First-time Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph has legendary Broadway experience

"Dreamgirls" may have been the role that put Ralph on the map, but it certainly wasn't the first time she'd created a role. The previous year, Ralph originated the role of Faith on the show "Reggae", while performing on the show "Swing" the same year. But when "Dreamgirls" came along, it felt like Ralph was made for the role. The role of Deena Jones is heavily based on Diana Ross, whom Ralph impersonated perfectly up to the 1000 watt smile. The original Broadway production of "Dreamgirls" is incredibly impressive, starring Ralph alongside Grammy-winning Jennifer Holliday and Emmy-winning Loretta Devine. The only reason Ralph didn't win the Tony that year was because the award went to Jennifer Holliday, but the production won 6 of its 12 Tony nominations that year.

Ralph has always worked in film, television and theater since the 1970s, but Broadway has always been a place that has embraced her. She played Muzzy Van Hossmere in the original 2002 Broadway production of 'Thoroughly Modern Millie', came on as a notable replacement in 'Wicked' as Madame Morrible, lent her voice as Miss Walker in the original recording of the studio cast of "Goosebumps the Musical," and dazzled as a producer in "Thoughts of a Colored Man." Simply put, Sheryl Lee Ralph has always been a superstar, and she doesn't need an Emmy to prove it to anyone...but it's really good that it is finally recognized.

The second season of "Abbott Elementary" arrives on ABC September 21, 2022, and it'll have you screaming, like Ralph's Mrs. Howard, "sweet baby Jesus, and so does the grown-up!"