Sheryl Lee Ralph, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her role in *Abbott Elementary*, is sharing a deeply personal account of the bullying she faced 

as a child and how it shaped her into the resilient woman she is today. 

In her candid *PEOPLE* cover story, Ralph opens up about the painful taunts and mockery she endured growing up, 

but also emphasizes how those experiences never defined her. 

Instead, they fueled her determination to move forward and embrace her identity.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Ralph grew up as the daughter of Ivy, a Jamaican fashion designer, and Stanley, a college professor. 

Despite her supportive family, Ralph’s childhood was marked by cruel teasing from her peers. Recalling the hurtful words, she shares, “They used to call me ‘ugmo’ and make fun of my hair, my lips, the way I talked.” The emotional impact of these insults is still palpable for the 69-year-old actress, who says, “It used to hurt me. I used to think to myself, ‘Why do they have to be so mean?’ But I’m the kind of person, I’m going to move past it.” Ralph’s ability to rise above the negativity reflects a strength that she developed early on.

Her determination to persevere came from more than just the bullying she faced in her youth. As a young Black girl growing up in the 1960s, Ralph was acutely aware of the racial injustices surrounding her. The Civil Rights Movement was in full force, and the atrocities that Black children were subjected to, including the bombing of Black churches and the use of fire hoses on protesters, shaped her worldview. Reflecting on those challenging times, Ralph explains, “When you see children that look like you being killed, you better know how to carry on and have persistence.” This resolve became a guiding force in her life, helping her to navigate both personal and professional obstacles.

Ralph’s path to success wasn’t typical. She was among the first class of women to attend Rutgers College in New Jersey, where her mother had encouraged her to pursue a career in medicine or law. However, neither of these paths resonated with her. “I tried being a doctor. When they delivered that huge hare on a silver tray and a scalpel, I said, ‘I am not dissecting the Easter Bunny. Not happening,’” Ralph laughs, recalling her brief venture into medicine. She also tried law but found herself disillusioned by a constitutional law class with the young Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “I think I’m probably the only student that walked out on a young Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” Ralph says with a smile.

It wasn’t until she walked into an audition at the campus theater that Ralph discovered her true calling. It was here that she decided to introduce herself as “Sheryl Lee Ralph,” a name that would soon become synonymous with excellence in the entertainment industry. “I got the lead,” she recalls proudly, and from there, her career trajectory skyrocketed.

Throughout her career, Ralph was surrounded by mentors and powerful voices that drowned out the negativity of her childhood. Legendary figures like Maya Angelou, Sidney Poitier, and Cicely Tyson recognized her talent and potential. Ralph fondly recalls Angelou saying, “Sheryl Lee Ralph, when I hear you speak, I know everything I went through has been worth it.” Cicely Tyson also encouraged her, telling her, “Many great things are going to happen to you. Many, many, many.” These words of affirmation from such esteemed figures shaped Ralph’s confidence and outlook on life.

Now, in the midst of a career renaissance, Ralph has found renewed success with her role as veteran educator Barbara Howard on *Abbott Elementary*. This role has not only earned her an Emmy but also allowed her to reflect on her journey and the resilience that has defined her career. Looking back, Ralph says she is proud of the person she has become. “Suppose I’d listened to all the things that people said to me when I was young. Probably if I had access, I’d have changed my whole face because they told me I was ugly,” she admits. “All I needed was time. All I needed to do was grow up. All I needed to do is grow into who I am becoming still.” 

Ralph’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of self-love, perseverance, and the courage to rise above adversity. Her journey serves as an inspiration for anyone who has faced negativity and hardship, showing that the strength to move forward lies within us all.

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