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Sheryl Lee Ralph Headshot

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Date of Birth: December 30, 1956 (69)

Birth Place: Waterbury, CT, USA

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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

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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

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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

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News

Bette Midler Reveals She'd Like to Star in MAME on Broadway Photo
Bette Midler Reveals She'd Like to Star in MAME on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jul 31, 2024

Stage and screen star Bette Midler is gearing up for the release of her latest project, a film called The Fabulous Four. However, in a recent interview, Midler revealed that she is hoping to return to Broadway, and she has a specific role in mind.
Video: Sheryl Lee Ralph Praises THE FABULOUS FOUR Co-Star Bette Midler Photo
Video: Sheryl Lee Ralph Praises THE FABULOUS FOUR Co-Star Bette Midler
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 18, 2024

Tony Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph loves Bette Midler as much as the rest of us. The actress is appearing in the new comedy The Fabulous Four alongside Midler, Susan Sarandon, and Megan Mullally. Ahead of the film's release on July 26, Ralph stopped by CBS Mornings to discuss working on the movie as both an actor and executive producer. Watch the interview!
Special Guests Revealed For Emily Goglia's MUSICAL MUSINGS at The Moon Room on Melros Photo
Special Guests Revealed For Emily Goglia's MUSICAL MUSINGS at The Moon Room on Melrose
by Stephi Wild - Jul 16, 2024

The Moon Room on Melrose will once again present Emily Goglia's Musical Musings on Monday, July 22, at 8pm. Goglia’s accompanist is Dwight Rivera. Learn more about the special guests here!
Video: Bette Midler Calls HELLO, DOLLY 'A Dream Come True' Photo
Video: Bette Midler Calls HELLO, DOLLY 'A Dream Come True'
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 11, 2024

Bette Midler stopped by TODAY for an interview with Hoda Kotb about her prolific entertainment career. The conversation covered multiple facets of her time across stage and screen, including her time on Broadway and her new film The Fabulous Four.
THE BEAR, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, & More Receive 2024 Astra TV Awards Nominatio Photo
THE BEAR, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, & More Receive 2024 Astra TV Awards Nominations; See the Full List
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 9, 2024

With 15 nominations, FX’s The Bear was the most nominated series this year, followed by Max’s Hacks and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building with 13 each. ABC’s Abbott Elementary and CBS’s Ghosts are tied for third place, with 11 nominations each.
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tony Hale Will Present 76th Emmy Nominations Photo
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tony Hale Will Present 76th Emmy Nominations
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 28, 2024

The Television Academy has revealed that the nominations for the 76th Emmy Awards will be presented by Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tony Hale at a ceremony taking place on Wednesday, July 17, at 8:30 AM PDT/11:30 AM EDT. The ceremony will stream live from the historic El Capitan Theatre. The 76th Emmy Awards will be broadcast live Sunday, Sept. 15 (8:00-11:00 PM EDT/5:00-8:00 PM PDT) on ABC.
Video: Bette Midler & More in the Trailer for 'The Fabulous Four' Photo
Video: Bette Midler & More in the Trailer for 'The Fabulous Four'
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 17, 2024

If three’s a crowd, four’s a party!  Watch the trailer for THE FABULOUS FOUR, starring Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime as four life-long friends reunite in Key West for a surprise wedding.
51st Annual Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Announced - Full List of Winners! Photo
51st Annual Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Announced - Full List of Winners!
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 9, 2024

Robert Downey Jr., Dwayne Wade, and Buddy Valastro win their first-ever Daytime Creative Arts Emmys at the 51st awards ceremony. Discover the highlights and other winners from this prestigious event.
THE VIEW to Host SISTER ACT 2 Anniversary Reunion Next Week Photo
THE VIEW to Host SISTER ACT 2 Anniversary Reunion Next Week
by Josh Sharpe - May 31, 2024

Tune into The View next week to see a reunion show celebrating the 30th anniversary of Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit! On Wednesday, June 5, The View will host an event show featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Sheryl Lee Ralph, music supervisor Marc Shaiman, and composer Mervyn Warren, plus additional cast members, performances, surprises, and more.
Scoop: Coming Up on the Season Finale of ABBOTT ELEMENTARY on ABC - Wednesday, May 22 Photo
Scoop: Coming Up on the Season Finale of ABBOTT ELEMENTARY on ABC - Wednesday, May 22, 2024
by TV Scoop - May 16, 2024

