Career Timeline of Sheryl Lee Ralph: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sheryl Lee Ralph made an impact.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a celebrated American actress and singer renowned for her contributions to both stage and screen. She rose to prominence as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls in 1981, earning a Tony Award nomination. More recently, Ralph garnered critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Barbara Howard in the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary. Her Emmy win was particularly noteworthy as she became the first Black woman in 35 years to receive the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2022.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1977: Film Debut in A Piece of the Action

In 1977, Sheryl Lee Ralph made her film debut in the comedy A Piece of the Action.

1980: Broadway Production Reggae

In 1980, Sheryl Lee Ralph landed a role in the Broadway production Reggae.

1981: Broadway Debut in Dreamgirls

In 1981, Sheryl Lee Ralph earned acclaim for her role as Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls.

1981: Original Broadway musical Dreamgirls

In 1981, Sheryl Lee Ralph portrayed Deena Jones in the original Broadway musical Dreamgirls.

1982: Tony Award Nomination

In 1982, Sheryl Lee Ralph was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Dreamgirls.

1984: Release of 'In the Evening' Album

In 1984, Sheryl Lee Ralph released her only studio album, In the Evening. The title track peaked on music charts.

1986: Starring in It's a Living

In 1986, Sheryl Lee Ralph began starring in the ABC sitcom It's a Living.

1988: Voice Acting in Oliver & Company

In 1988, Sheryl Lee Ralph provided the voice of Rita in the Disney film Oliver & Company.

1989: Role in The Mighty Quinn

In 1989, Sheryl Lee Ralph appeared in The Mighty Quinn.

1989: Continued Role in It's a Living

In 1989, Sheryl Lee Ralph continued her role in the ABC sitcom It's a Living.

1990: Performance in To Sleep with Anger

In 1990, Sheryl Lee Ralph performed in the comedy-drama film To Sleep with Anger.

1990: Starring in New Attitude

In 1990, Sheryl Lee Ralph starred in the ABC sitcom New Attitude.

1991: Independent Spirit Award Win

In 1991, Sheryl Lee Ralph won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female for her performance in To Sleep with Anger.

1992: Roles in Mistress and The Distinguished Gentleman

In 1992, Sheryl Lee Ralph had notable roles in the films Mistress and The Distinguished Gentleman.

1992: Starring in Mistress and Designing Women

In 1992, Sheryl Lee Ralph starred in Mistress with Robert De Niro and played Etienne Toussaint-Bouvier on Designing Women.

1993: Role in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

In 1993, Sheryl Lee Ralph appeared in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

1993: Role in Sister Act 2

In 1993, Sheryl Lee Ralph played Florence Watson in the film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

1996: Role as Dee Mitchell on Moesha Begins

In 1996, Sheryl Lee Ralph began her role as Dee Mitchell on Moesha.

2001: End of Role as Dee Mitchell on Moesha

In 2001, Sheryl Lee Ralph's role as Dee Mitchell on Moesha concluded, earning her NAACP Image Award nominations.

2002: Broadway Role in Thoroughly Modern Millie

In 2002, Sheryl Lee Ralph played Muzzy Van Hossmere in Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway.

2002: Project Baby of the Family

In 2002, Sheryl Lee Ralph's project Baby of the Family was released, concerning a child who can see ghosts.

June 16, 2009: Joining The First Wives Club Musical

On June 16, 2009, Sheryl Lee Ralph joined the cast of the Broadway-bound musical The First Wives Club as Elyse.

2011: Guest Role in Young Justice

In 2011, Sheryl Lee Ralph guest-starred in Young Justice as Amanda Waller.

2013: Starring in Instant Mom

In 2013, Sheryl Lee Ralph began starring in the Nick at Nite sitcom Instant Mom.

August 2014: Fill-in Entertainment Reporter

In August 2014, Sheryl Lee Ralph appeared on KTLA Los Angeles Morning News as a fill-in entertainment reporter.

November 2014: Appearance on Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn

In November 2014, Sheryl Lee Ralph appeared on Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn.

2015: Continued Role in Instant Mom

In 2015, Sheryl Lee Ralph continued her role in the Nick at Nite sitcom Instant Mom.

2016: Broadway Role in Wicked

In 2016, Sheryl Lee Ralph played Madame Morrible in Wicked on Broadway.

2017: Continued Role in Wicked

In 2017, Sheryl Lee Ralph continued her role as Madame Morrible in Wicked on Broadway.

April 11, 2019: Appearance in Fam

From January 10 to April 11, 2019, Sheryl Lee Ralph appeared as one of the main characters, Rose, in the television series Fam

May 2019: Cancellation of Fam

In May 2019, the television series Fam was canceled after running for one season. Sheryl Lee Ralph starred in the show as Rose.

2020: Role in The Comeback Trail

In 2020, Sheryl Lee Ralph appeared in The Comeback Trail.

2021: Joining Abbott Elementary

In 2021, Sheryl Lee Ralph joined the cast of the sitcom Abbott Elementary, portraying Barbara Howard.

2021: Production of Thoughts of a Colored Man

In 2021, Sheryl Lee Ralph produced the Broadway play Thoughts of a Colored Man.

September 2022: Emmy Win for Abbott Elementary

In September 2022, Sheryl Lee Ralph won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary. She became the first Black woman in 35 years to win the award in that category.