Fans of the hit chat show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, were in for a treat recently when Sheryl Lee Ralph made an appearance as a guest. The talented actress, known for her roles in Sister Act and Moesha, is currently starring in the successful TV series Abbott Elementary, which has just been renewed for its fifth season.
During the lively conversation, Stephen Colbert congratulated Ralph on the show’s renewal and asked her about the biggest change she has experienced since the first season. Ralph chuckled in response, explaining that her relationship with the audience has become a whole new phenomenon.
“I used to have a great relationship with celebrities after Sister Act and Moesha,” Ralph shared. “But with Abbott Elementary, it’s taken to a whole new level. Just two weeks ago, I was in a small village in Ghana, and even there, a little boy recognized me and said, ‘Abbott Elementary!’ It’s crazy!”
Ralph went on to reveal an amusing encounter she had while going about her everyday life. “Even when I’m at the supermarket, people don’t want me there,” she laughed. “I was shopping, minding my own business, and this woman exclaimed, ‘What are you doing? You can find people to do that for you!'”
With a mischievous grin, Ralph jokingly added, “I mean, who wants someone else selecting their grapes and squeezing their cucumbers? No, thank you!”
Stephen Colbert couldn’t help but join in the laughter, responding, “Come on, Charlie, come on back! But seriously, after playing this role for five seasons now, do you think you could be a good teacher in real life?”
Ralph’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she replied, “I believe I would be a fantastic teacher. In fact, I’m almost a teacher now. The connection I have with some of the kids on set is incredible. At the end of every season, there’s this little girl who was in my kindergarten class, and she always asks if she can come back. It’s like she sees me as her real teacher.”
The actress continued, “Sometimes the kids even give me notes about their new teachers, and it’s truly heartwarming. I’ve made a real impression on them.”
Switching gears, Colbert touched on Ralph’s Broadway background, specifically her role in the original cast of Dreamgirls. As they conversed on the Broadway stage, Ralph couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. The historic setting brought back memories of legendary performances by the Jackson Five and the Beatles.
“You know, when they played that music, all I could hear was, ‘I am here with Stephen Colbert!'” Ralph exclaimed. “But I’m on this stage, where icons before me have performed. It’s an incredible feeling.”
Fans can catch Sheryl Lee Ralph in the upcoming fourth season of Abbott Elementary, airing next Wednesday on ABC.
