Jennifer Lewis is an actress known for playing strong female roles in film and on television. In real life though, the former ‘black*ish star has gone through a LOT- such as her battle with sex addiction and her struggles with bipolar disorder. She’s also revealed another hardship from her past– one that required Ms. Lewis, as she stated, to give “the greatest performance of my life.”

We’re talking about the time when Jennifer was confronted by an intruder inside her home, and found enough inner strength and rational thought in that terrifying moment to talk her way out of getting raped. In her memoir, Mother of Black Hollywood, Lewis tells all about the attempted rape, as she relives the unfortunate incident like it happened yesterday…

Jennifer Lewis Describes How She Talked Her Way Out Of Being Raped By Intruder

When she was a 20-something-year-old struggling actress, living in a small New York city apartment, a rapist posed as a delivery man barged into her home after she answered the door. He held a knife to her throat and threatened her, as he proceeded to try to rape her. Jennifer had to remain calm and think fast to save herself. And think she did!

She was able to convince her would-be-rapist that she had a viral sexually transmitted disease that would make him very ill if he had sexual contact with her. In addition to that creative lie, Lewis was also able to “act” like she cared about the man’s feelings, to get him to ultimately settle down. Here’s what she revealed:

Via People: “Suddenly a guy came into my apartment with a knife,” the black-ish actress tells PEOPLE of being in her early 20s in New York City. “He tried to rape, but I talked myself out of that. It was the greatest performance of my life.”

Lewis was scared to death during that ‘greatest performance of her life,’ but thankfully she survived it and is now able to share it with the world. People Magazine provided the following excerpts from Jenifer Lewis’ book, Mother of Black Hollywood, where she explains what happened after she was finally able to get the rapist to change his mind:

“I shouldn’t be doing this!” [the attacker said.] “Especially to a sister. They locked me up for some s— I didn’t do! I just got out.” … Suddenly I saw how skinny, fragile, and vulnerable this kid was. I sat down next to him and put my arm around his shoulder.

“I’m sorry that happened to you. I will help you. Let me give you my number and you can call me.” “I’m sorry. I know you are gonna tell, but I just want you to know I am sorry.”

He was not evil. He was just f—– up. He left and I stood in shock. Then I fell to my knees and fainted.

Watch Jenifer Lewis Discuss Rapist Incident

Incredible! When it comes to Jennifer Lewis and the many struggles we now know she’s overcome in her life, the term, “strong,” is an understatement. Salute to Ms. Lewis for telling her story.