Sheryl Lee Ralph, the legendary actress and singer, is set to receive one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious honors—a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, will recognize Ralph’s remarkable contributions in Hollywood over the past four decades. She shared the announcement on social media, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the recognition.
“I am deeply grateful to announce the honor of receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Ralph wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “What a celebration of love, perseverance, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and fans. Thank you! This star shines for us all!”
At the 2025 Golden Globes, Ralph reflected on the achievement, telling Billboard, “The little child inside of me is like, ‘We did it, we’re going to be there, we’re going to be cemented in Hollywood.’ It is a wonderful thing, I am so honored and I’m so grateful.”
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce first announced Ralph’s selection in 2023, chosen by a panel of Walk of Fame members. Honorees are given two years to schedule their ceremony, and while guest speakers for the event have yet to be confirmed, the ceremony is expected to be streamed on the Walk of Fame’s official website.
Born in Connecticut and a graduate of Rutgers University, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s career spans decades across stage, television, and film. She gained widespread acclaim for her Tony-nominated role as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls in 1982. More recently, her portrayal of Barbara Howard, a veteran Philadelphia kindergarten teacher on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, earned her an Emmy Award in 2022, along with Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations.
Ralph’s television credits include roles in It’s a Living, New Attitude, Instant Mom, and Moesha. Beyond the screen, she has been a vocal advocate for the arts and education, embodying the dedication and resilience celebrated by her fans and colleagues.
Currently, Ralph continues to shine as Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, a role that showcases her talent and wisdom as a mentor figure in a Philadelphia public school. The hit series, created by Quinta Brunson, returns for its fourth season on January 8, featuring a much-anticipated crossover episode with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
As Sheryl Lee Ralph prepares to be immortalized on the Walk of Fame, her star will stand as a testament to her enduring legacy and the impact she’s made in Hollywood and beyond.