Jenifer Lewis guest-stars as mother-in-law on 'Black-ish'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- "Black-ish" star and executive producer Anthony Anderson knew there was only one woman he wanted to play his mother on his new sitcom - the incomparable Jenifer Lewis. The episode sets up a long standing power standoff between mama and wife, played by Tracee Ellis Ross.

"She is the wife, the doctor, and I'm the mom-in-law coming in, and I'm not having any of it," said Lewis. "I want her to do it this way, she wants it that way. My son loves me, he loves her, but I'm gonna win. Mama's gonna win. Mama's gonna always win."

With her long list of movie, television and theater credits, Lewis said she feels like she's already worked with most of the "Black-ish" cast and crew.

"I felt like I was instantly with family," she said.

But make no mistake - Lewis is not ready to play a stereotypical television Grandmother.

"Ruby is a sexy grandma; a modern day grandma. Try not to call me grandma if you can help it," she laughed. "I'm grandma on this show, but I'm also mom, mom-in-law, and ex-wife! She may be trying to get her man back, I don't know. I'll talk to the producers."

Lewis will be back for more episodes throughout the season, including a holiday-themed show, where we might hear her sing.

While Lewis has 63 movies, 259 television shows and 4 Broadways shows to her credit, she said she recently had a career "bucket list" moment.

"I just got an electrifying standing ovation at Carnegie Hall. That was a life dream. Television, film is great, but to be on stage at Carnegie Hall. Wow," she said.

"Black-ish" airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. on ABC.