Sheryl Lee Ralph Reveals the Racism She Faced in Her Theatre Career

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According to Sheryl Lee Ralph, there are two paths to securing a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Obtaining a star isn’t typically an easy feat; it usually requires dedication and hard work. However, there might be exceptions such as when someone is generously supported by a benefactor. Yet, in most cases, earning a star is more likely the result of one’s diligent efforts.

It’s fortunate that she has a strategy for such situations as well. Notably, Ralph gained recognition through her Emmy-winning character Barbara Howard in the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” produced by Warner Bros. Television. However, her journey began almost half a century ago when she auditioned to play another Barbara H., hoping it would be her debut role: the 1977 heist comedy film “A Piece of the Action,” directed by Sidney Poitier.

Upon his arrival, Ralph discovered that Pamela Poitier, Sidney Poitier’s daughter, was also auditioning for the role of Barbara Hanley, the juvenile delinquent. Recognizing the possibility of rejection, Ralph mentally prepared himself; at least she would have the opportunity to meet one of the greatest Black artists ever before that unfortunate event.

Or, more concisely:

Upon arrival, Ralph learned that Pamela Poitier was competing for the role he wanted. Knowing the odds, he accepted rejection was a possibility; at least she’d get to meet an iconic Black artist first.

“Ralph shares that he formed an extraordinary friendship with Pamela Poitier. He last met her approximately two years ago, and she said to him, ‘Sheryl, you took my career.’ Despite nepotism being a factor in his obtaining the role, Poitier continued to mentor Ralph from the 1970s until his passing in 2022. When queried about whether they ever discussed why he chose her over his own offspring for the part, Ralph puts it plainly: ‘Because I was the best. That’s all there was to it – I was the best.'”

I learned from him to recognize my worth, and he had wished the industry would be more welcoming than it turned out to be. He consistently equipped me with resilience and understanding – qualities that a great father of daughters possesses – showing me that it doesn’t matter if others don’t back me up.

It didn’t take Ralph much time to discover how accurate that statement was. In 1980, she landed a role in a production of “Swing!” destined for the Kennedy Opera House. As she puts it, “It was all about jazz and downtown versus uptown. The Black kids were the uptowners; the white kids were the downtowners.” During rehearsals, it became clear to her that the partner assigned to her had some issues.

‘If you can’t solve the problem, I’ll find someone who can.’

Ralph held back her worries until the performance at the DuPont Theater in Wilmington, Delaware, received unfavorable criticisms. “The following morning, we found out that the entire company had abandoned us at the hotel,” she recounts. “All four of us Black actors were left behind.” They had left a note explaining that they no longer aligned with the narrative’s progression, implying that they departed for the Kennedy Center without them. Ralph broke down in tears, expressing her emotions as powerfully as Oprah.

However, amidst her tears, an opportunity presented itself for her to outshine Ostrow on Broadway. Her friend phoned her during this emotional moment, and Jeffrey exclaimed – adopting a Jamaican accent – “Sheryl, stop crying! I need you to catch the earliest flight, train, or bus to New York.” A new musical titled “Reggae” was about to premiere in just under two weeks, and it desperately required a fresh leading actress. As it turned out, a Jamaican beauty queen had previously been cast in the lead role. Unfortunately, she lacked acting skills and singing ability, resulting in her dismissal from the production.

A few days past, as he continued to memorize his lines, Ralph stepped onto the stage of the Biltmore Theater for the first time on Broadway, portraying a character that honored the nation his mother hailed from.

Ralph commented, “Did it turn out to be successful? It debuted on a day when there was a garbage strike, and likely ended on a day marked by a newspaper strike.” The production titled “Reggae” managed to run for just 21 shows spanning 16 days. On its final night, as Ralph remembers, the theater with a seating capacity of 650 had only five attendees in the audience.

However, among the five, there was a playwright known as Tom Eyen. Afterward, he approached her backstage and said, “The performance is disappointing; you are not.” He then gave her a note with an address scribbled on it, instructing her to be there on Monday at 10 in the morning.

1981 saw Ralph unexpectedly performing “Ave Maria” during rehearsals, as it turned out to be an error. She clarifies, “They requested a song from church, and I suppose they thought I might have been a Southern Baptist. However, I’m an Episcopalian, almost Catholic – quite the surprise for them!” (Still sounding somewhat annoyed at the assumption that she would sing a gospel tune.)

The room became deathly quiet. In a fit of rage, Ralph hurriedly left. Yet, it was that audition that eventually catapulted her to stardom – landing Deena Jones as her iconic role in “Dreamgirls.

