Sheryl Lee Ralph, born December 30, 1956, is an American celebrated actress, singer, and activist whose career has spanned over four decades. She has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards along the way. Ralph is also an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and has dedicated much of her life to helping those affected by the disease.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Bio:
Full Name: | Sheryl Lee Ralph |
Date of Birth: | December 30, 1956 |
Place of Birth: | Waterbury |
State of Origin: | Connecticut |
Nationality: | American |
Occupation: | Actress & Singer |
Net Worth: | $5 million |
Husband/Spouse: | Vincent Hughes |
Early Life and Education
Sheryl Lee Ralph was born on December 30, 1956, in Waterbury, Connecticut. She was raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and attended Uniondale High School.
After graduating from high school, Ralph attended Rutgers University, where she studied drama and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Career
Ralph began her career on stage, appearing in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls in 1981. She earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance as Deena Jones and went on to star in a number of other Broadway productions, including Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Wiz.
In 1984, Ralph made her film debut in the comedy, A Piece of the Action. She went on to appear in several other films, including Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit and To Sleep with Anger.
Ralph is also a prolific television actress, with credits including Moesha, Instant Mom, and It’s a Living.
In addition to her acting career, Ralph is also a talented singer. She has released several albums, including In the Evening and The Shanachie Sessions, and has performed on stage with numerous musical legends, including Ray Charles and Whitney Houston.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Net Worth
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. Much of her income comes from her acting and singing career.
Awards
Ralph has received numerous awards and nominations for her work as an actress and advocate. She earned a Tony Award nomination for her role in Dreamgirls and won an NAACP Image Award for her performance in the television series, Moesha.
Ralph has also received several awards for her work in HIV/AIDS advocacy, including the Red Ribbon Leadership Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Black AIDS Institute.
Personal Life
Sheryl Lee Ralph is married to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, and the couple has two children together.
In addition to her acting and advocacy work, Ralph is also involved in several charitable organizations, including the United Negro College Fund and the American Cancer Society.
Ralph has been a strong advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness since the 1980s when many people were still hesitant to talk about the disease.
She founded the Diva Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Ralph has also been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has been recognized for her work in promoting equality and acceptance.
Sheryl Lee Ralph is an accomplished actress, singer, and advocate whose work has inspired and touched countless people.