Sheryl Lee Ralph gets candid about the time when she was racially discriminated against during an audition.
While on The View, Ralph revealed that a Hollywood casting director told her that she could not kiss Tom Cruise because she was Black.
“[He asked] ‘Do I put you in a movie with Tom Cruise? Do you kiss? Who goes to see that movie?’” She stated that this took place as she was transitioning from Broadway to television.
“He looked at me and said, ‘Everybody knows you’re beautiful, talented Black girl, but what do I do with a beautiful, talented Black girl?” Ralph said. Although she was asked to give up the name of the casting director, however, she declined too.
“No, why bother? Look at me now! But I left that audition with some of the best ammunition. Everybody knew I was a beautiful, talented Black girl, and that I should be in a movie with the likes of a Tom Cruise, and he should kiss me!”
Sheryl Lee Ralph currently stars in the hit show, Abbott Elementary which she has received much deserved praise. She went on to give the show’s creator Quinta Brunson a glowing review as well.
“Everything about the show that resonates with people is Quinta Brunson… She’s got her finger on the pulse and I love it.”