Skip to main content
Shop Merch Add a Show Listing
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Home For You Chat My Shows Register/Login Games Grosses
Sheryl Lee Ralph Headshot

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph began her screen career in the 1970s with the film A Piece of the Action (1977), directed by Sidney Poitier, and made television appearances on series including Good Times, Wonder Woman, and The Jeffersons. She later appeared in the Broadway musical Reggae (1980) before originating the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway production of Dreamgirls (1981), earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 1982.

Date of Birth: December 30, 1956 (69)

Birth Place: Waterbury, CT, USA

Latest News on Sheryl Lee Ralph:

read more news
MS·A My Shows
Track Your Shows, Get Recommendations, and More!
Add Sheryl Lee Ralph's shows to your list.

BIO

Sheryl Lee Ralph began her screen career in the 1970s with the film A Piece of the Action (1977), directed by Sidney Poitier, and made television appearances on series including Good Times, Wonder Woman, and The Jeffersons. She later appeared in the Broadway musical Reggae (1980) before originating the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway production of Dreamgirls (1981), earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 1982. During this period, she also appeared on the daytime soap opera Search for Tomorrow.


In 1984, Ralph released her studio album In the Evening. She later starred in the sitcom It’s a Living and voiced Rita in Disney’s animated film Oliver & Company (1988). She had a leading film role opposite Denzel Washington in The Mighty Quinn (1989).

During the 1990s, Ralph appeared in the sitcom New Attitude (1990) and won the Independent Spirit Award for To Sleep with Anger (1990). Her film credits included Mistress (1992), The Distinguished Gentleman (1992), and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993). She gained wider television recognition for playing Dee Mitchell on Moesha (1996–2001), earning multiple NAACP Image Award nominations. Additional projects from this period included The Flintstones, Deterrence, Unconditional Love, and voice work on Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. She also appeared in series including Barbershop and ER.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Ralph continued working in television, film, and theatre. She produced the AIDS fundraiser Divas Simply Singing and appeared in projects including Baby of the Family (2002), The First Wives Club musical (2009), Young Justice (2011), Smash (2013), Instant Mom, Claws, and the sitcom Fam (2019).

Since 2021, Ralph has starred as Barbara Howard in the sitcom Abbott Elementary. For the role, she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2022 and the Critics’ Choice Television Award in 2023. In 2023, she performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the Super Bowl LVII pre-show and became the first celebrity and first Black person to portray Mrs. Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2024, she was honored at the Variety Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors for her work on Abbott Elementary.

Photos

More Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Applause
[Regional (US)]
Reprise! Concert, 2005
Margo Channing
Wicked Wicked
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Madame Morrible [Replacement]
Thoroughly Modern Millie Thoroughly Modern Millie
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Muzzy Van Hossmere
Dreamgirls
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Deena Jones, Deena Jones [Replacement], Deena Jones
Reggae
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Faith
Swing
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1980
Helen

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Sheryl Lee Ralph from another Broadway star or creative.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Open full Six Degrees

Movies

A Piece of the Action
[ 1977 ] Barbara Hanley
Oliver & Company
[ 1988 ] Rita
The Mighty Quinn
[ 1989 ] Lola Quinn
Skin Deep
[ 1989 ] Receptionist
To Sleep with Anger
[ 1990 ] Linda
Mistress
[ 1992 ] Beverly Dumont
The Distinguished Gentleman
[ 1992 ] Miss Loretta
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
[ 1993 ] Florence Watson
The Flintstones
[ 1994 ] Mrs. Pyrite
Lover's Knot
[ 1995 ] Charlotte
White Man's Burden
[ 1995 ] Roberta
Bogus
[ 1996 ] Ruth Clark
Jamaica Beat
[ 1997 ] Sylvia Jones
Personals
[ 1999 ] Chantal
Deterrence
[ 1999 ] Gayle Redford
Unconditional Love
[ 1999 ] Linda Cray
Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel
[ 2000 ] Nurse
Baby of the Family
[ 2002 ] Mamie
Frankie D
[ 2007 ] Mama
Blessed and Cursed
[ 2010 ] Lady Wright
The Cost of Heaven
[ 2010 ] Paulette
Christmas in Compton
[ 2012 ] Abuta
Just Getting Started
[ 2017 ] Roberta
Step Sisters
[ 2018 ] Yvonne Bishop
The Comeback Trail
[ 2020 ] Bess Jones
The Fabulous Four
[ 2024 ] Kitty
Ricky
[ 2025 ] Joanne
Ricky
[ 2025 ] Joanne

