Sherly Lee Ralph Reveals the Truth Behind Her Early Days in Hollywood on TV

Sherly Lee Ralph has earned a stellar reputation over her nearly 30 year career spanning film, theater and television roles with such Hollywood icons as Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington and Eddie Murphy.

Sheryl Lee Ralph recently revealed a sexual assault she experienced years earlier during an appearance on Angela Yee's podcast.

She Was Sexually Assaulted by a “Famous TV Judge” Years Ago

Sherly Lee Ralph Reveals the Truth Behind Her Early Days in Hollywood on TV

Sherly revealed she was sexually assaulted years earlier while promoting a new show and executive saw what happened and wanted it kept secret to avoid "bad press". When telling the tale to former mayor Marc Morial he immediately came to her defense and was willing to call the cops.

Marc Morial had suggested sending officers down to the scene of the crime; but she had to go through several layers of bureaucracy before they agreed to send anyone.

As part of her effort to maximize her experience, she took the step to share it on a podcast in hopes of inspiring women to speak up in future incidents such as one where a promoter improperly touched her leg. In doing so, she also revealed other instances where "Me Too" moments have arisen throughout her career, such as one when an actor inappropriately touched her leg while performing onstage.

Experiences such as these make it harder for women to speak up. She expressed that sharing her stories was important. Abbott Elementary starring actress Barbara Howard will continue narrating these tales of empowerment in future performances of Abbott Elementary.

Sherly Lee Ralph's story is just the latest #MeToo scandal to rock Hollywood. Best known for her roles in Dreamgirls on Broadway and Moesha and It's a Living on television series Moesha, She recently published an essay detailing rape culture's effects on women and children alike.

She’s a “Dreamgirl”

Sherly Lee Ralph is an esteemed Tony-nominated actress. First coming to prominence with Deena Jones in Dreamgirls and later appearing in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Wicked respectively, the Jamaican-American has gone on to work in numerous other projects that showcase Black talent from all backgrounds. Sherly has set an exemplary example for young performers across multiple generations who aspire to perform.

She's an unflappable performer who refuses to take anything for granted, while staying true to herself and remaining grounded in authenticity and self-belief. Furthermore, she has an uncanny knack of connecting deeply with audiences - becoming an influential role model and source of motivation in many lives.

She has long been renowned in Hollywood and won multiple awards, such as an Emmy for her portrayal of firm yet loving kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard on ABC's Abbott Elementary. Additionally, she has appeared in various films like The Mighty Quinn and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

Sherly Lee Ralph has accomplished great feats throughout her career and still continues to learn new lessons as she moves forward with it. Recently, she shared one painful memory from early days in Hollywood on TV that any Black creative should be able to relate to!

Sherly Lee Ralph had to bear tremendous discomfort, yet she remained positive and worked relentlessly towards improving herself. Gradually, her talents began being acknowledged.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an award-winning Jamaican-American actress, singer and writer. Throughout her career she has appeared in multiple films and television shows demonstrating that her talent transcends genres; making her an irresistibly entertaining veteran who knows exactly how to bring a room down!

She debuted as an actress with Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones in Just Getting Started, released in 2018. Additionally, she's made appearances in Hallmark Channel's Christmas at Holly Lodge; Netflix's Step Sisters; and Freeform's No Sleep Til Christmas.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a Jamaican-American singer, actress and activist known for her roles in films and television shows over time. Her award-winning short film Secrets earned a spot as a finalist in both HBO Film Short Competition and Showtime Filmmaker Award Series; additionally, Sheryl has appeared at both Acapulco Film Festivals (one) and Hollywood Film Festivals (two) as well as numerous international festivals.

She’s a “Moesha” Stepmother

Sherly Lee Ralph has had an exceptionally prolific Hollywood career. Her most renowned role to date has been as Brandy's stepmother on Moesha; in addition to that she's appeared in multiple films (Winning an Independent Spirit Award for To Sleep with Anger!). Additionally she appeared on New Attitude, Designing Women and co-starred with Eddie Murphy in The Distinguished Gentleman!

Sheryl Lee Ralph began her rise to stardom while still in her teens, appearing in several small roles before receiving her big break in Sidney Poitier's 1977 film A Piece of the Action and later Dreamgirls on Broadway.

Sherly Lee Ralph played Dee Mitchell on the UPN sitcom Moesha for five years alongside Brandy Norwood. This show focused on Moesha's blended family and illustrated some of the challenges Black families can encounter.

Sherly Lee Ralph was very offended when Season 5 of Moesha brought about a major plot twist, when Frank Mitchell (Brandy Norwood's father) revealed that Dorian Mitchell (Moesha's son) was actually his uncle instead. This abruptly changed the show from comedy to drama and sent shockwaves through Sherly.

Sherly Lee Ralph was taken aback at this unexpected realization, something she had never before encountered. In response to this event she wrote an essay for Hello Magazine called, "Saying Goodbye to Moesha."

Sherly Lee Ralph has found great success in show business and made herself known as an exceptional actor and role model by going above and beyond her role. She strives to promote diversity within the entertainment industry and has spoken openly about her experiences within it; hoping that other actors may follow suit and do the same.

She’s a “Abbott Elementary” Teacher

Sherly Lee Ralph has made her mark on Hollywood through television, appearing as the star of ABC's hit comedy show Abbott Elementary. Although many have recognized Sherly for her talent and self-assurance, her journey in Hollywood may not have been smooth sailing at first.

She claimed she was sexually assaulted years earlier by a "famous TV judge," though did not name them during an interview with podcast host Angela Yee, according to Variety. She stated the judge forcefully kissed her in front of numerous executives who turned a blind eye. Although specific details remain undisclosed, she indicated at that time that she attempted to file a complaint with New Orleans mayor at that time, yet network executives hesitating in their response to such behavior.

Sherly Lee Ralph has managed to remain true to herself as an actor throughout her Hollywood career, remaining true to herself when it was necessary. She encourages other women to speak up when needed and be forthcoming when discussing experiences.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an extraordinary actress with an extensive list of accolades to her name. Beginning her acting career in the 1980s, she has gone on to appear in films and TV shows, such as Dreamgirls, Wicked and Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway.

Her most notable role to date has been as beloved teacher Barbara Howard from Abbott Elementary. For this performance she received an Emmy and has also been nominated for several other awards including one from Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Advocate of women in Hollywood for decades, she recently made an empowering speech at Essence's 16th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon to encourage female actors to embrace change, learning, and growth - sharing some lessons she's learned that she hopes others can use.