries ''The Black Beauty Effect''. The series examined "the Black women who serve as catalysts for social change within the beauty industry." It featured beauty influencers and industry insiders such as [[Whitney White]], Mikki Taylor, Cara Sabin, and [[Amber Riley]]. [[Jackie Aina]], Kahlana Barfield Brown, and C.J. Faison served as executive producers as well. The series premiered in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-22 |title=Comcast and Faceforward Productions Partner for Upcoming Docuseries, 'The Black Beauty Effect' From Creator and Executive Producer Andrea Lewis, Executive Producers Jackie Aina, Kahlana Barfield Brown and CJ Faison |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220622005278/en/Comcast-and-Faceforward-Productions-Partner-for-Upcoming-Docuseries-%E2%80%9CThe-Black-Beauty-Effect%E2%80%9D-From-Creator-and-Executive-Producer-Andrea-Lewis-Executive-Producers-Jackie-Aina-Kahlana-Barfield-Brown-and-CJ-Faison |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Business Wire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-11-15 |title=Los Angeles: Comcast Celebrates New Docuseries 'The Black Beauty Effect' |url=https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com/los-angeles-comcast-celebrates-new-docuseries-the-black-beauty-effect/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Harlem World Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2023, she starred in the [[Hulu]] and [[Andscape]] produced movie ''Three Ways''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Beck |first1=Michelle |title=Everything Coming To Hulu This Week |url=https://www.disneyplusinformer.com/everything-coming-to-hulu-this-week-56/ |website=Disney Plus Informer |access-date=12 February 2023 |date=6 February 2023}}</ref> That year, Lewis also starred in the [[Hallmark Channel|Hallmark]] mystery film ''A Nashville Legacy'' as Naima.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Nashville Legacy - Andrea Lewis |url=https://www.hallmarkmystery.com/a-nashville-legacy/cast/andrea-lewis |access-date=12 April 2024 |website=Hallmark Mystery}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Lewis and her best friend, Shannon T. Boodram, started their own blog, ''Those Girls Are Wild'', which includes comedic skits performed by the two.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=10 October 2010|title=Andrea Lewis 5-4-3-2-1|url=http://thosegirlsarewild.com/girlsgonewild/candid-wild-pics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109005523/http://thosegirlsarewild.com/2010/10/10/andrea-lewis-5-4-3-2-1|archive-date=9 January 2011|website=Those Girls Are Wild}}</ref>

On October 28, 2021, via Instagram, Lewis announced her marriage to music executive and producer [[Felix Howard]]. They live between London and California.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uwumarogie |first=Victoria |date=2021-11-03 |title='Degrassi' Star Andrea Lewis Marries British Record Exec Felix Howard |url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/andrea-lewis-husband/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Essence |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Discography==
===Albums===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Album
|-
|align="left"|September 20, 2005
|align="left"|''Float Away''
|-
|align="left"|October 10, 2010
|align="left"|''54321''
|}

===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Album
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2005
| "Superwomen"
| ''Float Away''
|-
| "I'm Like (Ooh Oh)"<ref>Ellis, Kathryn (2005). ''Degrassi Generations: The Official 411''. Pocket.</ref>
| ''Float Away''
|-
| 2006
| "Out of My Mind"
| ''Float Away''
|-
| 2008
| "Do What I Want"
| 
|-
| 2010
| "Voodoo"<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-08-07|title=Andrea Lewis Releases "Voodoo" |url=http://www.cambio.com/news/andrea-lewis-releases-voodoo/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807205158/http://www.cambio.com/news/andrea-lewis-releases-voodoo/|archive-date=2016-08-07|website=Cambio}}</ref>
| ''54321''
|-
| 2013 
| "I Can't Leave U Alone"
| ''Airborne''
|}

==Filmography==

=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|1998
|''[[Down in the Delta]]''
|Cassandra
|
|-
|2002
|''Junk''
|Girl Scout #1
|
|-
|2008
|''Body Shop''
|Woman in Bar
|
|-
|2014
|''Bastards''
|Bette
|Short film
|-
|2015
|''Everyday Miracles''
|Bar Patron
|
|-
|2022
|''Three Ways''
|Stacy
|
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !!class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1995 || ''Harrison Bergeron'' || || Television movie
|-
| 1999 || data-sort-value="Holiday Romance, A" | ''[[A Holiday Romance]]'' || Autumn || Television movie
|-
| 2000 || ''[[Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story]]'' || [[Natalie Cole]] 14-15 || Television movie
|-
| 2001–2003 || ''[[Soul Food (TV series)|Soul Food]]'' || Brigette || 2 episodes 
|-
| 2001–2006 || ''[[Degrassi: The Next Generation]]'' || [[Hazel Aden]] ||Season 1-2 recurring, season 3-5 regular, 87 episodes
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Cadet Kelly]]'' || Cadet Carla Hall || Television movie
|-
| 2005–2006 || ''[[Moccasin Flats]]'' || Melissa || 8 episodes 
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Spectacular!]]'' || Robin ||Television movie
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Warehouse 13]]'' || JoBeth || 1 episode
|-
| 2016 || ''Conversating While Black''|| Anya ||
|-
| 2016-2017 || data-sort-value="Number: The Reboot, The" | ''The Number: The Reboot'' || Sasha ||4 episodes
|-
| 2022 || ''[[Revenge of the Black Best Friend]]'' || Herself || 2 episodes
|-
| rowspan="3" |2023 || data-sort-value="Nashville Legacy, A" | ''A Nashville Legacy'' || Naima || Television movie
|-
| ''Dress for Success'' || ||Television movie
|-
| ''Christmas Revisted'' || ||Television movie
|}
2024 How To Die Alone Season 1 Episode 8

https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0506916/

=== Music videos ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Artist
|-
|2010
|''54321''
|Andrea Lewis
|-
|2018
|''[[I'm Upset]]''
|[[Drake (musician)|Drake]]
|}

=== Web series ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Artist
!Notes
|-
|2013
|''Black Actress''
|Kori Bailey
|Main role; Executive producer; Writer
|-
|2016
|''Beyond Complicated''
|Kori
|4 episodes; Producer; Writer
|}

== On Stage ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
|-
|2012
|''It Takes a Village to Raise...Hell''
|Michelle
|
|}

== Filmmaking credits ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Producer
!Writer
!Notes
|-
|2013
|''Black Actress''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|
|-
|2016
|''Beyond Complicated''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|7 episodes
|-
|2018
|''Token''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|
|-
|2022
|''The Black Beauty Effect''
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|3 episodes
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|id=0506916|name=Andrea Lewis}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lewis, Andrea}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Black Canadian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Canadian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Canadian actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses from Ontario]]
[[Category:Black Canadian actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian child actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian expatriate actresses in the United States]]
[[Category:Canadian film actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian musical theatre actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian people of Jamaican descent]]
[[Category:Canadian people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines descent]]
[[Category:Canadian stage actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian television actresses]]
[[Category:Canadian women pop singers]]
[[Category:People from Pickering, Ontario]]