TV Shows

Black Sheep Squadron
[ 1978 ] Elizabeth
Husbands, Wives & Lovers
[ 1978 ] Joelle
A.E.S. Hudson Street
[ 1978 ] Nurse
Good Times
[ 1978 ] Vanessa Blake
Wonder Woman
[ 1979 ] Bobbie
The Jeffersons
[ 1979 ] Jeanie
The Neighborhood
[ 1982 ] Doris Campbell
V
[ 1984 ] Glenna
Search for Tomorrow
[ 1983-1984 ] Laura McCarthy
Code Name: Foxfire
[ 1985 ] Maggie Bryan
Hunter
[ 1986 ] Josie Clifford
Pros & Cons
[ 1986 ] Roberta
Sister Margaret and the Saturday Night Ladies
[ 1987 ] Corelle
L.A. Law
[ 1987 ] Renee Quintana
Amazing Stories
[ 1987 ] Show Singer
It's a Living
[ 1986-1989 ] Ginger St. James
Falcon Crest
[ 1990 ] Mooshy Tucker
New Attitude
[ 1990 ] Vicki St. James
The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw
[ 1991 ] Miss Rosalee
Designing Women
[ 1992-1993 ] Etienne Toussaint Bouvier
No Child of Mine
[ 1993 ] Marjorie Duncan
Witch Hunt
[ 1994 ] Hypolyta Kropotkin
George
[ 1993-1994 ] Maggie Foster
Street Gear
[ 1995 ] Sarah Davis
The Wild Thornberrys
[ 1998 ] Lioness #2
The Parkers
[ 1999 ] Dee Mitchell
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
[ 1999 ] Zsa Zsa Goowhiggie
Recess
[ 1997-2000 ] Mrs. LaSalle
Moesha
[ 1996-2001 ] Dee Mitchell
The Jennie Project
[ 2001 ] Dr. Pamela Prentiss
The District
[ 2000-2001 ] Lt. Dee Banks
Justice League
[ 2002 ] Cheetah, Barbara Ann Minerva
The Proud Family
[ 2002 ] Diana, Aunt Dee
Whoopi
[ 2003 ] Florence
Las Vegas
[ 2003 ] Janet Ellis
Static Shock
[ 2002-2003 ] Trina Jessup
Justice League Unlimited
[ 2004 ] Cheetah, Barbara Ann Minerva, Teacher
Kink in My Hair
[ 2004 ] Novelette
Barbershop
[ 2005 ] Claire
ER
[ 2006 ] Gloria Gallant
7th Heaven
[ 2006 ] Nurse
Odicie
[ 2007 ] Aunt Amy
Exes & Ohs
[ 2007 ] Reverand Ruby
Hannah Montana
[ 2008 ] Clarice Johnson
Zevo-3
[ 2010 ] Grams
JD Lawrence's Community Service
[ 2013 ] Carolyn
Smash
[ 2013 ] Cynthia Moore
One Love
[ 2014 ] Carolyn Winters
2 Broke Girls
[ 2014 ] Genét
Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn
[ 2014 ] Ms. Dumont
See Dad Run
[ 2014 ] Vanessa
Instant Mom
[ 2013-2015 ] Maggie Turner
Crushed
[ 2016 ] Bella Black
Criminal Minds
[ 2016 ] Hayden Montgomery
One Mississippi
[ 2017 ] Felicia Hollingsworth
Christmas at Holly Lodge
[ 2017 ] Nadine
H.E.I.R.
[ 2017 ] Sheryl Lee Ralph
Claws
[ 2018 ] Matilde
No Sleep 'Til Christmas
[ 2018 ] Mrs. Wright
The Quad
[ 2018 ] Ula Pettiway
Young Justice
[ 2011-2019 ] Amanda Waller
A Black Lady Sketch Show
[ 2019 ] Asia's Mother
MacGyver
[ 2017-2019 ] Mama Colton
Christmas Hotel
[ 2019 ] Marnie
Fam
[ 2019 ] Rose
Ray Donovan
[ 2013-2020 ] Claudette
Fashionably Yours
[ 2020 ] Janet
Christmas Comes Twice
[ 2020 ] Miss Nelson
Christmas in My Heart
[ 2021 ] Ruthie Sampson
How We Roll
[ 2022 ] Loretta
Motherland: Fort Salem
[ 2020-2022 ] President Kelly Wade
Abbott Elementary
[ 2021-2025 ] Barbara Howard
Weather Hunters
[ 2025-2025 ] Ms. Joyce
Big City Greens
[ 2018-2025 ] Suzette Blair (voice)
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
[ 2005-2025 ] Barbara Howard

