Tiffany Haddish spotted childhood social worker in audience — and recalled 'one dialogue' that saved her life
'I learned from Roger Rabbit that if you make people laugh, they’ll do anything for you — which is almost true.'
Be it through a word of encouragement, some assistance, or even an unexpected gesture, having someone’s guidance turn your life around for the better always makes for a great story. Actor and comedian Tiffany Haddish (@tiffanyhaddish) revealed that she, too, had someone special who helped her recognize her talent and encouraged her to pursue it. Standing as that successful person in front of a packed audience, she heard a familiar voice that made it happen — her social worker, Coleta Lewis. Posting the clip to her Instagram on December 23, Haddish recounted how her life significantly changed when Lewis held her accountable.
As she spoke on the stage, one voice called out to ask if the comedian recognized her. As soon as the woman said “Coleta,” Haddish immediately knew. She rushed off stage to hug Lewis. “You saved my life. I’m where I’m at right now because of you,” she remarked, getting emotional. Haddish proudly declared that her social worker was the one who believed in her and encouraged her when no one else did. Haddish didn’t have the best childhood growing up, per The Rolling Stone. Things took a terrifying turn when her mom suffered brain damage in a car accident. “When she came home, it was like a different person came into the house,” she recalled. Everything got worse from thereon. Since she and her siblings had no one to look after them, she was placed in a foster home at 12 years old. Abused by her own grandfather, the then-young woman grew up with trauma and pain, but never lost her spirit. “I learned from Roger Rabbit that if you make people laugh, they’ll do anything for you — which is almost true,” she recalled. And that’s how her journey to drama and comedy began.
She joined her school’s drama department, where people recognized her talent. Around the same time, she came across Lewis, her social worker. “When you’re in foster care, if the right person comes into your world, even for just a moment, they can help you reset and restart. She realized the gift I had, and she got me to a place where I could nurture that. It opened up my world,” Haddish recounted, per PEOPLE. The woman recalled one statement that transformed her. “Look, you've got two choices. You can go to Laugh Factory Comedy Camp, or you can go to psychiatric therapy, because something is wrong with you, child.” Haddish went on to establish dialogue with Lewis, “I won all the drama festivals and asked you, ‘Which one of them got d**gs?’ and you said, ain’t no d**gs in therapy,” Haddish recalled, with a tearful chuckle. The Laugh Factory later became the place she would find redemption and a breakthrough. So when she saw Lewis again, she couldn’t help but be grateful.
Ipsos shared the National Association of Social Workers survey, which revealed that 4 in 5 Americans had a favorable opinion of social workers. 1 in 6 Americans noted that a social worker helped them with one or the other issue or struggle. Social workers not only help fix living conditions, but they also work with mental health, education, hospitals, and other organizations to ensure that whatever welfare a person needs, they can help bring it. 81% of people who sought social services agreed that their conditions improved. These workers behind the scenes are making a difference. “You changed my life. See, I know there was a reason I was all in my feels today,” Haddish remarked, sniffling and wiping away her tears with a big smile.
Viewers couldn't hold it together upon witnessing this heartwarming reunion. @anaaaa.santos wrote, “Humility and gratitude are not just impressive but attractive. So contagious!” @sfopaddy added, “She is your guardian angel. She is always there for you. So happy to see you both reunited.”
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