Quote Of The Day By Sheryl Lee Ralph: 'There Is An Alternative — And I Don't Think You'd Want That...'

Sheryl Lee Ralph doesn't just give solid advice as kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard on "Abbott Elementary," as the actor also has inspirational words to share in real life. She was born in Connecticut on December 30, 1956, spending her time between Jamaica and New York while growing up. At age 19, she became the youngest-ever woman to graduate from Rutgers University, walking the stage in 1977.

Ralph made her film debut that same year, appearing in the Sidney Poitier-directed movie "A Piece of Action." The celeb made quite a splash on Broadway, too, earning a Tony nomination for best actress in a musical for her portrayal of Deena Jones in Broadway's "Dreamgirls." Then, she established herself as a sitcom staple with roles in "Moesha" and "Instant Mom."

Since then, Ralph has become a beloved fixture of "Abbott Elementary." She's won multiple awards for her role in the Quinta Brunson-created show, taking home accolades from the Critics' Choice Awards and Primetime Emmys. With her long-running career in mind, it's not surprising that Sheryl Lee Ralph has wisdom worthy of being the quote of the day.

When accepting the award for best TV actress during the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards in 2023, Sheryl Lee Ralph shared some significant advice pertaining to care of yourself and others. "Trust me, there is an alternative—and I don't think you'd want that," she said, per E! News. "So, take care of yourself. Take care of your young body. Take care of your middle-aged mind. Take care of the people you love."

The Movies for Grownups Awards is an annual event hosted by AARP, a nonprofit with a focus on Americans 50 years or older. The cheekily-named award show similarly showcases films and TV shows that resonate with older audiences, aiming to combat ageism in the Hollywood sphere. As a seasoned professional who's endured in the industry, Ralph's reassuring words feel especially apt for AARP's target demographic, but are applicable across all stages of life.

The meaning behind Sheryl Lee Ralph's quote is actually twofold. Firstly, the star is reminding audiences that it's a privilege to grow old. While middle and old age often come with significant obstacles, such as health issues, the alternative is a short-lived life. With this in mind, she emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself and loved ones, as such care is vital for living a long, happy life. This sentiment is echoed across Ralph's interviews, with the actor opening up about how she manages her own health.

When talking to People in 2025, she emphasized how she's quick to take her doctor's advice on everything from drinking more water to taking regular walks. The celeb also cultivates a positive outlook. "Surviving won't do, especially not for me. It's about thriving," she said. "It's about realizing, wow, I have lived this long, and I am still living. In fact, the best is yet to come." So, whether you're an AARP member confronting the latter half of life or a young fan looking to the future, Ralph's reminder for gratitude and self-care is worth keeping close to the heart.

• "There are so many people who feel that as you age you feel that you have to grow old. You can grow wise. You can grow wonderful."

• "My life has been about preparing for longevity. Finding my joy, making great choices for me, understanding that life is not always fair. Sometimes it's your day. Sometimes it's not your day. But if it's a good day or a bad day, you've got to thank God because you got a day."

• "Don't give up. If you don't make it at 20 or 30, so what? Hold on to your dreams, because you can make it at 40 or 50, and it ain't over when you're 60. The best is yet to come, and I'm here to receive it."

• "There's always a Mrs. Howard in a school. That woman has done all she can do, and she is not going to leave a child behind. There are so many Mrs. Howards of different colors and cultures. I met a few growing up, and I pay homage to them. There is nothing like a great teacher. Nothing like a great teacher. They can truly inspire."

• "I love when I walk on the lot and see women. Not just women acting. I see women in every stage of the industry. I see women truck drivers, women grips, camerawomen, women all over the place. And when I started, that was not the way it was, honey. I look around today and I say, wow, now I know what change looks like."