Movies

Sheryl Lee Ralph Almost Starred in Ghosts

BBG News

In the lineup of network sitcom hits slated for 2025 television, it’s clear that “Ghosts” and “Abbott Elementary” are two standouts. The CBS cast, featuring up-and-coming actors like Brandon Scott Jones and Danielle Pinnock, or the ABC cast, boasting veterans such as Lisa Ann Walter and Tyler James Williams, are both integral parts of their respective shows. Therefore, it’s quite surprising to learn that one of Quinta Brunson’s top “Abbott” stars almost joined the cast of “Ghosts”. This news is downright crazy!

Currently, my mind is dwelling on the possibility of how things would have unfolded had Sheryl Lee Ralph portrayed Alberta rather than Barbara in the production.

What Sheryl Lee Ralph Said About Almost Being On Ghosts

Prior to receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Ralph took a moment to reminisce about her time in Broadway and Hollywood with Variety. She shared that the late 2010s presented some challenges in securing the ideal TV pilot, but it seems that Ghosts may have extended an invitation of sorts to her.

In my case, I was eager to secure a role with more screen time, so I pursued a part in Alberta, one of several characters within a large cast. Unfortunately, the project didn’t make it to air. On the other hand, Danielle Pinnock landed that role in the CBS sitcom that eventually got picked up and is now in its fourth season.

It was then that Quinta Brunson and Abbott entered the scene. Looking back on everything, the Emmy-winning actress commented:

It seems as if I’ve just realized I didn’t play the situation correctly, made a poor decision. Now, it appears that role has gone to someone else – someone incredibly skilled and fitting for the part. As I ponder my future, I receive a phone call: ‘Ms. Ralph?’

To be honest, I’m genuinely delighted with the way things have panned out for both groups. The idea of CBS casting is intriguing, but no one else seems capable of stepping into Mrs. Howard’s well-polished shoes quite like she did.

However, thinking about how different these shows could have been is wild.

Ghosts Would Be Wildly Different (Not In A Bad Way) With Sheryl Lee Ralph as Alberta Haynes

The idea of Sheryl Lee Ralph joining the Ghosts team is incredibly enticing. I’m confident that with her on board, the series would continue to thrive, given its recent success (receiving a two-season renewal). Her humor on Abbott has proven she would fit right in.

It seems quite natural for Ralph to adopt the characteristics of a flapper-era jazz singer, incorporating even the subtle, understated charisma that Alberta possesses. Moreover, my impression is that Ralph would blend well with the show’s ensemble, fostering an engaging dynamic with the rest of the cast.

It’s hard for me to imagine anyone else playing Ms. Alberta Haynes besides Danielle Pinnock. Therefore, it seems that the universe of Hollywood has skillfully matched the perfect actresses with their roles in various productions.

Given that the BTS segment and the show “Ghosts” has been hosting a variety of entertaining guests during season 4, it’d be fantastic if Ralph could appear as a relative of Haynes in a future episode!

Experience the latest episodes from networks like FX, ABC, and more by subscribing to Hulu. Better yet, you can test it out with a 30-day free trial! If you find it suits your needs, you can then opt for a plan that begins at just $9.99 per month. Take advantage of this offer now!

Abbott Elementary Would Be Incomplete Without Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Barbara Howard

Abbott Elementary would be entirely different without Ralph, and Quinta Brunson knew that.

Following a short collaboration on “A Black Lady Sketch Show” with Robin Thede, one of the original cast members from “The Fabulous Four” started to sense that Thede was closely observing and learning from her.

Temporally speaking, it couldn’t have been more ideal; the duo collaborated following their flopped “Ghosts” episode and unsuccessful sitcom, and they’ve never regretted it since. And I’m grateful for that, as the prospect of another actor stepping into Barbara Howard’s shoes to deliver her famous celebrity mix-ups or emotional scenes with teachers and students is utterly inconceivable to me.

In the popular ABC series “Moesha,” one of its prominent stars discovered everything she sought. Although “Abbott” is an ensemble, each character maintains their individuality and contributes significantly to the whole. Among these characters, Ralph’s Mrs. Howard serves as the cornerstone for every other staff and faculty member at the school, perfectly balancing the rest. I wouldn’t alter a single thing about the emotional comedy it presents.

All in all, events unfolded as planned: Ralph successfully landed on ‘Abbott’ while Pinnock secured the part in ‘Ghosts’. Now, we’ll get to watch them both weekly, as they continue to shine on ‘Abbott’, available on ABC and accessible with a Hulu subscription, and ‘Ghosts’, airing on CBS and streamable via Paramount+.

Read More

2025-04-17 21:57

Previous post Karaganda: Red Mafia (2025) Movie Review
Next post You Won’t Believe the 5 Most EPIC DBZ Fusions – #3 Will SHATTER Your Expectations!