DR. RITA D. LEWIS: The Actress, Advocate, & Architect of Change

Her smile is alluring. Her laughter, contagious. Even through the cold computer screen, she radiates a warmth that pulls you in. She is Dr. Rita D. Lewis. A public affairs specialist, digital strategist, award-winning actress, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and Vice President of The Actors’ Center Board in Washington, D.C., Dr. Lewis lives at the intersection of advocacy, artistry, and authenticity.

Often compared to iconic performers like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, Dr. Lewis has earned praise for her seamless blend of humor and heartfelt realism.  Ironically, she didn’t know she was funny at first. “I didn’t realize I had comedic timing,” she admits, recalling a moment during a stage performance of He Creeps when an unexpected line from a co-star forced her to improvise on the spot. The audience erupted in laughter, and the show’s writer later compared her to Ball in a glowing review.

But her journey didn’t start on a red carpet or behind a podium—it began in the heart of Washington, D.C., in a series of foster homes. “I started out in various foster homes,” she shares, “but around five or six, I landed in the home of a woman who was a pastor. She took me in and raised me in the church. I was there seven days a week—playing the drums, piano, singing in the choir, collecting tithes, ushering.”  That home became more than a place of refuge—it was a training ground for leadership, compassion, and service. “I learned about responsibility early. I was very instrumental in negotiating bills for home and church—all utility bills, the mortgage, rents from tenants, eviction notices, filing and following up. Our home also doubled as a rooming house. We took in quite a few people,” she recalls.

During a recent interview with VBD Magazine, Dr. Rita D. Lewis discussed the bold, faith-fueled journey that brought her from foster care to the national stage. With a vibrant mix of humor, heart, and humility, she shared how her early experiences shaped her passion for storytelling, service, and systems-level change. “I didn’t just want a seat at the table,” she said. “I wanted to rebuild the table so more people could pull up a chair.”

A SPARK IGNITED

Dr. Lewis’ spark for performing was kindled in childhood while watching The Cosby Show. “I wanted to be a Cosby kid. Pretending to be someone else helped me escape tough situations. It brought me joy and let me bring joy to others.” She gravitated toward legendary comedians like Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball. “Lucille Ball encouraged me to approach comedy physically—with my face, my body, and my whole self. I didn’t even know I was funny at first, but the timing came naturally.”

Still, the arts weren’t encouraged at home. “My foster mom said acting was of the devil,” Dr. Lewis laughs. “So, I pursued communications at the University of Maryland at College Park instead. I worked three jobs simultaneously to stay there, waking up at 5 AM, working at a coffee bar, and doing maintenance on weekends. I just wanted something more than the six-block radius I grew up in.”

FROM FOSTER CARE TO THE FRONTLINES

While studying, divine connections began to shape her career path. “Someone in class offered me his internship with the Washington Wizards. I didn’t know anything about sports, but my job was to promote the team during the Michael Jordan era. That led to working at BET, Discovery Communications, and Radio One. These opportunities found me. I didn’t even apply for some of them.”

Even as she thrived behind the scenes, acting kept calling. “People kept handing me scripts. I finally said yes at Radio One. Some of those connections led to roles in Hush on AllBlk, Ghosted with Chris Evans, and Bad Moms 2. I even played a detective in Entitled—a recently released thriller that will be on streaming platforms before the end of the year.”

For Dr. Lewis, preparation is sacred. “My favorite part of acting is preparing. I read a script 20 to 60 times. I immerse myself in the character—what’s her backstory, what does she want, what’s her dynamic with everyone else? I even memorize my scene partner’s lines in case something goes wrong.”

“I try to figure out what the character is hiding, what got them there,” she said, referencing the immersive acting methods used by greats like Leonardo DiCaprio.  “It’s about conveying truth—not just saying the words.”

For actors, on-stage intimacy can be a daunting challenge. Dr. Lewis openly discussed the discomfort and technique behind kissing scenes.  “You definitely have to be comfortable,” she said, recalling times when she wasn’t necessarily drawn to her scene partner.  “It’s not about attraction—it’s about making the audience believe it.” She emphasized the importance of communication, choreography, and above all, storytelling: “Even real kisses fumble.  But if the lead-up is honest, the audience will believe the story.”

Dr. Lewis relies on extensive research, whether it’s watching documentaries, interviewing people with lived experiences, or studying other actors.  “People say I remind them of Eartha Kitt—but I had to go behind the roles and learn her life,” she said.  “That’s where the emotional truth lives.”

FROM STAGECRAFT TO STATECRAFT

Dr. Lewis began her career on stage, singing in the Eastern Senior High School Choir for sitting presidents at the annual Christmas event in Washington and the Essence Awards, where we sang live with Natalie Cole and Richard Smallwood. Today, her reach now extends far beyond the spotlight. She works at DC’s Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), where her office has played a key role in attracting high-profile productions—including Wonder Woman, Captain America: Brave New World, and other Marvel features—to Washington, DC.

“This isn’t just about Hollywood glitz,” she explains.  “These are real jobs.  Our film rebate program reward productions that hire District residents—camera crew, caterers, extras, makeup artists.  We’re putting money and opportunity directly into the hands of DC’s creative workforce.”

