Although it was Thanksgiving Day, Sheryl Lee Ralph got many folks in the Christmas spirit when she made history as the first Black Mrs. Claus during the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
On Thursday, the Connecticut native took on the role of the beloved holiday figure and shined bright while doing so for the department store’s Turkey Day tradition. When Ralph accepted the opportunity, she knew it would be a groundbreaking moment for little girls of color everywhere since this was the first time since the parade’s inception in 1924 that an African-American celebrity filled the position of Mrs. Claus, according to Parade.
In an interview with People, the Abbott Elementary actress expressed her sincere gratitude for the invitation to participate in the parade.
“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 told the magazine. “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!”
The 66-year-old commemorated the moment with a post on her Instagram with the caption, “Surprise!!! Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Holiday everybody!”
Fans of the parade were surprised and happy to see the Emmy winner alongside Santa Claus on this year’s Christmas float. Some X, formerly known as Twitter, users tweeted their joy by sharing pictures of moments from Ralph’s appearance in addition to their support.
As always, I loved the #MacysParade but #SherylLeeRalph as #MrsClaus is the absolute limit. Best Parade ending ever. pic.twitter.com/HddnRYnsnZ
— Anita Nelam Adams (@AnitaNelam) November 23, 2023
Sheryl Lee Ralph as Mrs. Claus makes me so happy #MacysThanksgivingDayParade pic.twitter.com/v55KohNtGy
— samantha (@OnYourCallender) November 23, 2023
Santa wishes he could land Sheryl Lee Ralph lol #MacysParade pic.twitter.com/L0L34JgYSI
— dïgï†αﾚ gε†d⊕ωη˖⭒📀🎶 (@kingchasez) November 23, 2023
Mrs. Claus spreading holiday cheer at the #MacysParade – looking fabulous, @thesherylralph! 🤶❤️ A festive delight to see you in the parade magic. #MrsClausMagic #HolidayJoy
— Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC (@LawJKJ) November 24, 2023
Witnessing the inclusion of a Black woman also made people feel hopeful and proud of Macy’s and NBC.
Now THIS is what life is all about…. EVERYONE is represented and included!!!! #Santa #SherylLeeRalph as #MrsClause capped off an amazing and most diverse #MacysThanksgivingDayParade on every level I think I’ve ever seen. 💗
Hats off to @Macys for being intentional so that all… pic.twitter.com/co42gr86Yb
— Andrea Morehead (@Andrea_Morehead) November 23, 2023
Oh wow, the beautiful @thesherylralph as Mrs. Claus🌲! Way to go @nbc ! @AbbottElemABC @nbc #MacysThanksgivingDayParade #sherylleeralph#MrsClaus #Christmas2023 pic.twitter.com/sHqgqmkUFK
— 💙 Pauline 💙 ☮️ #ISupportTabyana (@Pauline76318996) November 23, 2023
Ralph’s reveal helped pick the momentum of the parade up since the balloons got a bad review from fans as the Macy’s parade was called out for them looking partially inflated.
Snoopy!#MacysThanksgivingDayParade pic.twitter.com/HyPuTFuIru
— Tony Fratto (@TonyFratto) November 23, 2023
Even Bravo’s Andy Cohen called it out in his Instagram stories with the words, as reported by Parade: “No disrespect to Snoopy, but he seems like he’s skimming the street a little bit. I don’t know what the problem is here.”
He continued, “He needs to take wind a little bit. He’s a little droopy.”
