Sheryl Lee Ralph to Join the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Finale as Its First Black Mrs. Claus (Exclusive)

The ‘Abbott Elementary’ star will make history when she appears during the annual parade

If someone's going to make history during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it's fitting that the pioneer should be a distinguished performer like Sheryl Lee Ralph.

The Abbott Elementary star, 66, is set to become the first celebrity Mrs. Claus to appear on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade's iconic final float. Moreover, the actress will also be the annual event's first Black Mrs. Claus.

“I am so honored to have been asked by Macy's to be their first celebrity Mrs. Claus for this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!” Ralph exclusively tells PEOPLE. “It’s such a festive and enjoyable role, bringing warmth and joy to the start of the holiday season. I get to spread love and embody the spirit of giving. The perfect role for me!”

Related: Everything to Know About the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

It's only proper that Ralph's next role should set a precedent. With a distinguished TV, film and stage career spanning 46 years, the Dreamgirls alum has been honored over the last 18 months alone with an Emmy, a SAG Award and Critics Choice Award for her singular portrayal of the tough yet loving teacher Barbara Howard on ABC's Abbott Elementary.

“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the biggest stage for entertainers during the holiday season,” says Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. "We are thrilled to welcome an icon of film, stage and screen, Sheryl Lee Ralph, to this year’s 97th edition as Mrs. Claus, bringing joy to millions across the nation.”

As it has in the past, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is sure to entertain onlookers and viewers at home with promises this year of at least 31 fantastical floats, 25 larger-than-life balloons and performances by musicians like Cher, Brandy, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Jon Batiste and Jessie James Decker.

Related: Here Are the New Floats in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, According to Exec

While fan-favorite inflations like Spongebob SquarePants and Ronald McDonald are confirmed to take the sky once again, new balloons are also expected to make their debut. Plus, six "balloonicles" (hybrid balloon vehicles) are also slated to roll along the route, which concludes on Manhattan's 34th street.

Other stars appearing throughout the telecast include Lacey Chabert, Andy Cohen, Leslie Odom Jr., Abigail Spencer, Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, as well as Paris 2024 Olympic hopefuls Kelly Cheng, Sara Hughes and Ezra Frech.

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Hosted by Today anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, the 97^th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in all time zones. The Parade is also simulcast on Peacock.

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