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Sheryl Lee Ralph, 4322

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dreamgirls

Videos

More Videos

News

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER to Open Season with Gala Featuring SZA, Spike Lee Photo
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER to Open Season with Gala Featuring SZA, Spike Lee
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 13, 2026

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER will launch its season at New York City Center with an opening night gala honoring music icon Luther Vandross, choreographed by Jamar Roberts.
Photos: FOLLOWING HARRY Documentary Now Available on Major VOD Platforms Photo
Photos: FOLLOWING HARRY Documentary Now Available on Major VOD Platforms
by Rachel Stone - Oct 13, 2026

The award-winning documentary chronicling civil rights leader Harry Belafonte's final twelve years is now available nationwide on Amazon, Apple TV, and other streaming platforms.
DREAMGIRLS Original Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now? Photo
DREAMGIRLS Original Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now?
by Michael Gioia - Oct 17, 2026

BroadwayWorld looks back on the 1981 Broadway musical 'Dreamgirls,' which ran for more than 1,500 performances, and what members of its cast are up to now.
FOLLOWING HARRY to Arrive on TVOD Platforms Nationwide
by Rachel Stone - Sep 28, 2026

The award-winning documentary on civil rights leader Harry Belafonte's final years will debut on major streaming platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango.
Photos: FOLLOWING HARRY Documentary to Arrive on TVOD Platforms Photo
Photos: FOLLOWING HARRY Documentary to Arrive on TVOD Platforms
by Rachel Stone - Sep 17, 2026

The award-winning documentary following civil rights leader Harry Belafonte's final years will debut on major streaming platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango.
THE PITT Wins Second Straight Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series
by Rachel Stone - Sep 15, 2026

Noah Wyle and the cast of THE PITT celebrated their second consecutive Outstanding Drama Series Emmy win. Wyle called the victory an answered prayer, while the cast prepared to return to set for season 3 production.
BAFTA North America's TV Tea Party Honors Television Excellence Photo
BAFTA North America's TV Tea Party Honors Television Excellence
by Rachel Stone - Sep 14, 2026

BAFTA North America gathered television industry talent including Sarah Pidgeon, Katherine LaNasa, Michael Urie, Richard Gadd, Sarah Snook, and Tom Pelphrey at its annual TV Tea Party in Los Angeles to celebrate the year in television and support its Learning, Inclusion and Talent programs.
Rachel Zegler Will Host Encore BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Dance Along Performance Photo
Rachel Zegler Will Host Encore BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Dance Along Performance
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will welcome Golden Globe and Olivier Award-winner Rachel Zegler as host of the next “dance along” performance in September.
Photos: Sheryl Crow Debuts CARS: LIGHTNING RACERS Theme Song at D23 Event Photo
Photos: Sheryl Crow Debuts CARS: LIGHTNING RACERS Theme Song at D23 Event
by Rachel Stone - Aug 16, 2026

Sheryl Crow surprised fans at the Disney Experiences Showcase during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with a live performance of her new theme song for the upcoming series CARS: LIGHTNING RACERS.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Opens Up On Confidence, Gratitude, And Getting Back Up After Setback Photo
Sheryl Lee Ralph Opens Up On Confidence, Gratitude, And Getting Back Up After Setbacks
by Rachel Stone - Aug 10, 2026

Sheryl Lee Ralph discussed confidence, gratitude, and resilience during an appearance on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW, reflecting on how she has moved forward after facing setbacks.
Ann Dowd to Join YOU MIGHT KNOW HER FROM to Live Provincetown Show Photo
Ann Dowd to Join YOU MIGHT KNOW HER FROM to Live Provincetown Show
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 14, 2026

Emmy-winning actress Ann Dowd will join comedy-interview podcast You Might Know Her From for a live recording at The Art House in Provincetown, MA, featuring career-spanning conversation, games, and Hollywood stories.
EMILY GOGLIA PRESENTS THE LIMELIGHT CLUB Will Come to Three Clubs in Hollywood Photo
EMILY GOGLIA PRESENTS THE LIMELIGHT CLUB Will Come to Three Clubs in Hollywood
by Stephi Wild - Jul 8, 2026

Emily Goglia Presents The Limelight Club will make its debut at Three Clubs on Vine Street in Hollywood next week. Learn more about the upcoming performance here.
Video: Watch the 2026 Actors' Equity Foundation Awards- Live at 6pm ET Photo
Video: Watch the 2026 Actors' Equity Foundation Awards- Live at 6pm ET
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 22, 2026

x
Emily Goglia Will Bring THE LIMELIGHT CLUB to Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood Photo
Emily Goglia Will Bring THE LIMELIGHT CLUB to Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2026

Emily Goglia will present THE LIMELIGHT CLUB at Bar Lubitsch on Santa Monica Boulevard, featuring Broadway veterans and TV actors including Adam Shapiro and Jennifer Malenke, with accompanist Dwight Rivera.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Are 8 PM Curtains Hurting Broadway? Plus: Your 2026 Tony Nom Photo
Industry Pro Newsletter: Are 8 PM Curtains Hurting Broadway? Plus: Your 2026 Tony Nominations Guide
by Alex Freeman - May 4, 2026

As New York prepares for the 2026 Tony Award nominations and honors the recent Lucille Lortel winners, producers are facing tough questions about whether traditional 8 PM curtain times are driving audiences away. The business landscape is shifting heavily behind the scenes, marked by the merger of licensing giants BMG and Concord, looming strike ballots in the West End, and the Kennedy Center's controversial two-year shutdown. Despite these logistical and financial challenges—including a devastating embezzlement case at a Pennsylvania community theatre—there is plenty of positive momentum to report, from the rapid financial recoupment of the Suffs national tour to new initiatives supporting theater education and large-scale playwriting.
Video: Watch the Trailer for Lisa Ann Walter's Debut Comedy Special IT WAS AN ACCIDEN Photo
Video: Watch the Trailer for Lisa Ann Walter's Debut Comedy Special IT WAS AN ACCIDENT
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2026

The trailer is here for Lisa Ann Walter: It Was An Accident, the long-awaited debut comedy special from the performer. It will debut on Hulu on Friday, May 15.
Industry Pro Newsletter: New Artistic Directors, A New Union Contract & A New 3,000-S Photo
Industry Pro Newsletter: New Artistic Directors, A New Union Contract & A New 3,000-Seat Venue
by Alex Freeman - Apr 27, 2026

On the industry and international fronts, American Dream mall in New Jersey prepares to open a 3,000-seat performing arts center ahead of the FIFA World Cup, UK theater organizations call for ticket resale price cap legislation ahead of the King's Speech, and the Royal Academy of Dance receives a two-year grant to fund bursaries for trainee dance teachers.
Video: See Sheryl Lee Ralph in IMPERFECT WOMEN Season Finale Clip Photo
Video: See Sheryl Lee Ralph in IMPERFECT WOMEN Season Finale Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2026

Apple TV has shared a sneak peek clip from the season finale of Imperfect Women, the psychological thriller series starring Kerry Washington and Tony Award-nominated performer Sheryl Lee Ralph. Watch it now.
Video: See Elisabeth Moss and Corey Stoll in IMPERFECT WOMEN Episode 6 Clip Photo
Video: See Elisabeth Moss and Corey Stoll in IMPERFECT WOMEN Episode 6 Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 10, 2026

Apple TV has shared a sneak peek clip from episode six of Imperfect Women, the psychological thriller series starring Elisabeth Moss and Tony Award-nominated actor Corey Stoll. Watch the clip now.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 10, 2026- Pop Superstar Pink To Host the 2026 Tony A Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 10, 2026- Pop Superstar Pink To Host the 2026 Tony Awards and More
by - Apr 10, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 10, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Sheryl Lee Ralph been in?

Sheryl Lee Ralph has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Sheryl Lee Ralph been in?

Sheryl Lee Ralph has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Sheryl Lee Ralph been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for 4322 and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dreamgirls.

News Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Podcasts

Broadway Podcast Network

BroadwayWorld TV

View all Videos

Ticket Central
Ticket Central
Ticket Central Pixel
Hot Show
Tickets From $59
Hot Show
Tickets From $70
Hot Show
Tickets From $59
Hot Show
Tickets From $101
More Hot Shows Discounts
Recommended For You