Sheryl Lee Ralph explains why she almost left showbiz — and what kept her going
Sheryl Lee Ralph opens up about how she rediscovered her ability later in life, playing Barbara Howard in Abbott Elementary, and how she thinks about her success later in her life.
She was the first to play the role of Deena Jones in the original production of Dreamgirls on Broadway; the second Black woman to win an Emmy for supporting actress in a comedy; and most recently, the third to perform "Lift Every Voice And Sing" at the Super Bowl.
So, it's kind of hard to imagine that about 15 years ago, actor and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph had considered walking away from show business. Opportunities had seemed to dry up. She was focusing on her family life.
