Los Angeles, CA — Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is once again being recognized for her standout work on Abbott Elementary, earning her fourth consecutive nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Taking to Instagram shortly after Tuesday’s announcement, Ralph posted a heartfelt video thanking voters and fans:
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“It never gets old to me,” she said. “I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who had anything to do with voting for me… I’m very, very thankful once again, and I appreciate it. I really appreciate your consideration.”
Ralph’s nomination honors her portrayal of Barbara Howard, the wise, no-nonsense veteran teacher and moral compass at the heart of Quinta Brunson’s award-winning ABC comedy. The role earned her a historic win in 2022, her first nomination that year, followed by nods in 2023, 2024, and now, 2025.
She joins a formidable slate of nominees in this year’s category:
Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear), Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Kathryn Hahn (The Studio), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), Catherine O’Hara (The Studio), and Jessica Williams (Shrinking).
Abbott Elementary continues its Emmy streak, receiving multiple nominations this season, including:
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series – Quinta Brunson
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – Quinta Brunson (Janine Teagues)
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – Janelle James (Ava Coleman)
- Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling
Since its 2021 debut, the mockumentary-style series has amassed 30 Emmy nominations and 4 wins, solidifying its reputation as a cultural and critical phenomenon.
Beyond the accolades, Ralph’s nomination is a milestone in a career defined by both longevity and reinvention. From Moesha and Instant Mom to Sister Act 2 and Broadway’s Dreamgirls, Ralph has consistently captivated audiences with her strength, dignity, and comedic timing.
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Jamaican fashion designer Ivy Ralph and college professor Stanley Ralph, she was raised between Mandeville, Jamaica, and Long Island, New York. Off-screen, she is a fierce advocate for public health and HIV/AIDS awareness, having founded The DIVA Foundation in 1990 in honor of friends lost to the epidemic. The nonprofit uses the arts to promote health equity and education in underserved communities.
In 2022, Ralph was awarded the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fifth-highest honor, recognizing her contributions as an actress, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on September 14, 2025, where Ralph hopes to once again take the stage—this time, perhaps, with another golden statue in hand.
