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At the 2025 Gotham TV Awards, Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph shared a powerful piece of advice she received more than three decades ago from legendary actor Robert De Niro—words that have shaped her remarkable career.
While attending the awards event in New York a few days ago, the 'Abbott Elementary' star reflected on a pivotal moment during the filming of the 1992 comedy 'Mistress', where she worked alongside De Niro. Sheryl Lee Ralph looked back on a quiet exchange she once had with Robert De Niro during a break on set. He pointed out that Hollywood wasn't actively seeking Black actresses at the time, and told her to make her presence impossible to ignore—to climb the mountain, wave the red flag, and let the world know she was there.
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Sheryl Lee Ralph took those words to heart and continued to rise in an industry that often overlooked women who shared her likeness. Her role in 'Mistress' was just one chapter in a career that spans decades, including standout performances in Broadway’s 'Dreamgirls' and 'Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit'.
Sheryl Lee Ralph received the prestigious Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute at the Gotham TV Awards, a moment she described as deeply meaningful. Sidney Poitier was the one who gave Sheryl Lee Ralph her first big break in Hollywood, casting her in 'A Piece of the Action'—a role she secured even over his own daughter, Pamela. Poitier expressed high expectations for her, a message that has stayed with her ever since.
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Sheryl Lee Ralph is a Powerful Force
At 68, Ralph remains a powerful force in the industry, admired for her unwavering determination and commitment to challenging boundaries. Despite her achievements, she emphasises that her journey is far from over. She believes success is about persistence and staying true to your path. For her, it meant continuously evolving, pushing through glass ceilings, and even building her own table when no seat was offered.
Looking back, she credits both Robert De Niro’s honesty and Sidney Poitier’s belief in her talent as foundational moments that fueled her longevity in the industry. And now, with her Emmy win for 'Abbott Elementary' and ongoing accolades, Sheryl Lee Ralph stands as a testament to perseverance, legacy, and self-belief.
