The Emmy-winning “Abbott Elementary” star opens up about health, aging with joy, and why she believes thriving is the key to longevity.
At 68, Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is proving that age is just a number. The Abbott Elementary star sat down with PEOPLE to share how she’s embracing her health, her career, and her joy while partnering with GSK’s THRIVE@50+ campaign — an initiative encouraging people over 50 to not just survive, but thrive.
Ralph, who has been in Hollywood for more than four decades, knows firsthand the importance of staying healthy. Her inspiration came from her grandmother’s painful battle with shingles, a blistering rash caused by a virus that 99% of adults over 50 already carry.
“It’s something that never left my mind,” she explained, adding that raising awareness about prevention was a “no-brainer.”
For Ralph, thriving is about fully living in the moment. “Surviving won’t do, especially not for me. It’s about realizing, wow, I have lived this long and I am still living,” she said. Quoting the legendary Josephine Baker, she added, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving. And I refuse to starve.”
The Dreamgirls alum stresses that health is the real wealth, and she takes her doctor’s advice seriously — whether it’s drinking more water, managing weight, or staying active. “When the doctor says, ‘Keep it moving,’ keep it moving. Take a walk,” she urged.
Her positive outlook on life is also part of what keeps her looking — and feeling — ageless. Often praised for her energy and youthful spirit, Ralph accepts the compliments with gratitude and humor. “People say, ‘Oh my goodness, you look good.’ I say, yes, I do,” she laughed.
But behind the glamour, her message is deeply meaningful: appreciate the gift of life. “Millions didn’t make it. If you are here, you are one who did. And you need to appreciate that,” she said.
Now, Ralph is focused on enjoying every breath and every step, making the most of her life “above ground.” With a thriving career, an Emmy on her shelf, and a mission to inspire others, the actress is showing the world that growing older can be powerful, joyful, and full of possibility.
