In 2006, Lewis starred as Melba Early in the film adaptation of "Dreamgirls". Lewis released her debut CD, entitled "Worth Waiting For", in 2006. She played Addaperle in "The Wiz" with New York City Center's "Encores!" In 2009, Lewis played Denise Fields on "One Tree Hill". In 2010, Lewis played a minor recurring role as Lauren's mother in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager". In 2012, she voiced Malora in "Strange Frame". She also appeared as Dr. Knapp on "Days of Our Lives" in 2012–2013. In 2014 Lewis starred in The Divorce along with Vanessa Bell Calloway, Tatyana Ali & Freda Payne. As of 2015, Lewis is playing a recurring role on "Major Crimes" as Patrice, a love interest for Lt. Provenza, whom he met during a case. In that same year, she also voiced Ruby's mother Helen Hanshaw in one episode of "Sofia The First" .