Sheryl Lee Ralph poses in the press room with her first Emmy for her role in Abbott Elementary.
LOS ANGELES ( AP ):—
Sheryl Lee Ralph was so moved by her Emmy win, she had to respond in song.
Ralph took the Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series on Monday night for her role as a devoutly religious kindergarten teacher on ABC’s Abbott Elementary.
It’s the first Emmy and first nomination for the 65-year-old Ralph, who was in tears and had to gather herself after accepting the trophy.
She opened her speech with a powerfully delivered a cappella version of the song Endangered Species by Dianne Reeves.
“I am an endangered species, but I sing a victim’s song, I am a woman, I am an artist, and I know where my voice belongs,” Ralph belted out. She then encouraged anyone doubting their dream: “I am here to tell you this is what believing looks like.”
Her win and reaction were hugely popular inside the Microsoft Theater.
The audience, including Lizzo and many of television’s biggest stars, leapt to their feet to cheer on Ralph.
“We love you!” a man shouted from the rear seats as she arrived on stage. She was interrupted by cheers and multiple standing ovations.
Of Jamaican heritage, Ralph is known for her roles in other popular TV shows including Moesha, FAM, It’s a Living, Instant Mom and Barbershop. She is also a bestselling author for her 2020 book Redefining Diva 2.0.
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