Sheryl Lee Ralphshowed us what she’s capable of from the beginning.
I am a 40-year overnight sensation and it feels good, she tells EW.
In it, she plays an outspoken teen named Barbara Hanley.
Everett Collection; ABC
What stands out most to Ralph was the journey to the Warner Brothers lot.
Does it get more Hollywood than that, she says, remembering the day.
The present symbolized that they were going to Jamaica to film the movie.
Sheryl Lee Ralph in ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’.Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Thats how I gotThe Mighty Quinn.
This all happened right before Denzel became Denzel, she recalls.
It was one of the best filmmaking experiences ever.
Sheryl Lee Ralph wins Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.NBC
We just had a wonderful time in Port Antonio, she says.
The Mighty Quinnproduction left quite the impression on the town as well.
I think about it all the time, she says.
The black comedy, written and directed by Charles Burnett, starredDanny Gloveras the mysterious Harry.
There were producers who said I was too dark, they wanted someone with a lighter complexion.
Somebody said something about my legs being too thick.
It was crazy, but he fought for me, she says.
Making a small independent film is a difficult process and Ralph remembers one instance where frustration took over.
In the end, it was a good thing Ralph stood her ground and Glover had her back.
That was a defining moment for me, she says.
Enter the St. James sisters!
It had great potential.
After saying hello to Clinton, she noticedDesigning WomenEP Harry Thomason behind him.
This show is based in Atlanta and I know thoseDesigning Womenknow a few Black people, she recalls.
Years later, shenamed her son after the character.
“All of us were playing these different images of Black people from different walks of life.
Moeshahad a profound impact on viewers and Ralphs career.
We didnt win an Image award.
Its the people who tell her through Dee she raised them.
She went on to star in five of the shows six seasons.
Jordan and Ralph shared an agent who recommended her for the role.
That was one of those movies where a friend calls you up and says Im doing this movie.
Can you help me?
What stands out from the experience is the films shooting location.
Ray Donovan (2013-2020)
Ray Donovanwas a point where things shifted in Ralphs career.
It was challenging at times, but that was another really wonderful experience for me.
While working on the series, she remembers having a conversation about the show with a director she respected.
He said, There is this actress that you have got to meet.
She loved getting to do action sequences and use big guns, a new experience for the actress.
The Coltons were a hit with fans as many wanted them to have a series centering the family.
People would write in constantly.
