Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph 
Actress, Singer, and Author  

From bringing characters to life on screen, performing on Broadway, producing, landing the title of national bestselling author with her literary debut, and her deep-rooted philanthropic endeavors which touch lives across the world, Emmy Award Winner, 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 on ABC’s smash hit, comedy series Abbott Elementary. In this laugh out loud workplace comedy, Abbott Elementary follows a group of teachers brought together in a Philadelphia public 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.  In summer 2022, the show earned a total of seven Emmy nominations from the Television Academy for its freshman season, including Outstanding Comedy Series, with Sheryl winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She also landed the Hollywood Critics Association Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy.

In theater, on television, or on the big screen, Sheryl’s acting career span decades and genres and includes success in writing and directing for film and television. Additionally, Sheryl’s debut book Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirls (Simon & Schuster) instantly became a national bestselling title and gave readers a personal look into her triumphs and tribulations over the years, navigating life with courage, wit, and strength.  

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 had lost to HIV/AIDS. She also created the critically acclaimed Divas Simply Singing! an evening of song and entertainment that is the longest consecutive running musical AIDS benefit in the country. Sheryl was awarded the first Red Ribbon Award at the UN for her unique use of the arts in HIV/AIDS activism and was recently appointed as an AIDS Ambassador for Jamaica’s Ministry of Health. 

Sheryl is a mother of two with a blended family of four and loves every moment of motherhood and marriage. She is happily married to State Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania.