Sheryl Lee Ralph, born on December 30, 1956, in Waterbury, Connecticut, is the daughter of a Jamaican mother, Ivy Ralph, a pioneering fashion designer, and an American father, Stanley Ralph, a college professor. This rich blend of cultural heritage and creative influences shaped her path as a trailblazing actress, singer, and advocate.
From her early years as a teenage beauty queen to becoming an Emmy-winning performer and cultural icon, Ralph’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination. As we celebrate her birthday and her recognition as Jamaicans.com’s Best of Jamaica Person of the Year 2024, let’s explore ten fascinating facts about this remarkable woman.
1. Miss Black Teenage New York at 16
In 1972, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s journey to stardom began when she was crowned Miss Black Teenage New York at just 16 years old. This early recognition of her poise and charm marked the start of an extraordinary career.
2. A Record-Breaking Rutgers Graduate
Ralph was among the first women admitted to Rutgers College in 1972, where she initially pursued pre-med studies. However, she found her true calling in the performing arts and graduated in 1975 at the age of 19, becoming the youngest woman to graduate from the institution. Ralph’s academic achievements earned her recognition as one of Glamour magazine’s top ten college women in America that same year.
3. A Skippy Peanut Butter Commercial and a Graduation Milestone
Ralph famously missed her Rutgers graduation to appear in a Skippy Peanut Butter commercial. However, her journey came full circle in 2003 when she delivered the commencement address for Rutgers’ graduating class, donning the cap and gown she’d missed years earlier.
4. Early Recognition for Acting Talent
Sheryl Lee Ralph was one of the first recipients of the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, awarded by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. This accolade recognised her as a standout talent among student actors, propelling her toward a future in the arts.
5. Mentored by Sidney Poitier
Ralph’s professional acting career began in 1977 when she starred alongside Sidney Poitier in “A Piece of the Action”. Poitier, a Hollywood legend, became her mentor, shaping her early years in the entertainment industry.
6. Tony-Nominated Dreamgirl
In 1982, Ralph dazzled Broadway audiences as Deena Jones in “Dreamgirls,” a performance that earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. This iconic role remains one of her most celebrated achievements.
7. Chart-Topping Singer
In 1984, Ralph again showcased her vocal talent with the release of her album “In the Evening”. The title track became a dance anthem, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Dance Music chart and making its mark on the UK Singles Chart.
8. Starring Roles with Hollywood Legends
Throughout her career, Ralph has starred alongside iconic actors such as Denzel Washington in “The Mighty Quinn”, Eddie Murphy in “The Distinguished Gentleman”, Robert De Niro in “Mistress”, and Whoopi Goldberg in “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.” Her versatility also shone as Dee Mitchell in the beloved sitcom “Moesha”, earning her five NAACP Image Award nominations.
9. A Dream Deferred
In 2022, Ralph made history as the second Black actress to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Abbott Elementary”. She followed this with a Critics’ Choice Award in 2023. Additionally, in 2023, she became the first Black person to play Mrs. Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
10. A National and Global Icon
Ralph’s impact extends far beyond entertainment. In 2022, she received the Order of Jamaica for her contribution to the national film industry. Earlier that year, she performed Lift Every Voice and Sing at the Super Bowl LVII pre-show, an unforgettable moment that celebrated her cultural roots.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s journey from a teenage pageant queen to an Emmy-winning actress is an inspiring story of perseverance and excellence. As she marks another year of life, we celebrate her achievements and contributions to the arts, culture, and advocacy. Happy Birthday, Sheryl Lee Ralph! May your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
