Sheryl Lee Ralph on AllMovie

Though primarily a star of Broadway musicals, Sheryl Lee Ralph actually launched her career in the Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby feature film A Piece of the Action (1977). The beautiful African-American singer/dancer made her Great White Way debut in the musical Reggae (1980). On stage, Ralph is most famous for her Tony-nominated portrayal of Deena Jones in the popular show Dreamgirls (1981). In 1978, Ralph made her television debut on The Kroft Komedy Hour. She has subsequently co-starred in a few series, including NBC's short-lived Foxfire (1985) and ABC's New Attitude (1990). Fans of the sitcom Designing Women will recognize Ralph for her over-the-top portrayal of Meschach Taylor's ex-Vegas showgirl wife Etienne Toussiant Bouvier. Her other films include The Distinguished Gentleman (1992) and Bogus (1996).