Sheryl Lee Ralph Reflects on Her Hollywood Legacy & History-Making Noms for ‘Abbott Elementary’ (Exclusive)

Abbott Elementary‘s Sheryl Lee Ralph is shining bright like a diamond at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, and her energy matches the Swarovski glittering over her hair and face.

While walking the red carpet Monday at the annual awards show, Ralph told ET’s Kevin Frazier and Nichelle Turner that the night means more to her than being rewarded for her hard work over the last five decades. It’s about the actors and industry professionals she’s helped mentor in the process.

“It’s not as much about me but it’s being able to stand under these lights between the two of you,” the actress stated. “That for me is the real change. That for me was all the choices that I made coming up in the industry, the things I didn’t do, the things that I chose to do, and to see it all come to fruition — not just me being here but seeing you both here in this position the way you are — that means everything.”

Still, the 65-year-old shared that her joy truly came in moments when she’s been contacted by actresses sharing how her work has helped their journey in the entertainment industry.

“I take my service seriously, you know, even being vice president of the local Los Angeles SAG-AFTRA,” she said. “I take all of that seriously and I want people to get involved in our industry — don’t just think it’s all about shining in front of the camera, there’s so much work and so many details that take place behind the camera that truly affect how it is to survive or thrive in this industry. And right now, I’m thriving.”

Ralph’s portrayal as the velvety-voiced, no-nonsense, God-fearing Barbara Howard on ABC’s mega-hit TV show earned the actress her first-ever Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy alongside her co-star, Janelle James. 

The show scored seven nominations overall, a feat that Ralph hopes to etch permanently in history with successful wins. “We want to collect as many awards as possible and come back over the years and do it all again,” she declared.