She’s also helped expand the city’s cultural footprint through initiatives like DC Radio, filmmaker spotlights, and digital media partnerships.  “We highlight local filmmakers, directors, and creatives who wouldn’t otherwise have the platform.  It’s about turning visibility into viability.”

THE PUBLIC SIDE OF THE PRIVATE PERSON

In her public-facing roles, Dr. Lewis brings that same authenticity.  As the host of Off the Dais, a DC-based program spotlighting city council members beyond their politics, she dives into the humanity behind the legislation.

“It’s not about the votes—it’s about who they are at the core,” she explains.  From fun interviews at local basketball courts to heartfelt stories about parents and children, Dr. Lewis ensures viewers see the people behind the policies.

Her deep civic roots stretch back to summer youth programs under Mayor Marion Barry and have blossomed into a senior role at the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment under Mayor Muriel Bowser and Director LaToya Foster.  “It’s a blessing to work under a three-term African-American woman mayor,” she said proudly.  “Mayor Bowser is transforming the city—bringing jobs, the Washington Commanders, reviving RFK Stadium, and supporting the arts like never before.”

Dr. Lewis is particularly proud of DC’s creative economic initiatives.  “We’ve done films like Captain America, Wonder Woman, and projects with Jeffrey Wright,” she says, highlighting DC’s film rebates and permitting services that prioritize hiring residents.

EMPOWERING ARTISTS & BUILDING COMMUNITY

Dr. Lewis also serves as Vice President of the Actors' Center DC, a position she assumed just three months after joining the board.

“The board saw my vision and my work,” she says, “and it aligned with our new president Adiyb Mohammed and Interim Executive Director John Gerard Healy.  We knew the organization had to evolve—and fast.”

Under her leadership, the Actors' Center is transforming into more than a membership group; it’s becoming a trusted resource hub.  “We offer headshots, workshops, casting calls, and mentorships.  You’ll meet directors, producers, and fellow actors,” she explains.  “But more than that, we’re advocating for fair pay, visibility, and inclusion.”

Her priority is to ensure underserved artists—LGBTQ+, BIPOC, women, and those from nontraditional backgrounds—have a seat at the table.  “We are cleaning up governance, rewriting bylaws, and building from the ground up so that whoever comes next inherits a functioning, relevant institution.”

Board service is a three-year commitment.  “Year one is learning,” she explains.  “Year two is transformation.  Year three is legacy—getting it ready for the next generation.”

When asked if the board role is a lifetime commitment, she simply laughed.  “Who knows?  As long as the work is meaningful, I’m in.”

ANCHORED IN COMMUNITY

For all her work in strategy and innovation, Dr. Lewis remains deeply rooted in the community.  “I grew up working under Mayor Marion Barry’s summer youth program.  I learned what jobs I didn’t want—but also what it means to serve.”

Now, working under Mayor Muriel Bowser—DC’s first three-term female mayor—Dr. Lewis sees public service as an extension of storytelling.  “We’re creating the infrastructure of creativity.  And it’s not just for today—it’s for decades.”

She credits much of her momentum to her colleagues, including Director LaToya Foster.  “She’s showing what the creative economy should look like,” Dr. Lewis says.  “And other cities are following our lead.”

FACING THE FUTURE

As the conversation shifts toward AI and cybersecurity, Dr. Lewis doesn’t hesitate to engage. “There’s fear—just like there was with the internet.  My mom used to say it was the devil!” she laughs.  “But we have to embrace this.  It’s not going away.”

For Dr. Lewis, AI isn’t about outsourcing creativity—it’s about enhancing it.  “AI helps refine strategy.  It condenses ideas.  It gives storytellers new tools.  Should it replace human thought?  No. But can it support brainstorming, planning, and reaching audiences?  Absolutely.”

She’s also aware of the risks, particularly around ownership, ethics, and misinformation.  “As creators, we need to learn the tools, so we’re not left behind or exploited.  Especially Black and Brown creators.  The digital divide is real—but it doesn’t have to be permanent.”

FUELED BY GRATITUDE

Despite her many accolades—including Employee of the Month honors and a Lifetime Presidential Award—Dr. Lewis remains deeply grounded. “I wake up early just to thank God I’m alive. I didn’t have to be here. Growing up in chaos, being told I wasn’t wanted, it could’ve gone a different way.”

She credits her success to faith, discipline, and divine timing. “My faith in Christ is everything. Without Him, I couldn’t do what I do. He orders my steps.”

She also mentions, “My son, Christian Garret, is heading to Howard University in the fall. I’m so proud of him. I give God thanks for this.”

Dr. Lewis practices radical self-care. “At one point, I was running myself into the ground—working multiple jobs, caregiving, collapsing from exhaustion. Now, self-care is non-negotiable. I learned to choose me, and God rewarded that tenfold.”

Read the full article here: Subscribe to VBD Magazine's July 2025 Issue (Free)

Click & Visit:

Website:  http://www.imdb.me/RitaDLewis 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritadlewis202/?hl=en

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritadlewis

X: https://x.com/ritadlewis

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ritadlewis202

Photo Credit: Darrell Stoney