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Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Keynote Speaker: Actress, Broadway Singer & Producer; Known for "Abbott Elementary"

Sheryl Lee Ralph Biography

From bringing characters to life on screen, performing on Broadway, producing, landing the title of national bestselling author with her literary debut, and her deep rooted philanthropic endeavors which touch lives across the world, Emmy Award Winner, Tony Award nominee, NAACP Image Award nominee and Independent Spirit Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph has become a staple in the entertainment industry, with an acclaimed career spanning over three decades.

Ralph can currently be seen starring on ABC’s smash hit, comedy series “Abbott Elementary” opposite Quinta Brunson. In this laugh out loud workplace comedy, “Abbott Elementary” follows a group of teachers brought together in a Philadelphia public school simply because they love teaching. They rely on one another to make it through the day, and fnd a way to counteract the school district’s indifferent attitude toward educating children. Ralph shines as Barbara, a longtime and respected teacher. Season one of “Abbott” debuted to critical acclaim and rave reviews; with media calling it “charming and insightful” (The Atlantic), “the next great network sitcom” (The Hollywood Reporter), “a smart conceit, sharp writing, the right cast...” (Entertainment Weekly), and “should be everyone’s new comedic obsession” (IndieWire), to name a few. In summer 2022, the show earned a total of seven Emmy nominations from the Television Academy for its freshman season, including Outstanding Comedy Series, with Ralph winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She also landed the Hollywood Critics Association Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy, for her work on the show. “Abbott Elementary” debuted season 2 on September 21, 2022.

Additional credits for Ralph include starring in over 100 episodes of “Moesha” opposite Grammy Award winner Brandy, a lead role opposite Tia Mowry in three seasons of Nickelodeon’s hit series “Instant Mom,” starring opposite Jon Voight in “Ray Donovan” for Showtime, and appearances on “Barbershop,” “ER,” “It’s a Living,” “New Attitude,” “George,” “Designing Women,” “Two Broke Girls,” “Smash,” “Criminal Minds,” “MacGyver,” “One Mississippi,” and “Claws.” Ralph is currently recurring as President Kelly Wade, on Freeform’s supernatural drama series “Motherland.”

On the big screen, Ralph has worked with some of Hollywood's leading and award-winning men with credits that include "The Mighty Quinn" opposite Denzel Washington, "Mistress" with Robert de Niro, "To Sleep with Anger" with Danny Glover and "The Distinguished Gentlemen" with Eddie Murphy. She also appeared opposite Whoopi Goldberg in "Sister Act II." Ralph picked up a win for Best Supporting Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards for her performance in "To Sleep with Anger."

Finding success in writing and directing, Ralph's award-winning short film "Secrets," co-starring award-winning actress Alfre Woodard and Robin Givens, was a finalist in the HBO Film Short Competition, Showtime's Filmmaker Award Series and the BET Filmmaker Award Competition. The film was also selected as the audience favorite at the Outfest Film Festival. "Secrets" was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as the Hollywood Film Festival, the Acapulco Film Festival and the Urban World Film Festival. Ralph is also the creator of the Jamerican Film and Music Festival. Most recently, Ralph completed four back-to-back movies: "Just Getting Started" opposite Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones and Rene Russo; "Christmas at Holly Lodge" for Hallmark; Netflix's "Step Sisters" with Naturi Naughton and produced by Lena Waithe; and "No Sleep Til Christmas" for Freeform.

In theater, Ralph is well known for her award-winning work, creating the role of Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical "Dreamgirls," which earned her Best Actress nods for Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Ralph most recently appeared on Broadway as Madame Horrible in "Wicked," becoming the first African American actress to take on the classic role. She also holds the title of producer on Broadway's "Thoughts of a Colored Man" at The John Golden Theatre (October 2021-March 2022). Additional Broadway credits include the Tony Award-winning musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and reuniting with Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holliday for a sold-out, one-night-only "Dreamgirls" reunion celebrating the 35th anniversary.

As a writer, Ralph's debut book, "Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirl" (Simon & Schuster), instantly became a national bestselling title and gave readers a personal look into her triumphs and tribulations over the years, navigating life with courage, wit and strength.

While working in front of the camera keeps Ralph busy, she is also a passionate health advocate and honored AIDS activist. She is the founding director of the DIVA (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed) Foundation 501(C)3 which she created in memory of the many friends she had lost to HIV/AIDS. She also created the critically acclaimed Divas Simply Singing!, an evening of song and entertainment that is the longest consecutive running musical AIDS benefit in the country. Ralph was awarded the first Red Ribbon Award at the UN for her unique use of the arts in HIV/AIDS activism and was recently appointed as an AIDS Ambassador for Jamaica's Ministry of Health.

Ralph is a mother of two with a blended family of four, and loves every moment of motherhood and marriage. She is happily married to State Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Sheryl Lee Ralph and other top speakers and celebrities.

Sheryl Lee Ralph Speaking Topics

Wife, Mother, Entrepreneur & More: It's a Woman's World

Misunderstood: Diversity!

Let Your Life Light Shine

Some Folks Never Quit: A Conversation with Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph Videos

A 3-Step Guide to Believing in Yourself | Sheryl Lee Ralph | TED
Sheryl Lee Ralph Shares Where She Drew Inspiration for Role in ...
Sheryl Lee Ralph Explains What It Means to Be Elegant - YouTube

How do I book Sheryl Lee Ralph to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Sheryl Lee Ralph for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Sheryl Lee Ralph, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Sheryl Lee Ralph or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Sheryl Lee Ralph for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Sheryl Lee Ralph, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Sheryl Lee Ralph are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Sheryl Lee Ralph, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Sheryl Lee Ralph speak about?

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Acting, Health, Women, Entertainers, Television & Film, Campus Health, Diversity, Black Heritage, College, AIDS / HIV, Inspirational, Celebrity, Music, Performing Arts, Mental Health, Fitness, Women in Entertainment, Culture and TED.

Who is the agent for Sheryl Lee Ralph?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Sheryl Lee Ralph for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Sheryl Lee Ralph for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Sheryl Lee Ralph or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Sheryl Lee Ralph is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Acting Speakers, Health and Women. The estimated speaking fee range to book Sheryl Lee Ralph for live events is $50,000 - $100,000, and for virtual events $20,000 - $30,000. Sheryl Lee Ralph can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Quinta Brunson, Rita Moreno and Daymond John. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Sheryl Lee Ralph for an upcoming event.

Sheryl Lee Ralph Speaking Topics

  • Wife, Mother, Entrepreneur & More: It's a Woman's World

  • Misunderstood: Diversity!

  • Let Your Life Light Shine

  • Some Folks Never Quit: A Conversation with Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph Videos

A 3-Step Guide to Believing in Yourself | Sheryl Lee Ralph | TED
Sheryl Lee Ralph Shares Where She Drew Inspiration for Role in ...
Sheryl Lee Ralph Explains What It Means to Be Elegant - YouTube
Call Me Madame: Backstage at WICKED with Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph Reviews

  • Everything was great!
    Maitri Compassionate Care - May 08 2017

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