Lewis G. Tucker, raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is the fifth of seven siblings. He holds a B.S. in mathematics and an MFA from the University of Oklahoma. After performing with the African American Drama Company in Los Angeles, he taught math and theater, earning a second MA in education. Inspired by his diverse upbringing and his students' personalities, he created Ayira, a multi-ethnic character meant to be a role model for children, especially those from mixed backgrounds.