Sheryl Lee Ralph gets her star

Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Boulevard stood still on April 16, 2025, as a radiant and regal Sheryl Lee Ralph received the 2,808th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With a legacy carved from more than four decades of excellence, Ralph took her first graceful step onto her star, surrounded by family, fans, sorority sisters, and fellow legends.

This beautiful ceremony, held under the golden California sun, was nothing short of magical—a moment well deserved. Ralph stunned the crowd in an elegant black dress, a picture of timeless grace and confidence.

Her husband, Senator Vincent Hughes, stood by her side, as did her children, Etienne and Ivy, proud and emotional witnesses to her crowning moment.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt welcome from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted Ralph’s monumental achievements across television, film, and stage. Entertainment Tonight co-host Nischelle Turner served as emcee, warming up the crowd and acknowledging the global audience watching live.

A touching moment came when friends and co-stars Loretta Devine and Quinta Brunson took the stage to pay tribute. Devine shared hilarious and heartfelt stories from their early Broadway days, while Brunson spoke with reverence about Ralph’s guidance and her unwavering power on the set of “Abbott Elementary.” Their words painted a portrait of a woman who uplifts everyone she encounters.

Then, with poise and purpose, Sheryl took the mic. What followed was more than a thank-you speech—it was a sermon, a masterclass, a testimony. She laughed, she cried, and she spoke the truth with unwavering power. She honored her parents, paid homage to her roots, and made it clear that her journey had been long, challenging, and entirely worth it. “Dreams don’t have an expiration date,” she said. “Keep doing the work.”

She reminded the audience that she had been told she was too Black, too strong, and too much—but she kept going. Ralph declared that this star was not the finish line, but the start line, a message that resonated deeply with dreamers everywhere. Her voice quivered with emotion, but her conviction never faltered. She spoke for every artist who’s ever felt unseen, every woman told to wait her turn, and every child who dared to dream out loud.

As she unveiled her star, a sea of crimson and cream—her beloved Delta Sigma Theta sisters—cheered her on. It was a triumphant, powerful moment. Sheryl Lee Ralph, who once couldn’t get into the audition room, is now cemented in Hollywood history.

With light in her eyes and purpose in her steps, she walked across her star like the queen she is. Hollywood didn’t just celebrate a star that day—they honored a woman who has brought light, love, and unapologetic excellence to every corner of the industry.

This wasn’t just a Walk of Fame ceremony. It was a coronation, a reminder, and a promise that Sheryl Lee Ralph belongs—and will always belong—right at the heart of Hollywood.

Featured Image: Sheryl Lee Ralph poses with her new star at a ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, April 16, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)