SHERYL LEE RALPH originated and created the role of Deena Jones in Michael Bennetts's Dreamgirls on Broadway. The role garnered her both a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award nomination. Shortly thereafter, Ralph turned her attention to music, television, and film. She scored a top-ten dance hit in the mid-'80s with the infectious anthem "In the Evening," and her recent remake of the Eurythmics' "Here Comes the Rain Again" kept bodies moving on the dance floor for months. Ralph also just completed a one-year run in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Thoroughly Modern Millie.

On television Ralph has starred in It's a Living, George Foreman's series George, and her own series, New Attitude. Beginning in 1992 she appeared on Designing Women and was with the show for the remainder of its run. She was also the glamorous yet understated stepmom, Dee, on UPN's Moesha, and appeared in the HBO original movie, Witch Hunt.

Her film credits include Sister Act II, The Flintstones, The Mighty Quinn, Mistress, Bogus, Deterrence, Personals, and The Distinguished Gentleman. Her performance in To Sleep with Anger, co-starring Danny Glover, won her the 1991 Independent Spirit Award for best supporting actress. Ralph also wrote and directed the award-winning short film, Secrets, which starred Alfre Woodard, Robin Givens and herself.

In 1991, Ralph created the critically acclaimed Divas: Simply Singing!, an evening of song and entertainment which features some of the most talented women in the business. This annual event has become one of the most highly anticipated fundraisers in Hollywood. This year's proceeds will benefit Project Angel Food and The Black Aids Institute, organizations that provide assistance to those battling HIV and AIDS.

Having grown up in New York and Jamaica, Ralph is truly a Jamerican. She created the Jamerica Film & Music Festival/Cinema Inna Yard, which will be held this year in Montego Bay.