Sheryl Lee Ralph
Actress and Activist

From bringing characters to life on screen, performing on Broadway, producing, and landing the title of national bestselling author with her literary debut, to her deep-rooted philanthropic endeavors, which touch lives across the world, Tony Award nominee, NAACP Image Award nominee, and Independent Spirit Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph has become a staple in the entertainment industry, with an acclaimed career spanning over three decades.

Sheryl can currently be seen starring in ABC’s highly-anticipated comedy series “Abbott Elementary” opposite Quinta Brunson. In this laugh-out-loud workplace comedy, “Abbott Elementary” follows a group of teachers brought together in a Philadelphia school simply because they love teaching. They rely on one another to make it through the day and find a way to counteract the school district’s indifferent attitude toward educating children. Sheryl shines as Barbara, a longtime and respected teacher.

“Abbot Elementary” debuted episode #1 on December 7, 2021, to rave reviews, with critics describing it as, “a smart first impression” (Variety) and “the next great network sitcom” (The Hollywood Reporter).

Additional credits for Sheryl include starring in over 100 episodes of “Moesha” opposite Grammy Award winner Brandy, a lead role opposite Tia Mowry in three seasons of Nickelodeon’s hit series “Instant Mom,” starring opposite Jon Voight in “Ray Donovan” for showtime, and appearances on “Barbershop,” “ER,” “It’s a Living,” “New Attitude,” “Designing Women,” “Two Broke Girls, “Smash,” “One Mississippi,” and “Claws,” to name a few. Sheryl is currently recurring as President Kelly Wade on Freeform’s supernatural drama series
“Motherland.”

On the big screen, Sheryl has worked with some of Hollywood’s leading and award-winning men such as , “The Mighty Quinn,” opposite Denzel Washington, “Mistress” with Robert de Niro, “To Sleep with Anger” with Danny Glover and “The Distinguished Gentlemen” with Eddie Murphy. Most recently, Sheryl completed four back-to-back movies, “Just Getting Started” opposite Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones and Rene Russo, “Christmas at Holly Lodge” for Hallmark, Netflix’s “Step Sisters” with Naturi Naughton produced by Lena Waithe, and “No Sleep Til Christmas” for Freeform.

As a writer, Sheryl’s debut book “Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirl” (Simon & Schuster) instantly became a national bestseller and gave readers a personal look into her triumphs and tribulations navigating life with courage, wit, and strength over the years.

In theater, Sheryl is well known for her award-winning work, creating the role of Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical “Dreamgirls,” which earned her Best Actress nods for Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Sheryl most recently appeared on Broadway as Madame Horrible in “Wicked,” becoming the first African-American actress to take on the classic role.

While working in front of the camera keeps Sheryl busy, she is also a passionate health advocate and honored AIDS activist. Sheryl is the founding director of the DIVA (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed) Foundation 501(C)3, which she created in memory of the many friends she has lost to HIV/AIDS.

Sheryl is happily married to State Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania. Together they have a blended family of four, and she loves every moment of motherhood and marriage.