NEED TO KNOW
When it comes to the Wicked films, Sheryl Lee Ralph is “loving it all.”
The Abbott Elementary actress, who starred in the Broadway production of Wicked from 2016 to 2017, revealed to PEOPLE in an exclusive chat what she thinks of the film franchise starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible.
“One of the greatest times I’ve had onstage was playing Madame Morrible in Wicked on Broadway,” Ralph, 68, says while speaking with PEOPLE about her PBS Kids’ animated show, Weather Hunters.
The Emmy winner and mom of two continues, “And I have no regrets, but I just wish they had asked me to play [Madame Morrible] in the film! But that’s all right, it wasn’t mine to have, but it’s okay.”
Ralph praised Oscar winner Yeoh’s portrayal of Madame Morrible.
“I thought she did a wonderful job. Everybody brings their own special flavor to these roles. My flavor is what I bring, and she brought what she brought, and it’s wonderful,” Ralph says.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“And that all adds to the movie. I love Cynthia, I adore Ariana, and Jonathan Bailey, I swoon. So I’m loving it all,” the actress adds.
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
When part one of the Wicked film came out in November, Ralph encouraged people on Instagram to go see Yeoh’s version in theaters.
“This is your reminder to go see #Wicked this weekend! I had such a wonderful time playing Madame Morrible on Broadway years ago,” Ralph captioned her post. “You do not want to miss @michelleyeoh_official giving a marvelous performance in this film! 💚🩷.”
Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on Nov. 21.
