You may know Andrea Lewis as Hazel from Degrassi — but that was just the beginning.

In this powerful episode of Awf The Record, Andrea opens up about the transition from being one of the few Black girls on TV to becoming a writer, director, and multi-hyphenate creative building space for others to shine. From identity to independence, creative control to burnout, Andrea gets real about what it takes to grow up in front of the camera and then take ownership behind it.

We talk about her production company, navigating typecasting, her honest feelings about Black girl representation in media, and how becoming a boss changed how she shows up in life and love.

If you’re in your reinvention era, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to stay where they found you.

KEY POINTS

- From toddler actor to landing Hazel on Degrassi

- Living through Degrassi’s breakout moment and teen stardom

- Why Canadian fame felt “chill” compared to Hollywood

- Tackling taboo teen topics on screen (abortion, predators, and more)

- Breaking out of the “Black best friend” typecast in Hollywood

- The tough leap from teen roles to adult storytelling

- Reflections on Drake’s rise and that iconic 2018 Degrassi reunion

- Taking the reins to create layered, authentic Black stories

QUOTES

“I love stories. And so whether that's being in front of the camera and playing a really great role or behind the camera. I love this business. I love how crazy it is. I love how hard it is. I love the whole thing.” – Andrea Lewis

“Clarity is kindness. And I had a friend actually say that to me recently, and I am an advocate for really speaking how you feel.” – Andrea Lewis

“I am a reflection of my friendship group, and they are creatives. They are they are the talent.” – Andrea Lewis

GUEST RESOURCES

Andrea Lewis 

IG | @andrealewis

RESOURCES: 

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Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

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