Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy-winning actress, will grace the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with her presence.
The 66-year-old actress of Abbott Elementary is scheduled to make her debut as the first-ever celebrity Mrs. Claus on the recognizable last float of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Additionally, the actress will be the first Black Mrs. Claus at the yearly event.
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“I am so honored to have been asked by Macy’s to be their first celebrity Mrs. Claus for this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!” Ralph remarked. The multi-talented mother of two added, “It’s such a festive and enjoyable role, bringing warmth and joy to the start of the holiday season. I get to spread love and embody the spirit of giving. The perfect role for me!”
It’s only fitting that Ralph establishes a standard in his next position. Over the past 18 months, the Dreamgirls veteran has been recognized with an Emmy, a SAG Award, and a Critics Choice Award for her exceptional portrayal of the harsh yet compassionate teacher Barbara Howard on ABC’s Abbott Elementary. Her storied career spans 46 years in TV, film, and theater.
According to Will Coss, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer, “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the biggest stage for entertainers during the holiday season.” He added, “We are thrilled to welcome an icon of film, stage, and screen, Sheryl Lee Ralph, to this year’s 97th edition as Mrs. Claus, bringing joy to millions across the nation.”
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is expected to delight spectators and viewers at home, as it has in the past. At least 31 imaginative floats, 25 enormous balloons, and musical performances by artists such as Cher, Brandy, David Foster, Kathrine McPhee, Jon Batiste, and Jessie James Decker are all promised for this year’s parade.
Favorite balloons like Ronald McDonald and Spongebob SquarePants are sure to return to the skies, but new balloons are also anticipated to appear. In addition, six “balloonicles”—hybrid balloon vehicles—are scheduled to travel the route, which ends on 34th Street in Manhattan.
Olympic hopefuls Kelly Cheng, Sara Hughes, and Ezra Frech, as well as performers Lacey Chabert, Andy Cohen, Leslie Odom Jr., Abigail Spencer, Kenan Thompson, and Kel Mitchell, will all be featured throughout the show.
The 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is hosted by Today anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, will be shown on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. across all time zones. Peacock also simulcasts the Parade.
