Sheryl Lee Ralph praises Audra McDonald for “keeping it classy” following Patti LuPone’s “not a friend” comment

Sheryl Lee Ralph didn’t hesitate to celebrate Audra McDonald’s grace. The Emmy winner’s praise came as Audra McDonald chose not to engage publicly after Patti LuPone stated that McDonald was “not a friend” in a recent interview. Ralph, speaking at the Gotham Television Awards, made it clear she admired McDonald’s choice to remain composed.

“Congratulations Audra McDonald and god bless you for keeping it classy,” Ralph shared.

Though she avoided outright criticism of LuPone, Ralph did acknowledge the moment called for restraint. She said to Page Six,

“It was a moment where maybe you want to zip it. Inner thoughts don’t always have to be outer thoughts, that might have been one of those moments”

Still, Ralph stopped short of judging LuPone entirely. She added,

“I’m not going to judge, too often we don’t see all the sides of what might have been going on.”

However, Sheryl Lee Ralph's admiration for McDonald stood out the most.

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Patti LuPone issues apology after backlash over New Yorker Interview

After days of mounting criticism from members of the Broadway community, Patti LuPone addressed the controversy surrounding her recent comments. In a surprising turn of events, she posted an apology on Instagram on May 31.

“For as long as I have worked in the theatre, I have spoken my mind and never apologized. That is changing today,” read the opening of her statement.

LuPone’s remarks in an interview particularly those targeting Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald, sparked backlash across the theater world.

In her statement, she acknowledged the impact of her words:

“I am deeply sorry for the words I used during The New Yorker interview, particularly about Kecia Lewis, which were demeaning and disrespectful. I regret my flippant and emotional responses during this interview, which were inappropriate, and I am devastated that my behavior has offended others and has run counter to what we hold dear in this community. I hope to have the chance to speak to Audra and Kecia personally to offer my sincere apologies.”

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From honoring Audra to being honored herself: Sheryl Lee Ralph receives an icon tribute of her own

Sheryl Lee Ralph didn’t just make headlines this week for her praise of Audra McDonald; she also received a major honor of her own. At the second annual Gotham TV Awards, Ralph was presented with the Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute, a nod she described as a “full-circle moment.”

The actress spoke to People Magazine about the personal connection behind the tribute.

“Mr. Sidney Poitier quite literally opened the door to Hollywood for me by casting me in my first movie, A Piece of the Action,” Ralph said.

Sheryl Lee Ralph recalled Poitier choosing her for the part over his daughter, Pamela.

“Pamela always says to me, ‘Sheryl Lee Ralph, you stole my career.’ And he looked at me and he said, ‘Sheryl Lee Ralph, I expect great things from you.’ And I learned so much in that time with him.”

Ralph said she wished Poitier were still alive to see the arc of her journey.

“I just wish he was here to be able to see what he planted in my heart as an artist, and what I've been able to do, Thank you, Mr. Poitier. Thank you very much because I'm still here.” she shared.

Sheryl Lee Ralph's acting career was launched by Sidney Poitier, who cast her in his 1977 film A Piece of the Action. This was Ralph's first film role, and she attributes Poitier with opening the door to Hollywood for her.