🧵 I absolutely did NOT want to play Lisa Landry – I was too young and sexy to be anybody’s MOTHER!
But my sister eventually convinced me to take the part and I’m glad I did because it helped me realize how fulfilling it is to mentor younger women.
Winning my Emmy was a career highlight, but it was also a lonely experience.
For 35 years I’ve been the only black woman to win Outstanding Supporting Actresses in a Comedy Series.
But that all changes tonight… and it’s come full circle!
#Emmys
Before
#BlackHistoryMonth
is over, here’s a bit of
#BlackHerstory
: It's 1988. Dangle earrings & massive wigs have me in a chokehold. I’d recently become the 1st black woman to win an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy so I took my sister, Brenda, to Paris to celebrate.
Prayers up for the lovely Naya Rivera. 🙏🙏
We starred alongside one another in her first very television series, The Royal Family, and I’ve watched her career blossom ever since. Please God, don’t cut this life short.
28 years ago, the LA Times reviewed
#SisterSister
and referred to it as “hardly an epic comedy.”
I’d say our staying power on Netflix, Hulu, & Amazon Prime have proved that statement to be BUNK! 😉
#HappyAnniversaryToUs
.
@thesherylralph
’s had a remarkable career AND she’s one of the nicest people in Hollywood. Barbara Howard on
#AbbottElementary
is another fabulous character we’ve been fortunate to watch her breathe life into. 🙏🏾
Congrats, Sheryl & welcome to the club!
#Emmys
🏆
#BlackGirlsRock
I better not see a single Juneteenth mattress sale, y’all hear me?!
We didn’t stop picking cotton for it to be sold back to us for a profit. Give us reparations, not capitalistic BS.
The network originally wanted
@thesherylralph
to play Sandra on 227, but I got the part and won an Emmy for it.
Now, Sheryl joins me as the 2nd black woman in this category and deservedly so! 🎉 I’m so exited for her
#Emmys
win!
Today's secret word is LOVE. And I loved Pee Wee – or simply P, as I called him. ♥️
We lost one of the kindest souls today. I’m devastated, yet so grateful for 30+ years of friendship.
Alright,
@EW
broke the news..
And I’m SO relieved to finally tell you to catch me on the final season of
#PoseFX
!! ☺️☺️
Consider me honored and over the moon!!!!
I absolutely adore Alfre. That said, films like the fictitious ‘Bootylicious 2’ often employee and entertain countless people of color.
Rather than reject them, we should call out prejudices among those who see them as a deterrent to our casting. Let talent speak for itself.
Alfre Woodard's advice for young actors: "Whatever you want, move in that direction. If you want to play Eleanor Roosevelt, maybe don't take 'Bootylicious 2,' because then you gotta convince somebody later"
30 years since our little show premiered! 🥰
We didn’t predict this longevity or success, but it should come as no surprise. When you put love, friendship, identity & heritage at the core of your work - it turns into something everyone can relate to.
I’m absolutely shattered at the news of my great friend John Witherspoon passing. May love surround his entire family and fan base - a comedy legend we’ll never forget. 🙏💜
I am completely devastated by the loss of Della Reese. She was a great co-star, sparring partner, drinking buddy, and friend. She taught me the power of prayer and the importance of humility. I’ll be forever grateful to call her my friend.
It’s crazy to think that 227 premiered 34 years ago today.
When I reflect on that time, I remember a valuable lesson that I’d like to share.
Buckle up! It’s story time. 💫
Kim Kardashian West is planning on becoming a criminal justice lawyer. She’s come a long way since she started her career as a high-end closet organizer.
Showing other people how to develop their skills & talents, helping them gain confidence, self-worth, self-awareness, love for others – it feeds my soul in a way that not even acting does.
Imagine my happiness when I see the wonderful women & mothers Tia & Tamera have become. ♥️
The lovely Esther Scott passed away last week. She and I worked closely together on Sister, Sister and You Got Served.
RIP to a queen who always knew how to make us smile. ♥️