"And look where it landed me..." - Sheryl Lee Ralph thanks everyone who said 'no' in Walk of Fame speech

American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph was honored with the 2,808th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 16, in the Television category. Ralph is best known for her Emmy winning role as Barbara Howard in the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary.

While giving her Walk of Fame speech, Sheryl Lee Ralph thanked all those who doubted her success in her career,

"(I was told) you're not this, you're not that. You're too Black, you're too short, not Black enough, you're not this, you're not that. Woo! And some of them were not kind about it, but I thank you. I thank you because your rejection was a redirection - and look where it landed me. I'm here today with the 2808th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so to all of you thinking it can't happen to you."

She then motivated people to "keep showing up," "keep being your authentic self," and "keep speaking the truth." The ceremony was held on the same day as the release of the fourth-season finale of Abott Elementary and was attended by Quinta Brunson, Jenifer Lewis, Janelle James, Tyler James Williams, and her husband, Pennsylvania State Sen. Vincent Hughes among others.

More about Sheryl Lee Ralph's career

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Sheryl Lee Ralph grew up between Jamaica and New York and became the youngest woman to graduate from Rutgers University at 19.

She began her acting career with a feature film debut alongside Sidney Poitier and went on to take up notable roles in popular tv series such as Abbott Elementary, Moesha, and Instant Mom. In the early stages of her career, Ralph was seen in The Jeffersons, Good Times and Wonder Woman. The Abbott Elementary star also worked on stage in Dreamgirls and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She was seen in films like To Sleep With Anger, and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.

Her most recent film work includes The Fabulous Four, and Ricky.

After her Walk of Fame ceremony, Sheryl Lee Ralph while speaking to People opened up about growing up in a Jamaican family.

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"My mother always wanted me to strive for the best, like we say in Jamaica, 'good, better, best, never let it rest till your good is better and your better is best. My mother used to encourage me (with) 'a C is fine. You pass. But why not get an A? Don't you belong on the honor roll."

The actress will be seen in her role as Barbara Howard, as Abott Elementary announced a fifth season.

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