There were some obstacles encountered throughout the process – “Quincy Jones departed from the production. It didn’t resonate with him, much like it didn’t with Madonna, as Ralph humorously notes.” However, “Dreamgirls” became a success, and Ralph started to receive genuine acclaim. She was nominated for both a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award, continuing her involvement until she noticed indications that there were other opportunities waiting for her to explore.

Three years have passed, and I’m feeling exhausted,” she reminisces. “One day, all the words to a song I knew vanished from my memory. It was just a single night, but I sensed it was a turning point. Then, suddenly, I received a call.” The caller was Tim Flack, a renowned casting director and producer. “He told me, ‘If you’re here on Monday morning, you’ll be on television.’

Ralph mentioned that she was linked with the creators of “V: The Series,” a science fiction drama on NBC. They inquired if she would be open to chopping off her hair and trying something drastically different compared to her role in “Dreamgirls.” Without hesitation, Ralph quickly got a haircut. Now, she’s starting to notice a recurring theme emerging.

Essentially, she understood that she was an authentic professional actor, able to consistently secure work if she continued to seek opportunities.

After relocating to Los Angeles, Ralph started landing one opportunity after another in the entertainment industry. She garnered praise from critics with roles such as those in Charles Burnett’s “To Sleep With Anger,” which earned her an Indie Spirit Award in 1990, and lighter comedies like “Sister Act 2.” In addition to these film roles, she appeared on numerous TV shows. One of her most notable appearances was on the six-season UPN sitcom “Moesha,” where a young Brandy starred as the titular character. Ralph played Dee Mitchell, who is primarily recognized as Moesha’s stepmother, but she also portrayed the high school vice principal. This role now holds special significance for Ralph, as she has since become well-known for playing an educator once again.

Quinta Brunson, the mastermind behind “Abbott Elementary” and its leading actress, caught Ralph’s attention in 2018. At that time, Ralph was filming the CBS sitcom “Fam” on the Warner Bros. studio lot. While taking a stroll with her daughter, they came across Brunson. Brunson was working on a pilot project alongside Larry Wilmore and Jermaine Fowler, although this project didn’t air. However, she was making waves in Hollywood due to her viral videos.

Ralph remembers his daughter suddenly coming to a standstill. ‘Mom,’ she exclaimed, ‘That’s Quinta Brunson! You need to meet her; she’s going to become famous.’ The following year, Ralph made an appearance on HBO’s ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show.’

Ralph expresses that Brunson, the writer and cast member on the series, seems to be observing him closely. Then, without warning, this girl starts dancing, singing, and even performing cartwheels as part of an improv scene we’re doing. Ralph exclaims, “Who is this energetic little whirlwind?

As time went by, the series “Fam” came to an end. The co-creators, Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, proposed that Ralph take a part in a fresh CBS comedy they were developing, but it had been some time since Ralph last appeared in a major role. Ralph recalls thinking, “I adore the Joes, but I’ll be either the fifth or sixth person called for this project. What direction do I want my career to go?” She wanted to advance, to be either number one or two. Instead, she opted for a role in an ABC pilot titled “Harlem’s Kitchen,” where Delroy Lindo would take precedence over her. Just as they were preparing to film, COVID-19 forced the city into lockdown, and eventually, the show was cancelled. Ralph was heartbroken. “And which show got picked up? ‘Ghosts.’

Initially, Wiseman and Port considered offering the role in “Ghosts,” the hit comedy of the 2021-2022 season premiere, to someone else (not Danielle Pinnock).

Or,

At first, Danielle Pinnock was not the one initially offered the part on “Ghosts,” the highest-rated new comedy of the 2021-2022 season, by Wiseman and Port.

She expresses surprise, saying something like, ‘Oh dear me, I messed it up. I chose poorly. It seems that role is now in someone else’s hands – a woman who is incredibly skilled and perfectly suited for the part. I find myself contemplating my next move, gazing out of the window, when suddenly I receive a call. ‘Ms. Ralph?’,” she says.

After four seasons, earning an Emmy award, and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Brunson’s story became legendary.

Ralph expresses his gratitude as he believes not many performers receive it: the affection and esteem of their audience. Upon returning from a long journey, pilots approached him for a photo, acknowledging him without needing an introduction. This touched him, as even among strangers, people in the airport greeted him warmly, called him ‘queen’, left him notes, and showed him kindness that he finds hard to believe.”

Or, more informally:

“Ralph feels really lucky because he thinks not many performers get it – the love and admiration from their audience. After a 20-hour trip, pilots asked for a picture with him, knowing who he was without being told! And in the airport, people greeted him like royalty, leaving him notes out of nowhere. He can’t believe how good things are going!

Ralph takes a moment to ponder the query. “Well, I suppose I might win an Oscar,” she acknowledges, “but I’m not sure it would make much of a difference. I’m content. I’m joyful. I’m enjoying it.

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2025-04-16 18:48