Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph Pens Memoir, Wendy Williams Calls it ‘Inspirational’

Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph Pens Memoir, Wendy Williams Calls it ‘Inspirational’

If you’re able to name-drop and say that you’re the original Deena from the production of Dreamgirls on Broadway, then who can argue with you when you redefine what a diva is?


Television and film actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is a special diva. She’s unique because she understands that it takes more than lights, camera and action to be a diva. In her memoir, Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirl, she teaches fans that a true diva is exceptional because a Diva looks in the mirror and loves what she sees, a Diva is Divinely Inspired Victoriously ALIVE and a Diva knows that fabulous is a full-time job and most folks are working part-time.Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph Pens Memoir, Wendy Williams Calls it ‘Inspirational’


In her memoir, the Tony-nominated actress talks about the rumored feuds with Jennifer Holliday and her controversial exit from the TV series, “Moesha.”

Read what the tireless AIDS-HIV advocate, a.k.a. the wife of Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes has to say about why she decided to write the book and upcoming projects. –yvette caslin


Why did you write this book?
I was speaking at Pepperdine College in Malibu, Calif. and when I finished a young woman told me that I had to write a book because people need to hear from me especially young people. I told her if you get me a book deal, I’ll write a book. And the rest is herstory… literally.

What’s the premise of the book?
It is part memoir, part self-help. I use my life experiences to help the reader make better choice for themselves or find comfort in the ones they have made.

Is it good or bad to be a “diva?”
If you’re cursing people out and calling them witch but spelling it with a “B” and only have time for yourself, would rather fight than talk things out, then that would be a bad DIVA! But my kind of DIVA is Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed and knows that what other people think of her is none of her business. This kind of DIVA is so much better than good, she is a goddess.

What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Remembering things I wanted to forget and having to relive them again… honestly.

Are the experiences based on someone you know or experiences in your own life?
It is part memoir so that is definitely my story.

What books have influenced your life most?
So many books but here are a few. The Bible, ’cause it is such a “Good” book. The autobiography of Harriet Tubman; and Outliers.

What are your current projects?
A new TV pilot with Terry J. Vaughn and a new musical debuting this summer as part of the N.Y. Fringe Festival Musical

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