Sheryl Lee Ralph Biography
Sheryl Lee Ralph is an American Actress and Singer born and brought up in Waterbury, Connecticut, United States. She is best known for her performances on stage and screen, and earned acclaim for her role as Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls (1981), for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Since 2021, Ralph has starred as Barbara Howard on the ABC mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, becoming the first Black woman in 35 years to win the award in September 2022.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an entertainer (Actor). She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. She worked as deena jones in dreamgirls at Broadway.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Sheryl Lee Ralph
- Profession: Entertainer
- Age: 69 years old
- Date of Birth: December 30, 1956
- Place of Birth: Waterbury, Connecticut
- Gender: Female
- Height: 5 ft 7 in
- Spouse / Partner: Vincent Hughes (married 2005); previously Eric Maurice (1990-2001)
- Children: Etienne Maurice, Ivy-Victoria Maurice
- Marital Status: Married
Sheryl Lee Ralph Age
Sheryl Lee Ralph's age has not been publicly disclosed. Information about her date of birth is not available in verified public sources.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Height
Sheryl Lee Ralph stands at a height of 5 ft 7 in.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Weight
Sheryl Lee Ralph's weight has not been publicly reported.
Education
She attended institutions including Uniondale High School and Rutgers University.
- Education 1
- Institution Name: Uniondale High School
- Period: graduated 1972
- Education 2
- Institution Name: Rutgers University
- Qualification: BFA
- Period: graduated at age 19
Career & Work
She has worked as Deena Jones in Dreamgirls at Broadway. She has also been associated with Film/TV.
- Deena Jones in Dreamgirls at Broadway
- Period: 1981
- Details: Originating role, Tony nomination
- Various (A Piece of the Action 1977, Sister Act 2 1993, Moesha, Instant Mom) at Film/TV
- Period: 1977 onward
- Details: Early TV: Wonder Woman, Good Times, The Jeffersons
- Barbara Howard at Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Period: 2021-present
- Details: Emmy win 2022
Awards & Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series — 2022 — Primetime Emmy AwardsAbbott Elementary
- Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical — 1982 — Tony AwardsDreamgirls
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame — 2025 — Hollywood Walk of Fame
Sheryl Lee Ralph Salary
Sheryl Lee Ralph receives an estimated annual salary ranging between $45K – $188K. This estimate is based on typical earnings for a Entertainer in their country and may vary depending on seniority, employer, and deals.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Net Worth
Sheryl Lee Ralph's net worth is estimated to be between $375K – $3.8M (Est). This includes assets, earnings, and accumulated income, with the primary source of income being Employment.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Family & Relationships
Sheryl Lee Ralph is married to Vincent Hughes (married 2005); previously Eric Maurice (1990-2001). She has 2 children, including Etienne Maurice and Ivy-Victoria Maurice. She has 1 sibling, including Michael Ralph.
- Father: Stanley Ralph
- Mother: Ivy Ralph
- Siblings:
- Michael Ralph
- Children:
- Etienne Maurice (1992)
- Ivy-Victoria Maurice (1995)
Lesser Known Facts
- Raised between Mandeville, Jamaica, and Long Island, New York.
- Her advocacy work for marginalized communities earned her The Advocate’s 2024 Advocate of the Year.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Facts
Personal Information
- Full Name: Sheryl Lee Ralph
- Gender: Female
- Occupation: Entertainer
- Nationality: Not publicly disclosed
- Living Status: Alive
Birth & Background
- Date of Birth: December 30, 1956
- Age: 69
- Birthday: December 30
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Place of Birth: Waterbury, Connecticut
Measurements
- Height: 5 ft 7 in
- Weight: Not publicly disclosed
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Black
Family & Relationships
- Father: Stanley Ralph
- Mother: Ivy Ralph
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse / Partner: Vincent Hughes (married 2005); previously Eric Maurice (1990-2001)
Net Worth & Income
- Primary Income Country: Not publicly disclosed
- Salary: $45K – $188K (Est)
- Net Worth: $375K – $3.8M (Est)
- Source of Income: Employment
Online Presence
- Website: http://sherylleeralph.com
