Lewis was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was nurtured by her mother, Marlene, a dedicated nursing administrator, and her father, Jim Lewis, a meticulous air traffic supervisor. Her childhood was filled with the love and support of her family, including her sister, Denise, who played a significant role in shaping her early years.
Lewis's impressive acting career began with her starring role as Countess Lili in Darko Tresnik's production of 'Anastasia' on Broadway. She then went on to star as Velma Kelly in the Broadway revival of 'Chicago' opposite the talented Charlotte d'Amboise, and played Gloria Thorpe in the Broadway revival of 'Damn Yankees', directed by the acclaimed Jack O'Brien. Her portrayal of Mary Warren in the Roundabout's production of 'The Crucible', directed by Gerald Freedman, showcased her versatility as an actress.
In addition to her stage work, Lewis has made a name for herself in television, starring as Beth on the critically acclaimed NBC series NewsRadio (1995) for its full run of 4.5 seasons. She has also appeared on Three Sisters (2001) and Betsy's Kindergarten Adventures (2006) for their full runs, and had recurring roles on How I Met Your Mother (2005) on Sonny with a Chance (2009). Her impressive list of guest roles includes appearances on Modern Family (2009),The Blacklist (2013),Angie Tribeca (2016),Doll & Em (2013),Melissa & Joey (2010),Bones (2005),Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000),Murphy Brown (1988),Seinfeld (1989),Grey's Anatomy (2005),The Middle (2009),Pushing Tin (1999),Grace Under Fire (1993),Norm (1999),and Caroline in the City (1995).
Lewis has also made a significant impact in the world of film, appearing in such blockbuster hits as The Ugly Truth (2009),Breakfast of Champions (1999),Mousehunt (1997),California Dreaming (2007),and Godzilla (1998). Furthermore, she has voiced hundreds of animation characters, most notably Deb/Flo in Pixar's blockbuster films, Finding Nemo (2003) and Finding Dory (2016),and such animated TV series as The Wild Thornberrys (1998),Rugrats Pre-School Daze (2005),Mission Hill (1999),and Rugrats (1991).
