Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirl

by Sheryl Lee Ralph

Secrets about love, life, and Hollywood from the Tony Award-winning actress from the Broadway production of Dreamgirls —in the role recently made famous by Beyonce—timed to coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of the original Broadway show.Sheryl Lee Ralph was the original Deena Jones in Broadway’s production of Dreamgirls and the show was a Broadway sensation from its inception. Now, the star of film, television, and Broadway, known for her talent and fearlessness, shows readers how to find—and own—their inner divas. Sheryl rose to international fame after her performance in Dreamgirls, winning the Tony Award for Best Actress and going on to star in movies with Denzel Washington and Robert DeNiro and capture America’s heart as television’s favorite mom Die in the #1-rated series Moesha . But it wasn’t an easy task. From her legendary catfight with Diana Ross to her controversial exit from Moesha, Sheryl Lee Ralph is a woman who does not fade in the background—and she reveals how and why she has remained in the spotlight for decades.Sheryl is a hip, modern Miss Manners who inspires women with her wit, strength, and call-it-like-it-is courage. Using her own experiences as a guide—and dishing the truth behind all the rumors—Sheryl reveals her rules for living. This is Divahood A-Z—from the practical to the spiritual, featuring advice on everything from relationships to fashion to success in the business world. So, the next time someone calls you a diva, you’ll just smile and say “Thank you!”

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2012

About the author

Original DREAMGIRL, Sheryl Lee Ralph is an acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage.

Her award winning body of work includes creating and originating the role of Deena Jones on Broadway in the landmark musical Dreamgirls, which earned her both a Tony and Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Actress.

On television, Sheryl Lee has starred in It's a Living, her own series New Attitude, the George Foreman series George and in the hit comedy Designing Women. She was also voted one of TV's Favorite Moms for her portrayal of step mom Dee on the number-one rated television series Moesha.

Her extensive film credits include Sister Act II with Whoopi Goldberg, The Flintstones with Rosie O'Donell, The Mighty Quinn with Denzel Washington, Mistress with Robert De Niro, and Eddie Murphy's Distinguished Gentleman. Sheryl Lee's performance with Danny Glover in To Sleep with Anger won her the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Mother of two, Sheryl Lee Ralph loves every moment of raising her children. Recently married to State Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania in what Entertainment Tonight called, "The most elegant and romantic wedding of the summer!" she acknowledges that love is the greatest gift to be given and shared.

Reviews

[Paul Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot believe it took me THIS LONG to read this incredible book. Sheryl gives her honest opinions about life and show business. Sheryl delivers it all in her own unique voice and truly lives up to the word, “DIVA”!

[Madyson Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first dream girls and her bestowing her wisdom on navigating the acting industry was truly top tier. She was already muthaaa but this book really set the tone for the steps to take to take up space as a diva and literally redefining the meaning of it. Love her and this book!!

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a one day read. A bit short.

[Julie Lehmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love her and I hate to criticize, but there was almost no story to this book. It was all over the map and repetitive ☹️

[Bridget's Quiet Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. She is the person that I always thought she was. Respect for herself & others. She never came off as being perfect or "holier than thou". She told things about her life without giving away too much information. I love to see how she always did her best to "bow out" of situations with as much dignity as possible but yet, she let us know that she wasn't always perfect in doing so...My respect for her grew even more...Because she didn't attempt to come off as Ms. Perfect {at least not from what I saw in reading this book.}...I enjoyed the book a lot more than I expected to. That's why I gave it a 5/5...I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up..Sometimes I will pick up a book about someone and the writing style is just horrible {there's been at least one or two of those kind of biographies/autobiographies that make you wonder..why did they even try? lol}..But this one, for me personally, made it hard for me to put down...And I love books like that...You don;t want to sleep, you barely want to move until you are done with it! But, we all have things to do and/or kids to raise....lol

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by an unlikely person.... my boss.

DIVA = Divinely Inspired Victoriously Alive.

"But I do know that women have extraordinary power when they've got each other's back, and even more when they choose to knife each other in the back."

"In your lifetime, you'll dance with many different kinds of people. And I guarantee some of them will step on your toes."

"The best Diva training of all was learnint to get up, dust myself off, and just keep moving forward on the road of life."

Sheryl Lee Ralph outlines her life and struggles as an aspiring actress, giving gracious credit to the many people who helped her along the way. And even dishing on some of those who kicked her on her way up.

I was most impressed by some of her charity work and even her boldness in supporting causes that she was cautioned to stay away from.

[Maya Hollinshead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. This book is mostly a biography, but has a lot of words of wisdom mixed in. Glad that Soror Sheryl Lee told her story!

[Camille Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a few tidbits about the process of coming up with Dreamgirls and cast interactions. That was the highlight for me. Most of the Diva Advice is common sense.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sneak peak into Sheryl Lee Ralph. What a wonderful book that is truly inspirational.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring book! I encourage all women to add this book to their reading list!