Motown legend comes to fashion aid of 'Abbott Elementary' star at Kentucky Derby
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Emmy-winning actor Sheryl Lee Ralph intended to show up to the 150th Kentucky Derby hatless. But a Motown legend helped the “Abbott Elementary” star top off her look in time for the race.
Ralph, on social media, shared that she was in Louisville getting ready to attend the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala on May 3 and the Derby the following day when she ran into Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances.
The legendary iconic Smokey Robinson‘s beautiful wife Frances insisted that I don’t go hatless today at the derby and look at what she gave me. I second that emotion. pic.twitter.com/r40MPy2Oy7
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) May 3, 2024
They insisted she have a hat; and Frances Robinson presented her a chapeau, which Ralph modeled in a video.
“They made me Derby perfect,” Ralph said.
Nice that she didn't have to shop around.
Ralph originated the role of Diana Ross-esque Deena Jones in the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” and currently stars as veteran elementary school teacher Barbara Howard on the ABC hit series “Abbott Elementary.”
Robinson’s vocals and pen (“My Guy,” “My Girl,” "You've Really Got a Hold on Me") helped build the Motown record label.
'Abbott Elementary': They're not learning cursive at this fictional school, either
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com: @cherylvjackson.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Music legend helps top off 'Abbott' star's Kentucky Derby look
