She may have been born in Waterbury, Connecticut, but actress Sheryl Lee Ralph can undoubtedly be claimed as one of Jamaica’s very own.

Now, more than 40 years into her illustrious acting career, the daughter of Jamaican fashion designer Ivy Ralph is a Primetime Emmy Award winner.

Ralph, a frequent visitor to the island’s shores, tonight (September 12) won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard – a religious kindergarten teacher and idol of lead character Janine Teagues, played by show creator Quinta Brunson – in ABC mockumentary sitcom Abbot Elementary.

REMEMBERED BY MANY JAMAICANS AS GINGER ST JAMES

Ralph, who many Jamaicans would have first come to know as the beautiful Ginger St James in 1980s comedy series It’s a Living, is also known for playing singer Brandy’s stepmother in 1990s sitcom Moesha.

But, as an elder stateswoman of Hollywood, the 65-year-old Ralph’s casting in Abbot Elementary proved she still has a lot to give. And with that, she has been rewarded with her first ever win from her first ever Emmy nomination.

Before today, her most major award win was a 1990 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female in black comedy To Sleep with Anger.

Congratulations Sheryl Lee Ralph. Your friends in Jamaica will surely be hoping to celebrate with you soon.