People: Dawnn Lewis Says Returning to A Different World Brought Her to Tears

Back at Hillman

Dawnn Lewis told People in an exclusive interview that she started crying when she first walked onto the new set of Netflix's A Different World sequel. Lewis, 65, reprises Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor, the role she played in the NBC sitcom's first five seasons.

Why the return lands

The sequel premiered on Netflix on Sept. 24 and follows Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, the daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, as she starts at Hillman. It has been renewed for a second season. People also noted that Lewis co-wrote and recorded the original theme song while auditioning.

Beyond the set

Lewis runs A New Day Foundation, a nonprofit offering underserved youth programs in financial literacy, college preparation and career readiness. "I do not want to be the exception," she told People. "I want to be the example."