On April 16, Sheryl Lee Ralph received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, highlighting the importance of having faith in oneself. She expressed gratitude to those who questioned her, acknowledging that their skepticism had contributed to her achievement.
Ralph Stated, “[I was told] you’re not this, you’re not that. You’re too Black, you’re too short, not Black enough, you’re not this, you’re not that. Woo! And some of them were not kind about it, but I thank you.”
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The Abbott Elementary actor further mentioned, “I thank you because your rejection was a redirection – and look where it landed me.”
“I’m here today with the 2,808th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so to all of you thinking it can’t happen to you.”
The Emmy awardee gave some advice to anyone who could be in a similar circumstance to the one she was in at one point.
She noted, “You’re thinking your dreams don’t matter. You keep on. Keep doing the work. Dreams don’t have an expiration.”
Ralph stated, “It is only over when you stop and when you say it is over. But keep showing up. Keep being your authentic self. Keep speaking the truth.” She continued, “Cause one day, baby, you just might look down and find your name written amongst the stars.”
Quinta Brunson, Jenifer Lewis, Janelle James, Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, Brandee Evans, Lisa Ann Walter, William Stanford Davis, and Ralph’s husband, Pennsylvania State Sen. Vincent Hughes, were among those who attended the wedding.
Ralph was questioned about the morals her parents and Jamaican family taught her.
Ralph shared, “My mother always wanted me to strive for the best, like we say in Jamaica, ‘good, better, best, never let it rest till your good is better and your better best.’ ” She further remarked, “My mother used to encourage me [with] ‘a C is fine. You pass. But why not get an A? Don’t you belong on the honor roll.’ “
Ralph continued, “You know, my mother would say to me, ‘Be a doctor, be a lawyer, and if you can’t do that, then marry one!’ I did none of those things, but thank God, it was always instilled in me to move forward.”
Ralph encourages, “Claim your greatness, be your best, and be kind to other people. Be kind and bring them along with you.”
