Sheryl Lee Ralph revealed what advice Sidney Poitier, Uta Hagen and Rosalind Cash would give her today.
An evening to remember
On the red carpet at the Television Academy Hall of Fame, 68-year-old Sheryl Lee Ralph told PEOPLE that her childhood was like the little black-and-a-black screen on TV.
She would sit and watch Tinker Bell and dream of one day being part of the magic of Hollywood.
The power of mentorship
“I started with Sidney Poitier, then my acting mentor, Uta Hagen, taught me the depth of expression,” Ralph says.
These legends not only taught technique, but also gave me the perspective to understand the childlikeness so that every character came alive.
Mentors of stage and screen
“Virginia Capers brought out every emotion on stage in Raisin.
Rosalind Cash taught me the importance of contrast and control on screen.”
These names became not just roles in Ralph’s journey, but the foundation of her confidence.
If the mentors were here today
Sheryl wonders what these legends would say today. “They would definitely say, ‘I told you so, right?’
And I would laugh and think, really, you did!” It’s a brick of confidence that lasts a lifetime.
The shine of Abbott Elementary
Winning an Emmy for her role as Barbara Howard in 2022, Ralph became very emotional.
“Hearing the name made me feel like I had a lump in my throat,” she admits.
The win showed her that struggle and passion are never in vain.
Cicely Tyson’s vision
On a flight, Cicely Tyson said, “Many great things are going to happen to you.”
Ralph still remembers that sentence, because that confidence gave her courage during difficult times.
The colorful journey of TV
“I was crazy about that 12-inch box of TV—first black and white, then came color,” Sheryl recalls.
Today, that box has brought her to the voting stage and the Walk of Fame.
The Road Ahead
Sheryl Lee Ralph is rocking Abbott Elementary and ready to tell new stories in Hollywood.
Wherever she goes, she carries with her fond memories of learning from her mentors and being in awe.
The girl who dreamt of cities is now making those childhood dreams come true—an example of true mentorship.