- Sheryl Lee Ralph can do just about anything she sets her mind to, including winning an Emmy Award and giving one of the best acceptance speeches of all time.
- The actress also wowed the crowd at the show with her seriously toned legs and sculpted arms in the strapless, high-slit gown.
- Sheryl doesn't share much about her workout routines, but she is a big believer in making big changes to achieve your dreams.
Sheryl Lee Ralph absolutely shut down the 2022 Emmy Awards last night—from her gorgeous dress to her iconic and powerful speech, the whole thing was simply spectacular.
The Abbott Elementary star took home the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and sang a version of Dianne Reeve’s “Endangered Species” as she accepted her award. The video will most definitely you goosebumps.
Sheryl is the first Black woman to win the award in 35 years and only the second in history.
“To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t come true. I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like,” Sheryl, 65, belted into the microphone. “This is what striving looks like. And don’t you ever, ever give up on you.”
The magic moment was complimented beautifully by Sheryl’s stunning evening gown. The actress rocked a custom high-slit gown by New York City designer Brandon Blackwood. The black velvet dress hugged Sheryl’s curves, and made sure to show off her incredibly strong legs.
Brandon Blackwood gave Sheryl a big shoutout on IG, too:
There's no doubt that Sheryl’s legs and arms are strong AF, and honestly, she just looked all around fabulous. Ten out of 10, absolutely no notes!
Sheryl hasn't said much about her wellness or workout routines, but in an essay for Essence, she wrote about the importance of making changes to support the life of your dreams. (Something she would know a little bit about!)
“If you’re working at something; a job, a relationship and it isn’t making you truly happy then you need to find yourself another job another relationship. If you don’t wake up in the morning with a feeling that you want just can’t wait to see that person or get to work and be the best you, you can possibly be…well, you probably know what I’m going to say to that, MAKE A CHANGE!” she wrote.
Can someone get this woman to record some morning affirmations? She is poetic AF!
Sheryl has done a lot of work with health-focused organizations over the years, even founding a group called DIVAS Simply Singing!, which benefits AIDS through The D.I.V.A. Foundation, which she also founded. Sheryl has "dedicated her life to HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and fundraising," according to Essence.
She has also directed a short film, Like, Comment, Subscribe, that details a Black woman's journey with breast cancer.
Congratulations, Sheryl! Keep crushing it.
Jacqueline Tempera is an award-winning writer and reporter living in New Jersey with her many pets. She is a business owner and a double Scorpio who loves all things astrology and reality television. She is passionate about body diversity and representation, mental health, and the fight to end sexual assault and harassment. To learn more about Jackie, follow her on Instagram @jacktemp or visit her website at jackietempera.com.
