Watch: Sheryl Lee Ralph Reflects On Being Let Go From ‘Moesha,’ Saying “I Didn’t Deserve That”
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Sheryl Lee Ralph opened up about a tough moment in her career, where she was unexpectedly let go from the hit ‘90s sitcom “Moesha.” Read more and watch the viral video clip inside.
During a recent appearance at Forbes and Know Your Value’s 30/50 Summit, the legendary actress reflected on being let go from the series, admitting that while there were “a number of reasons” behind the decision, she firmly believes she “didn’t deserve that.”
Ralph starred as Dee Mitchell, Moesha’s stepmother, for five seasons before being written out in the show’s final season. Her character was sent off to Jamaica for a new job, making only a brief return for Dorian’s (Ray J) graduation.
While Ralph didn’t go into specifics about why she was removed from the show, her comments suggest that the decision wasn’t based on her performance or professionalism. Instead, it appears to be yet another example of the challenges Black women in Hollywood have faced. In an industry that has historically undervalued and under appreciated Black women’s contributions.
Rather than allowing the setback to define her, Ralph turned it into a lesson in resilience. She encouraged other women to remain steadfast in their careers, even when faced with adversity.
“What is for you is for you,” she told the audience, reminding them that rejection isn’t always the end of the road.
While Moesha remains an iconic part of ‘90s Black television, behind-the-scenes drama plagued the series, with several cast members revealing issues with how things were handled.
Yvette Wilson, who played Andell, also exited the series under unclear circumstances, and the abrupt cancellation of the show after six seasons left fans with unanswered questions—especially after a shocking cliffhanger.
Despite Ralph’s exit from Moesha, her career has only flourished. She has since starred in Broadway productions, TV shows, and films, cementing her status as a powerhouse in Hollywood. Most notably, she’s gained widespread acclaim for her role as Barbara Howard in ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” even winning an Emmy for her performance.