Get all the scoop on the season finale of ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, airing on ABC on Wednesday, May 22, 2024! It’s the last day of school! Ahead of summer vacation, Janine throws the perfect end-of-year party for her colleagues and friends. Watch a sneak peek now!
Scoop: Coming Up on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY on ABC - Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Photo
Scoop: Coming Up on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY on ABC - Wednesday, May 15, 2024
by TV Scoop - May 9, 2024

Get all the scoop on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, airing on ABC on Wednesday, May 15, 2024! Jacob manages to pull off a schoolwide field trip to the park; however, when Abbott must share the playground, the fun and games turn competitive. Watch a clip from a recent episode now!
Scoop: Coming Up on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY on ABC - Wednesday, May 8, 2024 Photo
Scoop: Coming Up on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY on ABC - Wednesday, May 8, 2024
by TV Scoop - May 2, 2024

Get all the scoop on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, airing on ABC on Wednesday, May 8, 2024! Barbara invites Gregory to her family’s Mother’s Day brunch. Jacob scrambles to figure out how to organize a school field trip. Watch a clip from a recent episode now!
Barbra Streisand Celebration Debuts in Palm Springs Photo
Barbra Streisand Celebration Debuts in Palm Springs
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2024

After producing one of L.A.'s most popular annual cabaret events for the last 26 years, prolific cabaret producer Clifford Bell brings a new Palm Springs version of the popular event to the Coachella Valley on Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 7 pm; just in time to celebrate Barbra Streisand's April 24th birthday.
THE COLOR PURPLE, Colman Domingo, and More Take Home NAACP Image Awards - Full List o Photo
THE COLOR PURPLE, Colman Domingo, and More Take Home NAACP Image Awards - Full List of Winners!
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 17, 2024

The 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced during a ceremony on Saturday, March 16th. See the full list of winners here!
Amas Musical Theatre To Honor Patricia Birch And Len Cariou At 55th Annual Benefit Ga Photo
Amas Musical Theatre To Honor Patricia Birch And Len Cariou At 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2024

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Baruch Performing Arts Center.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 8, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 8, 2024
by - Feb 8, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 8, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Whoopi Goldberg Invites Sheryl Lee Ralph to Join SISTER ACT 3 Photo
Whoopi Goldberg Invites Sheryl Lee Ralph to Join SISTER ACT 3
by Michael Major - Feb 7, 2024

Whoopi Goldberg is recruiting Sheryl Lee Ralph for Sister Act 3. After the Abbott Elementary starred appeared in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Goldberg asked her if she'd be willing to come back for a third installment. Sister Act 2 is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and Ralph was invited back to The View for a reunion episode.
Broadway Streaming Guide: February 2024 - Where to Watch DICKS THE MUSICAL & More Photo
Broadway Streaming Guide: February 2024 - Where to Watch DICKS THE MUSICAL & More
by Michael Major - Feb 1, 2024

This February, Broadway fans will be treated to new albums, movies, and television shows to binge. Check out what's coming to streaming this month, including Dicks the Musical coming to streaming, star-studded new series, a Jennifer Lopez movie musical, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, Abbott Elementary, and new albums!
THE COLOR PURPLE Tops NAACP Image Award Nominations - Full List of Nominees! Photo
THE COLOR PURPLE Tops NAACP Image Award Nominations - Full List of Nominees!
by Michael Major - Jan 25, 2024

The NAACP Image Award Nominations have been announced, with The Color Purple leading with a total of 16 nominations, with nods for Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, and more. Check out the full list of nominations now!
Find Out Who Won at the 75th Emmy Awards - Full List of Winners! Photo
Find Out Who Won at the 75th Emmy Awards - Full List of Winners!
by Michael Major - Jan 15, 2024

Find out who won at the 75th Annual Emmy awards! Elton John, Jennifer Coolidge, RuPaul, Kieran Culkin, The Bear, Jeremy Allen White, Paul Walter Hauser, Niecy Nash-Betts, John Oliver, and more took home Emmys tonight. Check out the full list of winners now!
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.

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