Sheryl Lee Ralph Says She Was Kept Away From Beyoncé During “Dreamgirls”

Sheryl Lee Ralph Says She Was Kept Away From Beyoncé During Dreamgirls

Original diva/actress Sheryl Lee Ralph has had a triumphant career that spans decades, with many interesting stories to tell. One of them is her account of watching the 2006 film remake of the Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls,” unfold. Sheryl, who played Deena Jones in the original musical, says she was shunned from the opportunity to work with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter during the filming process. Sheryl Lee Ralph’s advice could have been invaluable to Queen Bey, considering her role as the original Deena earned her a Tony Award nomination. While promoting her new CBS show ‘Fam’, she told “AM to DM”,

“I didn’t get a chance to because they kept us apart. They said — what was said to me — and, you know, I’ve been around long enough to actually remember what was said to me, they said that it would be a distraction to have the two of us together.”

She continued:

“…What does that mean? So it just never happened, we never came together.”

Original "Dreamgirls" star @thesherylralph says she didn't "get a chance" to give Beyoncé advice about the role: "They said it would be a distraction to have the two of us together." ? pic.twitter.com/lMkrRKhZyC

— AM2DM by BuzzFeed News (@AM2DM) January 8, 2019

Sheryl hasn’t commented further on the “Dreamgirls” drama, but she retweeted video footage from her “AM to DM” appearance.

Sheryl Lee Ralph posted an Instagram tribute to her original “Dreamgirls” co-stars, Jennifer Holiday and Loretta Devine, on the anniversary of their Broadway debut. Her caption reads:

“@diva3482 December 20, 1981, I made my Broadway debut in what has become the iconic musical of the 80s , because I say so, Dreamgirls ! I made some friendships that have lasted my entire life. I lost some friends who made a mark on my life and I have posted some pictures of them here. For the good and the bad and there was lots, I thank God for this experience complete with my Tony nomination for Best Actress. To all the little future DreamGirls and boys, always remember,” all you’ve got to do is dream.” I still dream and trust me dreams do come true! @famcbs premiers Jan 10th 9:30pm on CBS”

Thankfully, Beyoncé managed to do Deena Jones justice without a pep-talk from Sheryl Lee Ralph. In fact, her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

Do you think Sheryl Lee Ralph’s lack of involvement was a slight from Beyoncé’s team? Let us know in the comments.

Written by Miata Shanay