Episode Details

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dawnn Lewis.

Summary of the Interview

On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.

Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career

The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.

2. Highlight representation and legacy

Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success

Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.

4. Promote the A New Day Foundation

Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.

5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment

She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.

Key Takeaways

1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her

Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.

2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting

While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.

3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years

She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents,