Sheryl Lee Ralph left Emmy fans stunned over her age after the actress, 69, looked remarkably youthful while attending the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Ralph, known for playing Barbara Howard in ABC's Abbott Elementary, turned heads on the star-studded red carpet in a strapless dress that clung to her figure and featured patterned, sequin details.
Her long locks were parted in the middle and flowed past her shoulders in elegant curls. She kept accessories minimal, opting for dazzling silver earrings, a matching bracelet and flashy rings. Her makeup included mascara and a smoky shadow around her eyes, along with a warm blush on her cheekbones and a nude satin tint on her lips.
The actress paused for a brief photo session ahead of the ceremony, which was hosted by Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay.
Fans react to Ralph's age
Fans quickly took to social media to voice disbelief over Ralph's age. One person wrote on X, "Dear Lord, I can't believe she is 70 this year! What a stunning woman!!"
Another wrote, "sheryl lee ralph is gonna be 70 this year??? oh my god," while a third added, "Sheryl Lee Ralph looks amazing! Dress is gorgeous & no way she's almost 70."
A fourth fan wrote, "Sheryl lee ralph is only going to be 70?!! SEVENNNN ZEROOOOOOOO," and another said the star "is the human equivalent of a beautiful tree that provides shade in the heat, shelter in the rain, and blooms beautifully in the light, LOOK AT HER."
Ralph on aging and thriving
Ralph has previously opened up about her outlook on aging. "I always tell people, no, no, no. Surviving won't do, especially not for me. It's about thriving," she told People last year.
"It's about realizing, wow, I have lived this long and I am still living. In fact, the best is yet to come," she said, adding that she is "going to take advantage of every moment, every breath, every step" while getting older.
"I am able to take everything that I can enjoy in this world. And why not?" she said, adding that she is "going to eat life. I'm going to enjoy life. I'm gonna thrive in my life."
Prioritizing health and skincare
Ralph has also stressed the importance of putting health first. "It's not enough to survive. You've lived this long, so come on, make the decision to thrive in your life," she told Reader's Digest.
"Prioritize yourself, put yourself and your good health first, because I say it all the time, our health is our greatest wealth, and too many of us do not pay attention to it until it's gone," she said.
In a conversation with NewBeauty, Ralph explained that she enjoys getting massages and prioritizes skincare. "Take care of your skin. Don't just stop at your face; make sure you go down to your neck and decolletage," she told the outlet. "A lot of times, those areas are getting dry and drying up because people stop paying attention to them."
Ralph also said she makes sure to drink enough water daily. "Hydration is so important for the body. And check your numbers and know your numbers," she said.
Abbott Elementary's Emmy run
Ralph plays Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, the ABC comedy that picked up six nominations at this year's Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for star Quinta Brunson.
Ralph previously won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her performance in the show in 2022. The sixth season of Abbott Elementary is set to premiere October 7.
Widow's Bay sweeps comedy categories
Apple TV horror comedy Widow's Bay was the biggest winner of the night, sweeping all six categories it was nominated in, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Star Matthew Rhys made history as the first actor to win two leading acting awards in different categories in one night, earning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow's Bay and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Beast in Me. Co-stars Kate O'Flynn and Stephen Root won Outstanding Supporting Actress and Actor in a Comedy Series, while Katie Dippold and Hiro Murai won writing and directing honors for the show.
The Pitt tops drama categories
On the drama side, HBO Max's The Pitt again took the top honor, winning Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Noah Wyle, matching its wins from last year. The Pitt earned 25 nominations, the most of any series this year. Wyle beat out Sterling K. Brown for Paradise, Gary Oldman for Slow Horses, Mark Ruffalo for Task and Rufus Sewell for The Diplomat.
Other major winners
Rhea Seehorn won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Pluribus, beating out Zendaya. Jean Smart earned her fifth consecutive Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series win for Hacks, while Sally Field won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Remarkably Bright Creatures.
Allison Janney won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Diplomat, and Tom Pelphrey won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Task. DTF St. Louis won Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, The Traitors won Outstanding Reality Competition Program, and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert won Outstanding Variety Series.
