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Need to know
- Sheryl Lee Ralph parts that she was advised from an unexpected source: Robert De Niro.
- When filming Mistress, De Niro told Emmy winner, “You better climb that mountain and wave the red flag and let them know you are there”
- Ralph talks about this moment with people at the Gotham TV Awards 2025, where she was honored with Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute
Sheryl Lee Ralph Got advice from an unexpected source: Robert De Niro.
While talking to people at the Gotham TV Awards on Monday 2 June, Abbott elementary Actress and Emmy winner, 68, share the career-leading advice she has never forgotten.
“About 33 years ago I made a movie with Robert De Niro, and between the scenes, Robert De Niro looked at me and said:” Hollywood is not looking for the black girl. So you better climb that mountain and wave the red flag and let them know you are there, ”she says.
Ralph filmed Mistress, A comedy from 1992 that played De Niro, Danny AielloThe Eli Wallach and Jean Smart.
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The long -lasting actress, who also played in Broadway’s Dreamgirls and Sister Act 2: Back in the habit, was honored with Sidney Poitier Icon tribute at the second annual awards ceremony, which she called a “full circle” due to Poitie’s early commitment to her career.
“Mr. Sidney Poitier literally opened the door to Hollywood for me by throwing me in my first movie, A bit of the action“Tells the star.” And he threw me over his own daughter, Pamela. Pamela always tells me: ‘Sheryl Lee Ralph, you stole my career.’ And he looked at me and he said, ‘Sheryl Lee Ralph, I expect amazing things from you.’ And I learned so much during that time with him. ”
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The actress has had a stored career and has last won an Emmy for his performance in Abbott elementary. She shares that she doesn’t slow down soon and says, “It’s not over until you say it’s over.”
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“If you know it’s for you, you continue to continue,” she shares with people. “I continued to cut away at these glass roofs. I tried to recreate myself to stay relevant, to open doors that were very tightly closed and sometimes build my own table. I look back now and I say:” Thanks, Mr. Poitier. Thank you so much for still being here. “
