She was the first woman to graduate from Rutgers College at the age of 19. She missed her graduation to get a Skippy Peanut Butter commercial. She did get to wear a cap and gown on May 2, 2003 as the Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2003.
Sheryl Lee Ralph (born December 30, 1956) is an American actress, singer, and activist. She made her film debut in the 1976 musical drama Sparkle, and went on to appear in such films as The Wiz (1978), Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), and Dreamgirls (2006). On television, Ralph starred as Deena Jones in the NBC musical drama series Dream Street (1989–1990), and as Moesha Mitchell in the UPN sitcom Moesha (1996–2001). She has also had recurring roles on such shows as It’s a Living (1985–1989), Instant Star (2004–2006), and Ray Donovan (2013–2014).
Ralph was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, the daughter of Ivy, a fashion designer, and Stanley Ralph, a businessman. She has two older sisters, Donna and Diane. Ralph was raised in New York City, and attended the High School of Performing Arts. She later studied drama at the Yale School of Drama.
Ralph’s film debut came in the 1976 musical drama Sparkle. She subsequently appeared in such films as The Wiz (1978), Greased Lightning (1977), and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993). She also had a leading role in the short-lived ABC sitcom Baby, I’m Back (1978).
In 1989, Ralph began starring as Deena Jones in the NBC musical drama series Dream Street. The series was short-lived, airing for only one season. However, Ralph’s performance earned her a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
From 1996 to 2001, Ralph starred as Moesha Mitchell in the UPN sitcom Moesha. The show was a ratings success, lasting for six seasons. During her time on the show, Ralph earned two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
In 2006, Ralph appeared in the film Dreamgirls, portraying Effie White. The film was a critical and commercial success, and earned Ralph a Satellite Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Ralph has also had recurring roles on such television shows as It’s a Living (1985–1989), Instant Star (2004–2006), and Ray Donovan (2013–2014).
In addition to her acting career, Ralph is also a singer and activist. In 1992, she released her debut album, In the Evening. The album peaked at number fifty-seven on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2010, she released her second album, Iconic: Message 4 America.
Ralph is an active philanthropist, and has been involved with such organizations as UNICEF, amfAR, and The Actors Fund. In 2016, she was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the American Black Film Festival.
Ralph has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Brian Gibson from 1983 to 1992; the couple had one child together. Her second marriage is to Vincent Hughes; the couple wed in 1999 and have two children together.
General Info
Full Name
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Net Worth
$5 million dollars
Date Of Birth
December 30, 1956
Height
5 ft 7 in
Profession
Screenwriter, Film producer, Activist, Voice Actor, Film director, Singer
Education
Rutgers University
Nationality
American
Family
Spouse
Vincent Hughes, Eric Maurice
Children
Etienne Maurice, Ivy-Victoria Maurice
Siblings
Michael Ralph
Accomplishments
Awards
Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female
Nominations
Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Movies
The Distinguished Gentleman, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, The Mighty Quinn, Oliver & Company, To Sleep with Anger, A Piece of the Action, Bogus, Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel, Deterrence, Blessed & Cursed, Christmas in Compton, The Jennie Project, White Man's Burden, Witch Hunt, Mistress, Per...
TV Shows
Instant Mom, Moesha, George, Designing Women, New Attitude, It's a Living, Code Name: Foxfire
Married Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles on July 30, 2005.
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Nominated for Broadway's 1982 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for "Dreamgirls."
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Was originally considered for a potential spin-off of the 1970s television series Wonder Woman (1975) but the project never made it past the green-light phase. Her ties to the show continued though as, 25 years later, she portrays Wonder Woman's nemesis "The Cheetah" in the animated Justice League (2001) series.
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July 2004: Inducted as an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the 47th National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Played "Muzzy van Hossmere" in the original cast of the Broadway production "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (2002 Tony winner for Best New Musical). While in the stage show, Muzzy is a black character, in the film she was white, played by Carol Channing.
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"Dreamgirls" is considered by many as a loosely-based account of the meteroic rise of the 1960s super girl-group The Supremes. Sheryl's Deena Jones' character closely follows the path taken by Diana Ross.
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She was the first woman to graduate from Rutgers College at the age of 19. She missed her graduation to get a Skippy Peanut Butter commercial. She did get to wear a cap and gown on May 2, 2003 as the Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2003.