Jackée Harry is thrilled to have finally have some company.
The actress, who won an Emmy in 1987 for her portrayal of Sandra Clark on 227, celebrated Sheryl Lee Ralph's historic win for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary at the 2022 Emmys on Sept. 12.
"Winning my Emmy was a career highlight, but it was also a lonely experience," Jackée tweeted. "For 35 years I've been the only Black woman to win Outstanding Supporting Actresses (sic) in a Comedy Series. But that all changes tonight…and it's come full circle! #Emmys"
Jackée revealed that the two actresses share a very interesting connection to the role that won her the Emmy all those years ago.
"The network originally wanted [Sheryl] to play Sandra on 227, but I got the part and won an Emmy for it," she tweeted. "Now, Sheryl joins me as the 2nd Black woman in this category and deservedly so! I'm so excited for her #Emmys win!"
Jackée went on to call Sheryl "one of the nicest people in Hollywood" and said her Abbott Elementary character Barbara Howard is "another fabulous character we've been fortunate to watch her breathe life into."
In her rousing speech during the Sept. 12 ceremony, Sheryl broke out into song, belting out, "I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim's song. I am a woman, I am an artist. And I know where my voice belongs."
Sheryl went on to encourage anybody who might be struggling to envision a big moment like hers from happening to keep pushing forward.
"To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn't, wouldn't, couldn't come true," she said. "I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like this."
For all of the night's big winners, keep scrolling!
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)