Jenifer Lewis Talks ‘black-ish’ and New Show ‘I Love That For You’ | PaleyFest

Speaking with icon Jenifer Lewis on the black-ish red carpet of PaleyFest, it quickly became clear how much love and adoration she has for the people she works with. When discussing what she’ll miss from the show, she couldn’t help but gush about the show’s head hairstylist, Araxi Lindsey.

“Araxi is my baby, and I miss her. She was so amazing — you remember the Ruby wigs, come on. I mean, every episode is a different hairstyle! The scarves were my idea, but Araxi would go ‘You did that all by yourself?’ and I’d go, ‘Yep!’ I miss her, I love her, and I’m so proud of her.'”

When Lewis talks about pride, it’s in regards to Lindsey’s Emmy win for Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling on black-ish in 2020. But it isn’t just the cast and crew of black-ish Jenifer Lewis appreciates.

While she’s clearly disappointed by the network’s decision to scrap the potential “old-ish” spinoff, she couldn’t help but gush over the talented people she’s getting to share screen time with on her new show, I Love That For You.

“I’m doing I Love That For You with Molly Shannon and Vanessa Bayer on Showtime. They are comedic giants! They came from Saturday Night Live, and they came to slay, so I have to step it up! And I have to tell you this — I have never loved someone so instantly as Vanessa [Bayer]. What a talent, what a soul. My nickname for her is bubblegum,” Lewis said.

It isn’t only Bayer. Lewis is just as impressed with her other scene partner, Molly Shannon, as well. 

“Imagine doing a scene with Molly Shannon. I call her Molly Shenanigans! I’m having a blast — the time of my life. You want to talk about timing, chemistry, and the professionalism of it all. They can both learn lines so fast, and I’m like, ‘Wait up, bitches! I’m coming! Remember, Mama is 65!’”

I assured her that she was killing it — and I was proven right by the incredibly on-point Molly Shannon impersonation she proceeded to show me, as well as the high kicks she performed during her introduction at the black-ish panel an hour later.

Lewis also assured me that I Love That For You will be worth the watch.

“It’s coming out April 29th — [Showtime] is getting it out really soon. That’s how excited they are about it! I’m having a grand old time, and the show is really good. I wouldn’t just say that. I wouldn’t.”

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*Additional reporting by Janelle Ureta.

black-ish airs Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC. 

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