After graduating from Anderson High School in 1978, Vicki was ready to dash off to Opryland, eager to pursue a career in dancing. Her father, however, insisted on college, where his daughter could obtain a degree in business rather than trip the light fantastic. At the University of Cincinnati, the chairman of the theater department persuaded the high-strung redhead to change her focus to the study of musical theater, rather than business- a decision that would ultimately change her life.
With a diploma from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music in hand, Lewis made her way to New York. There, she worked on and off Broadway for ten years, in a variety of shows such as The Crucible, Damn Yankees, and I Can Get it For You Wholesale. She caught the eye of director James L. Brooks in 1993, who signed her up for his film, I'll Do Anything. Her role in that film led to a string of bit parts on tv shows such as Seinfeld, Home Improvement, and Caroline in the City.
In 1995, the relatively unknown Vicki Lewis auditioned against more than thirty actresses to win the role that would achieve her fame and recognition: that of Beth, the sassy, wisecracking secretary on the brilliant NBC television comedy, NewsRadio. Joining an extremely talented ensemble cast, Vicki wasn't content playing yet another prototypical sitcom receptionist. Instead, she channeled her frenetic energy into the creation of a quirky, razor-sharp office assistant with sarcasm to spare. The result is a personality that lights up the screen with stunning vivacity, brought to screaming life in a masterstroke of inspired casting. One might be forgiven for accusing the actress of playing herself. For in truth, she is the virtual embodiment of that character, sliding into Beth's midriff-bearing wardrobe so effortlessly that the role might as well have been tailor-made for her. A testament to the success of the show lies in the fact that it endured for nearly six years, an accomplishment due in no small part to the flame-haired vixen from Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 2001, Miss Lewis appeared in the NBC television series Three Sisters as Nora Bernstein-Flynn, a documentary photographer who has returned to California after several years of filming in the wilds of the African savannah. Nora was quite a departure from Vicki's hyperactive secretary in NewsRadio. Where Beth was sarcastic and flighty, Lewis' photojournalist is bitter, sardonic, and painfully straightforward. The stark difference in the two characters, however, wonderfully displays Vicki's range and versatility as an actress.
Recently, Vicki reunited with her NewsRadio co-stars to record commentary tracks for the long-awaited DVDs. As an unexpected bonus, she mentioned this website on the first set (Thank you, Vicki!). Kudos to Sony Pictures and Paul Simms for pulling out all the stops to give NR fans what they've always wanted. The Complete Fourth Season is due out June 20th, and season 5 can't be far behind!
