Sheryl Lee Ralph at the ceremony honoring Sheryl Lee Ralph with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph received the 2,808th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Television category.
What we know:
Sheryl Lee Ralph was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Her career in television began in 1978.
Series star and creator Quinta Brunson and Loretta Devine, a castmate of Ralph’s in the 1981-85 Broadway musical “Dreamgirls,” joined Ralph in speaking at the ceremony at 6623 Hollywood Blvd., near Musso & Frank Grill.
“I can still feel the determined spirit of that little girl who dared to dream big,” Ralph said. “Growing up, I felt my big dreams had to be whispered, because that kind of ambition could be mistaken for arrogance. But my immigrant mother would look me in the eye and say what we always say in Jamaica, `Good, better, best, never let it rest til your good is better and your better best.’
“I can still feel the carpet under my feet in our living room in Connecticut where I would dance in front of the mirror using my hairbrush as a microphone, with my T-shirt on my head wishing I had Tina Turner’s wig,” she said. “Oh the dreams I dared to dream. But you see me now? I don’t look like my journey. There were days and not so long ago I couldn’t get into the room for the audition. And now I am literally cemented as part of the industry’s foundation.”
The ceremony was held the same day as the fourth-season finale of “Abbott Elementary”.
The backstory:
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Ralph was raised between Jamaica and New York. She graduated from Rutgers University at 19, becoming the youngest woman to do so.
Her career began with a feature film debut opposite Sidney Poitier and continued with roles alongside Hollywood’s leading men. Ralph’s career includes notable roles in television series such as “Abbott Elementary,” “Moesha,” and “Instant Mom,” as well as acclaimed performances in films like “To Sleep with Anger” and “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.”
Ralph is also known for her stage work, particularly in “Dreamgirls” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
Ralph’s other early television credits include “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times” and “Wonder Woman.”
Her recent film work includes “The Fabulous Four” and “Ricky,” which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
What they’re saying:
Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stated, “Our Walk of Fame honorees are selected solely based on their achievements in the entertainment industry. With her remarkable talent and contributions, Sheryl Lee Ralph is more than worthy of this prestigious recognition.”
What’s next:
Ralph continues to star in “Abbott Elementary,” which has been renewed for a fifth season.
Ralph remains active in advocacy, particularly through The DIVA Foundation, promoting health outcomes and HIV/AIDS awareness.
The Source: Information for this story is from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.