Dawnn Lewis (born August 13, 1961) is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her roles as Jaleesa Vinson–Taylor on the NBC television sitcom A Different World (1987–92), for which she co–wrote the theme song; as Robin Dumars on the ABC sitcom Hangin' With Mr. Cooper for its first season (1992–93); and as Cheryl Spade in the 1988 film I'm Gonna Git You Sucka.