Sheryl Lee Ralph celebrates her Emmy win for ‘Abbott Elementary’

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an American actress and singer who has had a successful career in stage, film, and television. She made her screen debut in the 1977 comedy film A Piece of the Action, before landing her breakthrough role as Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. For her performance in Dreamgirls, Ralph received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She has since gone on to appear in numerous films and television shows, including Designing Women, Moesha, The Cheetah Girls, and instant mom. In addition to her acting work, Ralph is also a successful singer and has released several albums throughout her career. She is an accomplished performer who has succeeded in multiple entertainment fields.

After 4 decades, Ralph won the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy for her role as seasoned teacher Barbara Howard in ‘Abbott Elementary.’ She was shocked by her win. “I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim’s song,” she sang at the ceremony, bringing the entire audience to its feet. “I am a woman, I am an artist. And I know where my voice belongs,” said Ralph during her speech.

“To anyone, who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t come true – I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like,” she said to applause. “This is what striving looks like. And don’t you ever give up on yourself.”