The Masked Singer’s Miss Cleocatra Reveals Her Fun Experience Behind the Mask: ‘I Was in Good Spirits’ (Exclusive)

Masked Singer interview for tonight Miss Cleocatra

Michael Becker/FOX

The Masked Singer can sometimes feel like a strange dream, but for Miss Cleocatra, it was almost a reality.

"I was still a bit loopy from the medication," Jenifer Lewis joked to We before revealing her identity on the episode that aired on Wednesday, April 24. "If you pay attention, you'll notice the cat head looking confused. I was feeling pretty out of it under that costume."

Lewis, 67, shares her story with humor, but she had a serious health scare before appearing on season 11 of the Fox competition series. While on vacation in Tanzania in 2022, she fell from a 10-foot hotel balcony. In March, she admitted she struggled to remember how to walk after the accident.

Even during her time on The Masked Singer, the Black-ish alum was still facing challenges with her mobility. Her Miss Cleocatra costume was specially designed to accommodate her needs.

Masked Singer interview for tonight Miss Cleocatra

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Lewis shared that during her time on the show, she was still using a walker. She humorously suggested that she be Cleopatra, carried out on a barge with a throne, accompanied by muscular escorts. However, the producers surprised her by presenting the idea of being Cleocatra with a cat head. Despite the unexpected twist, Lewis found it hilarious and effective in masking her difficulty with walking. She had a great time on the show.

After her recovery, Lewis decided to participate in The Masked Singer, one of her first projects post-recovery. Her friends thought it would be a fun way for her to ease back into the entertainment industry.

She remembered how her friends encouraged her to leave bed, mentioning how she found the concept of doing something without any stress appealing. "This is my job now. No stress, especially after the incident in Africa. Just come, enjoy yourself, and share some wise words when possible. That's it."

Masked Singer interview for tonight Miss Cleocatra

Michael Becker/FOX

Lewis, a seasoned stage and screen vet, agreed to be a part of Jennifer Lopez's latest project, This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story. In the project, he played the role of the Gemini member of the zodiac council, offering advice to Lopez's character, The Artist, on life and love matters.

Lewis explained that a woman called her and specifically wanted her to address the mental illness aspect of the message she wanted to convey to her audience. The woman had watched an interview where Lewis discussed her experience with coming out of dark rooms and depression. Lewis, who has bipolar disorder but has been receiving treatment for many years, respected the woman's request and agreed to help. She found the experience of being on the show enjoyable, especially considering the unique costume she had to wear.

Despite its absurdity, The Masked Singer remains a standout moment in Lewis' career.

Lewis shared with Us that being on The Masked Singer was one of the top five weirdest things he has ever done. He mentioned some mishaps with costumes, like a wardrobe malfunction in front of an audience. Despite the incidents, he hinted at having more stories to tell about his experience on the show.

You can catch The Masked Singer on Fox every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

Jenifer Lewis's appearance on "The Masked Singer" was a testament to her resilience and her ability to overcome adversity. Despite a serious health scare and challenges with her mobility, she approached the experience with humor and determination. The show's producers accommodated her needs and created a costume that allowed her to participate fully, showcasing her talent and personality. Lewis's journey inspires others to face their own challenges with courage and optimism.

The article also highlights the importance of addressing mental illness. Lewis's involvement in Jennifer Lopez's project, "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story," gave her the opportunity to share her experience with bipolar disorder and offer support to others who may be struggling with similar challenges. Her willingness to speak out and provide representation for mental health issues is commendable and raises awareness about the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness.