Sheryl Lee Ralph won her first Emmy ever in the category of “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” for her role as Barbara Howard in Abbott Elementary. With more credits than a platinum American Express, Ralph has an acting career that spans over 40 years.
Her incomparable talents have been documented as Florence Watson in the 1993 film, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, the Brandy Norwood sitcom, Moesha, and as Claudette on Ray Donovan. Despite her very impressive resume, Ralph was surprised by her win and took the moment to inspire others with a riveting speech about belief.
“To anyone who has ever, ever, had a dream and thought your dream wasn’t, couldn’t, wouldn’t come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like, this is what striving looks like — and don’t you ever, ever give up,” Ralph said in a tearful speech.
Watch the Inspiring Speech Below:
It was a successful night for the Abbott Elementary (ABC) cast and crew. Following Ralph’s victory, Quinta Brunson won an Emmy in the “Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.”
SNL’s Kenan Thompson hosted the 74th Emmy Awards, produced by Done+Dusted in association with Hudlin Entertainment and directed by Hamish Hamilton, airing live Monday, Sept. 12, on NBC and streamed on Peacock from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Presenters included Regina Hall, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Sarah Paulson, and Shonda Rhimes, among others.
Other winners of the night included:
Jerrod Carmichael wins “Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special” for his HBO special, Rothaniel
Lizzo wins “Outstanding Competition Program” for Amazon’s Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls
Michael Keaton wins “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie” as Dr. Samuel Finnix in Hulu’s Dopesick
Amanda Seyfried wins “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie” as Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s The Dropout
Hwang Dong-hyuk wins “Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series” for Netflix’s Squid Game
Lee Jung-jae wins “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series” for Netflix’s Squid Game
Zendaya wins “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series” as Rue in HBO’s Euphoria
Julia Garner wins “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series” as Ruth Langmore in Netflix’s Ozark
Jason Sudeikis wins “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series” as Ted Lasso in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso
For the full list of winners, visit Emmys.com.
