Sheryl Lee Ralph Recalls Lauryn Hill’s Early Confidence on ‘Sister Act 2’ Set

Sheryl Lee Ralph, who portrayed Florence Watson in *Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit*, has shared reflections on her 1993 experience working with a young Lauryn Hill, now a Grammy-winning musician. Ralph described Hill, then 16, as “overflowing with talent and confidence,” according to an interview with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.

Lauryn Hill’s Early Confidence on Set

Ralph recounted meeting Hill during filming of the 1993 musical comedy, highlighting the actress’s self-assured demeanor. “My god, to meet a 16-year-old Lauryn Hill. This was a young woman just overflowing, brimming with talent and confidence,” Ralph said. She added, “I thought I was confident. No, Lauryn Hill was confident with a capital ‘C.’”

Hill’s role as Rita Watson’s mother in the film preceded her rise as a musician. At the time, she was balancing acting and music, with Ralph noting Hill’s aspirations beyond the set. “After the rehearsal, I’m sitting there, and Lauryn says to me, ‘Miss Ralph, I’m gonna have a band, and it’s going to be called The Fugees,’” Ralph recalled. The Fugees, formed with Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, later became a defining group of the 1990s.

The Spontaneous Musical Moment

Ralph also described a spontaneous performance between Hill and co-star Tanya Blount during filming. The pair sang the gospel standard “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” between takes, a moment Ralph insisted should be included in the movie. The scene became one of the film’s most celebrated sequences, cementing Hill’s early association with the track.

The song’s inclusion in *Sister Act 2* predates Hill’s solo success, including her 1998 album *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill*, which won multiple Grammy Awards. Ralph’s recollections underscore how Hill’s artistry was evident years before her global recognition.

The Fugees’ Rise and Lauryn Hill’s Legacy

The Fugees’ 1996 album *The Score* earned the Grammy for Best Rap Album, featuring hits like “Ready or Not” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” Hill’s later solo work further solidified her status as a cultural icon. Ralph’s remarks, shared in a 2023 interview, offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the early career of a performer who would shape music history.

“It’s amazing to see how far she’s come,” Ralph said, reflecting on Hill’s impact. “She always had that vision.”