Pure Joy: Watch Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Priceless Reaction To Receiving First Emmy Nomination

This is long overdue! 

Legendary actress Sheryl Lee Ralph just received her first Emmy nomination in her 50-year-career – and her reaction is absolutely priceless. 

Ralph has been a regular in households for five decades, starring in cult classics every decade since her debut in staples like Broadway’s Dreamgirls in the 80s, the hit sitcom Moesha in the 90s, animated classic The Proud Family in the 2000s and most recently, ABC’s smash comedy Abbott Elementary. 

In a video shared to Twitter, her son Etienne captured the moment Ralph learned she had received her first Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her role as Mrs. Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary. Ralph can be seen on the phone repeating “Oh, my God,” while fanning her face. 

“No, no, no, Ralph says in disbelief as Etienne eagerly asks her “what, what, what?”

“You got nominated? You nominated,” he asks.

“Yes,” she says emphatically as Etienne lets out a boisterous “Yessssssssss, Mommy.”

Visibly emotional Ralph covers her mouth with her hand saying “I don’t know what to say,” as her son continues to cheer her on. In his caption, Etienne reveals that this is his mother’s first Emmy nomination in her 50-year-career.

“With over 50 years of being in this thing we call show business, today my mother became an Emmy nominated actress. I’m so proud of [you]. I’m so glad I could be here in Jamaica with you for this moment,” wrote Etienne. 

The joy was palpable as Ralph joins an illustrious list of Black public figures who have just received their first Emmy nomination. Among those are our Forever President Barack Obama, who received his first nomination for his role as narrator of Netflix’s “Our Great National Parks,” the late great Chadwick Boseman for his role as T’Challa in Disney’s animated series “What If?,” as well as actors Sanaa Lathan, Jerrod Carmichael, and Colman Domingo.

Ralph’s series co-stars Quinta Brunson, Janelle James and Tyler James Williams also all received their first Emmy nominations as well as “Abbott Elementary” receiving its own nomination for outstanding comedy series. 

The veteran actress took to social media to share her excitement and thank series creator Quinta Brunson for such an amazing piece of work. 

“Sweet baby Jesus, and the grown one too! Nothing before God’s time. @Quintab you made this happen and I love you!!! I have the most amazing cast and crew a Diva could ever ask for and I love each and every one of you!!! To all my supporters throughout my career, thank you, thank you, thank you. We are going to the Emmys baby!!!!!,” wrote Ralph. 

Congratulations to the iconic Sheryl Lee Ralph! May you continue to receive all the flowers you deserve. 

Photo Courtesy of Evan Agostini/Associated Press