Sheryl Lee Ralph open to work with Denzel Washington on ‘adult rom-com’ again

Sheryl Lee Ralph wants to work with Denzel Washington again.

The American singer and actor has her sights set on working with the actor once again. 

The Abbott Elementary star, 68, revealed that starring alongside Washington in another film is on her career bucket list.

"Denzel and I did a film called The Mighty Quinn, and that was right before he became Denzel," Ralph told Us Weekly on Monday, January 27, while promoting her partnership with GSK for their Thrive at 50 campaign. 

"And I would love to be able to circle back at this time in life to do an adult rom-com or an adult dramedy."

Ralph, who rose to fame on Broadway, landed her first major on-screen role in The Mighty Quinn. 

In the 1989 mystery-comedy, she played the wife of Washington’s character, police chief Xavier Quinn. The film follows Xavier as he tries to help his childhood friend, who is accused of murder.

While Ralph and Washington previously played love interests, the film leaned more toward thriller and mystery than romantic comedy. If given the chance to collaborate again, Ralph hopes for "a great film that has some depth" and explores a new dynamic between them.

Beyond seeking roles with compelling stories, Ralph emphasized the importance of projects that blend entertainment with meaningful messages. 

"I’m always in search of roles that entertain while also giving the audience a little bit of education," she said.

One recent project that fit that description was Ricky, a drama that premiered at Sundance. 

The film follows a man named Ricky, played by Stephan James, as he navigates life after being incarcerated during his teenage years.

"I really feel that Stephan is one of the finest actors in his generation, and I’m really hoping that this is the film that moves him right to the A-list that he belongs on," Ralph shared. "And I’m just excited about this film."