Sheryl Lee Ralph: thoroughly modern diva

DIVA doesn't even begin to describe Sheryl Lee Ralph. She is an entertainment whirlwind, a one-woman drama department, an entrepreneur, writer, producer, filmmaker, actress and singer. She is all of that and the single mother of two school-age children.

She is currently starring on Broadway in the new musical Thoroughly Modern Millie as Muzzy Van Hossmere, a sassy chanteuse that Ralph describes as a "cross between Pearl Baily and Josephine Baker." The play won the 2002 Tony Award for Best Musical, and Ralph will likely remain in the role through spring. "I get to be happy and the belle of the ball every night," she says. "I get to look good. The curtain goes up and there I am, and most times the only thing I hear is an audible gasp from the audience--and I love that," she says laughingly.

Ralph is no stranger to the Broadway stage. Twenty years ago she originated and created the role of Deena Jones in the landmark musical Dreamgirls, which earned her a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award nomination for best actress. She hasn't changed since she played that role, despite six TV series since then, extensive filmwork, and two children. Women want to know, how does she do it? She says she works hard to keep the stress out of her life and keep her spirit young, fresh and alive. "Life is a wonderful teacher, and since we don't get to repeat the class, we must pay attention," she says. "Stress can make you ill, make you smoke, drink, and all of those things don't add to making you look good or feel good."

Ralph thanks God and her mother, Ivy Ralph, for her success, but she says her mother is her "rock," helping her to care for her two children while she is onstage. "The hardest part about doing this show is not having them with me all the time." Her son, Etienne, and daughter Ivy Victoria have remained in school on the West Coast while their mom knocks 'em dead every night on Broadway. "They are my greatest joy," she says. "We talk four or five times a day, but I think about them every minute."

This down-to-earth diva says she enjoys nothing more than to spend a Friday evening eating pizza and bowling with her children. She is also spending time with a "fabulous new guy" she has been seeing for about a year who happens to be a state senator from Philadelphia's Seventh District. "He's kind, smart, and secure," she says. "I appreciate that about him so much because many men are insecure because the woman is in the limelight." He also attends church and the couple prays together. "Well, hallelujah!" she adds, laughing, "If we don't go to church, we'll sit and read from the Bible."

Although enjoying her professional and social lives, Ralph continues to involve herself in other issues, recently celebrating the 11th year of Divas: Simply Singing! In 1991, she created the revue of song and comedy as a "tribute to the countless number of friends and family" she had lost to AIDS. The annual event has become one of the most anticipated AIDS fund-raisers in Hollywood featuring such stars such as Nancy Wilson, Eartha Kitt, Rita Moreno, Chaka Khan, Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Holliday and Sharon Stone. A passionate AIDS activist, she says when she first started the fundraiser she was called "a crazy b---h," and told to shut up, it wasn't her fight. "But I said then if sex was death for men, women couldn't be too far behind. Women of color are the fastest-growing group of AIDS-infected people, second only to teenagers of every color, race and social segment." Proceeds from the fund-raiser benefit the Safe Place for Pediatric AIDS and Project Angel Food.

Another of the entertainer/activist's successful projects is the Jamerican Film & Music Festival. Ralph, whose mother is Jamaican and her father is American, proudly founded the forum to give new filmmakers from around the world a chance to showcase their films and also to tout her Jamaican homeland. Raised between Long Island, N.Y., her father's home, and Jamaica, Ralph also has written several film scripts and has recently started a skin care line for women of color.

It's that variety of projects that helps explain her longevity and popularity in an industry not known for either. "I've spent my time learning the industry I'm in, trying to make good relationships," she says. "Because very often it's not about who knows you, but who likes you. Who wants to spend time around you and who wants to give you their money to make projects?"

Ralph's advice for anyone entering the industry today is to stay mentally, physically and spiritually strong. In hip-hop lingo, she says, "You've got to know that you are 'bout-it, 'bout-it, baby. Because this is a rough, tough industry that will knock you down, take you out and step on you, just to make sure you're out of the game."

With her firm Jamerican foundation, her passion for life, her boundless energy, and of course, beauty and brains, Ralph is prepared for a limitless future, on any stage.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group