During multi-hyphenateSheryl Lee Ralphs 46-year career, shes been a trailblazing force.
These days, shes back to school on ABCs mockumentaryAbbott Elementary.
She discusses the joy of playing Barbara Howard and their personal connection.
Sheryl Lee Ralph in ‘Abbott Elementary.‘Giles Mingasson/ABC
What storyline resonated with you most?
I thought last year the work I was able to do was wonderful.
And, of course, being recognized with the Emmy win.
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter inAbbott Elementary.Giles Mingasson/ABC
Also, I like to connect dots.
So, I look back at my first job, a film calledA Piece of the Actionwith Sidney Poitier.
I played a young raw child of poverty named Barbara Hanley.
And I always say Barbara Howard is a stellar committed teacher because she was Barbara Hanley.
Because if Barbara Howard and Barbara Hanley could do it, she could certainly do it to help Janine.
And thats why I need her to get into therapy before she takes this relationship with Gregory further.
DEADLINE: What are your thoughts on the Gregory-Janine season finale?
Do you want them to get together?
RALPH: I used to.
But when all of it started to add up, and then thatnear kissduring that winter episode?
My god, that was so beautifully written and directed.
And the love between them?
I just wanted to shout, Yes, man, go on and kiss the girl.
But that is not what happened.
It didnt work out that way.
I honestly feel that these are two young people who definitely need therapy.
Janine has mommy issues, and Gregorys got daddy issues.
Lord have mercy [laughs].
DEADLINE: Going back to Sidney Poitier, youre very forthcoming about rewatching your past work online.
Not a lot of actors are comfortable doing that.
RALPH: You know something?
I really dont want to watch my old work.
Let me watch it.
And then its just like, Oh my gosh, I really love this movie.
I love the relationship between Lauryn Hills character and my character.
The mother was such a dream killer.
]; dont let somebody elses lies or negativity become your truth.
Dont carry that with you.
Know that a no today can be a yes tomorrow, and youve got to live your own dreams.
DEADLINE: What has your life been like since winning your first Emmy?
And do you have a contingency plan in place for the possibility of winning a second one?
RALPH: Dont put a Kinehora [jinx] on it!
[Laughs] Everybody keeps asking me, What are you going to do next?
I could not believe that it was happening to me.
If it happened twice in a row… Id probably stand there looking like a fool.
I dont know if anybody is experiencing what Im experiencing because its amazing.
I was like, what in the world is this?
Im like, my God, all of this and an Emmy too?
Im just the blessed one.
People are watching, and they love it.
And it doesnt get much better than this.
And Im so happy and blessed to be a part of it, I really am.
But what do you want your legacy to be?
RALPH: I think that legacy for me is so many things.
And my son has helped me craft my message of inspiration through my social media and all of that.
All of that is legacy to me.
you could sit down and write, create and develop other layers of people of color.
That wasnt for me.
I wanted to be a different image.
Im writing, Im creating.
To me, thats legacy.
My God, I know the journey, I know the road.
So thats legacy to me.
