Basic Information
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheryl Lee Ralph |
| Birthdate | December 30, 1956 |
| Birthplace | Waterbury, Connecticut |
| Parents | Stanley Ralph (father), Ivy Ralph, O.D. (mother) |
| Education | BFA, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University |
| Sibling | Michael Ralph |
| Spouse | Vincent Hughes (m. July 30, 2005) |
| Children | Etienne Maurice (b. 1992), Ivy‑Victoria “Coco” Maurice (b. 1995) |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Producer, Advocate |
Early Life & Ancestry
Cheryl Lee Ralph, born December 30, 1956, in Waterbury, Connecticut, was nurtured in a bicultural environment with African-American intellectual and Jamaican fashion influences. Her parents, Stanley Ralph, a college professor and community champion, and Ivy Ralph, O.D., invented the Kariba suit. Ralph became interested in performance arts while growing up in Mandeville, Jamaica, and Long Island, New York. She played Ado Annie in her high school’s Oklahoma! production.
Ralph, aged 15, became Miss Black Teen-Age New York in 1972, paving the way for her success on stage and cinema. She graduated from Uniondale High School that year and became the youngest woman to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rutgers University aged 19 after winning the Kennedy Center Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. Glamour named her one of the Top Ten undergraduate Women in America in her undergraduate years, establishing her stardom.
Family & Personal Relationships
Family has anchored Cheryl Lee Ralph’s diverse career. She is close to her younger brother, actor Michael Ralph, who appeared on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Barry. In 1992, Ralph had her first child, Etienne Maurice, who has since promoted health and fitness and starred on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16. Ivy Victoria “Coco” Maurice, Ralph’s personal stylist and creative collaborator, was born three years later and is responsible for many of her legendary red-carpet moments.
| Name | Relation | Year of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Ralph | Brother | 1960s |
| Etienne Maurice | Son | 1992 |
| Ivy‑Victoria “Coco” Maurice | Daughter | 1995 |
| Vincent Hughes | Husband | 1956 |
Ralph married Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes on July 30, 2005, marking a bi-coastal partnership. Hughes in office since 1994 focuses on criminal justice reform and educational equity. They credit open communication and therapy for their 20-year marriage. Ralph splits her time between Los Angeles and Philadelphia to be near family and work.
Career Highlights & Achievements
Cheryl Lee Ralph has had a 40-year career of breakthrough performances, nominations, and philanthropy.
Broadway & Early Screen Work
- 1977: Film debut as a supporting actor in Sidney Poitier’s A Piece of the Action.
- 1980-1981: Starred in Broadway’s Reggae and as Deena Jones in Dreamgirls, earning a 1982 Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.
- In the mid-1980s, she played Ginger St. James on ABC’s It’s a Living (1986-1989) and released the dance club single “In the Evening,” which reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Dance chart.
Film, Television & Voice Work
| Year | Production | Role | Accolade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | To Sleep with Anger | Supporting Female | Independent Spirit Award winner |
| 1993 | Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit | Rita Watson | |
| 1996–2001 | Moesha | Dee Mitchell | Five NAACP Image Award nominations |
| 2001–2004 | Justice League/Unlimited | Voice of Cheetah | |
| 1988 | Oliver & Company | Voice of Rita the Afghan Hound |
Ralph earned the 1990 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female in To Sleep with Anger. Between 1996 and 2001, she received five NAACP Image Award nominations for playing Dee Mitchell on Moesha. Cheetah in Justice League and Rita the Afghan Hound in Oliver & Company are among her animated roles.
Broadway Productions & Philanthropy
- 2021: Co-produced Thoughts of a Colored Man, lauded for its ensemble narrative.
- She produced Ohio State Murders in 2022, displaying her dedication to varied Broadway storylines.
- Divas Simply Singing: Since 1999, this annual AIDS-benefit concert series has collected millions for HIV/AIDS research and care, involving prominent musicians and community stakeholders.
Abbott Elementary & Historic Emmy Win
Ralph has played Barbara Howard on ABC’s Abbott Elementary since 2021, garnering praise for her dedication to teaching.
- 2022: First Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 35 years.
- In 2023, she won the Critics’ Choice Television Award in the same category, solidifying her generational stature.
Public Image, Influence & Social Media
Cheryl Lee Ralph influences national advocacy and culture beyond performance.
- Appointed to the Order of Jamaica in October 2022 for her services to film, theater, and the arts.
- In February 2023, she sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the Super Bowl LVII pre-show, highlighting her advocacy for societal togetherness.
- In November 2023, became the first Black celebrity to play Mrs. Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- In 2024, performed at President Biden’s fundraiser event and advocated for reproductive rights in Pennsylvania with Vice President Harris.
- In December 2024, she was named Advocate of the Year by The Advocate magazine for her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare justice.
| Platform | Handle | Followers | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| @thecheryllee_ralph | Over 1 million | Behind‑the‑scenes moments, advocacy posts, fashion | |
| @CherylLeeRalph | 250,000 | Commentary on social issues, career updates |
From rehearsal clips to candid advocacy messages, Ralph’s Instagram shows her personal life. Her Twitter page highlights her involvement in social justice movements and industry advances.
Most Recent News & Upcoming Milestones
- On April 16, 2025, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her diverse contributions to stage and screen.
- On July 30, 2025, a 20th anniversary vow renewal ceremony with Senator Vincent Hughes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art highlights their ongoing partnership.
- 2025: Returning as Barbara Howard in a crossover episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, uniting two beloved TV universes.
FAQ
What award did Cheryl Lee Ralph win in 2022?
She became the first Black woman in 35 years to win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Where did she receive her BFA?
At 19, she received her BFA from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Who is Cheryl Lee Ralph’s husband?
She is married to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, whom she wed on July 30, 2005.
What philanthropic initiative did she found?
Divas Simply Singing, her AIDS-benefit concert series, has earned millions for HIV/AIDS research.
Which Broadway productions has she produced?
She produced Thoughts of a Colored Man in 2021 and Ohio State Murders in 2022.
What role does she play on Abbott Elementary?
She portrays Barbara Howard, a veteran teacher dedicated to student success.
When did she debut on film?
Her film debut occurred in 1977 in Sidney Poitier’s A Piece of the Action.
What recent honor did she receive in 2025?
On April 16, 2025, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
