Dawnn Lewis (born January 13, 1961) is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Regina Jones on the NBC comedy series A Different World, Dr. Sydney Davenport on the UPN medical drama series Chicago Hope, and Captain Kathryn Hays on the Syfy science fiction series Battlestar Galactica. Lewis was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She attended the University of Michigan, where she studied theater. After graduating, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. Lewis's first major television role was as Regina Jones on A Different World. She also had a recurring role as Dr. Sydney Davenport on Chicago Hope. In 2004, she began starring as Captain Kathryn Hays on Battlestar Galactica. Lewis is 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall.