Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Unstoppable Journey: From Dreamgirls to Emmy Wins

Sheryl Lee Ralph, a Hollywood icon known for defying industry norms, has experienced a resurgence in stardom with her acclaimed role as Barbara Howard on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary.” While accepting her award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for the role at the 74th annual Emmy Awards, she delivered an empowering acceptance speech by singing Dianne Reeves’ 1994 song “Endangered Species.” Her message was clear: She made it to that stage because she never stopped believing in herself — and she encouraged others to do the same.

Throughout her decadeslong career, Ralph’s success highlights her resilience against the many Hollywood biases. In the latest episode of “LA Stories with Giselle Fernandez,” she opens up about the ups and downs of her time in the spotlight. In the ‘70s, she appeared in Sidney Poitier’s film “A Piece of the Action” and went on to star as Deena Jones in the 1980s Broadway hit “Dreamgirls.” She enjoyed a steady career in acting and singing, with roles in films such as “The Mighty Quinn,” “Mistress” and “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.” Her role as Dee Mitchell in the hit show “Moesha” earned her five NAACP Image Award nominations.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Ralph’s journey has not been without its challenges. In the 1980s, she was fired from a television series because she wasn’t deemed “Black enough” by the show’s producer. This painful experience was not an isolated incident; Ralph has faced numerous instances of racial and gender bias throughout her career. During a March interview on ABC’s The View, Ralph recalled a meeting with a casting director who doubted that a Black actress like her could play opposite a white star in a romantic role.

Despite these setbacks, Ralph’s career has flourished. The former Tony-nominated star of Broadway’s Dreamgirls has been in several television shows and films. She starred in the ’90s sitcom Moesha, opposite Brandy, played recurring roles in MacGyver’s reboot and Ray Donovan, all before landing her current gig on Abbott Elementary. Ralph’s resilience and determination have been key to her enduring success.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Ralph has long believed in the transformative power of the arts and used her fame to connect with and uplift her community. In 1990, she founded the DIVA Foundation to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which claimed the lives of many of her friends. At the time, the disease was largely viewed as something that only affected gay men—and specifically white gay men—but Ralph knew that wasn’t the full story. “From day one, I had always seen Black folks in the mix of this, but the money wasn’t following the disease,” she says. “Black folks weren’t getting care. They weren’t getting help. And I said, ‘We have to raise our voice.’”

The DIVA Foundation became a way for Ralph to honor her friends while using her celebrity to fight stigma and achieve better health outcomes for everyone. Ralph believes in using her platform to “convey messages of importance to the people,” she says. “The fact that I get accolades or have some sort of celebrity makes it easier to hear the message,” she continues. “I think I’m much more of a messenger than I am just an actor or an artist.”

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Legacy—the very idea that long after our physical bodies are gone, our works persist—is something Ralph is thinking about as she nears 70. “I think legacy is always an active thought to do the best that I can, to leave the best of myself when I’m gone,” she says. Her husband of nearly 20 years, Pennsylvania state senator Vincent Hughes, who she calls a “servant of the people, not just a politician,” encourages her to pursue her goals without losing sight of herself.

While she knows she’ll be remembered for her acting and her activism, she’s also proud of the two kids she’s raised—Etienne and Ivy Coco Maurice—and the work they are doing in the world. “My children are part of my best legacy,” she says. “You know, in some places in Africa, they don’t ask you how you are. They ask you, ‘How are your children?’”

Etienne runs WalkGood LA, which he founded in June 2020, months after Ahmaud Arbery was fatally shot while running, to help Black and brown people in Los Angeles use movement to heal. Through activities like community yoga classes, guided meditations, hikes, and run clubs, WalkGoodLA serves as a space where Ralph says “people go to be their best selves.” Ivy Coco, on the other hand, serves as her mother’s stylist and is responsible for the bold colors, amazing cuts, and “classic, clean fashion” Ralph is seen wearing at events.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles, with its rich tapestry of cultures and vibrant arts scene, offers endless opportunities for exploration. For occasional travelers, we recommend visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Griffith Observatory for a taste of the city’s iconic landmarks. Don’t miss out on the diverse culinary experiences available in neighborhoods like Koreatown and Little Tokyo.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the city’s history by exploring the lesser-known museums and galleries, such as the California African American Museum and the Underground Museum. These venues offer a more intimate and profound understanding of the city’s cultural and social dynamics.

In conclusion, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s story is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the transformative power of the arts. Whether you are visiting Los Angeles for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, let Ralph’s journey inspire you to explore the city with an open heart and mind. Remember, as Ralph says, “You gotta have guts to live.” So, take the plastic off the furniture, pull out the good plates, and start living a good life.