Eric Maurice: The Private Life of Sheryl Lee Ralph’s First Husband

When we think of Sheryl Lee Ralph, we see a talented, award-winning actress who’s captured hearts on stage and screen. From Abbott Elementary to Dreamgirls, she’s done it all. But before all the red carpets and Emmys, there was a quiet love story with a man named Eric Maurice.

Eric Maurice may not be a celebrity, but he once held a very special place in Sheryl’s life. He was her first husband — a businessman, a father, and a man who has stayed mostly out of the spotlight. In this article, we’ll take a friendly and simple look into Eric Maurice’s private life, his relationship with Sheryl, their family, and the quiet path he chose after their split.

Eric Maurice Quick Bio

Who Is Eric Maurice?

Eric Maurice is best known as the first husband of Sheryl Lee Ralph. While Sheryl went on to become a famous actress and TV star, Eric stayed away from fame and attention. He’s a man who enjoys living quietly.

Even though he was once married to a big star, Eric never tried to chase the spotlight. He’s not a social media person, and you won’t see him doing interviews or attending Hollywood events. He prefers peace, family, and travel.

Still, his name often comes up because of his connection to Sheryl and their two amazing kids. People want to know: Who is this quiet man who was once married to such a bold and inspiring woman?

Eric Maurice’s Early Life

Eric Maurice was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, which is a country in West Africa. He comes from a mixed background. His father is African-American, and his mother is American. So, Eric grew up with a mix of cultures — something that probably shaped his outlook on life and business.

We don’t know much about his childhood, because he has always kept his personal life very private. But we do know he later moved to the United States and also spent time living in places like Paris and New York.

Even with little public information, it’s clear that Eric has lived an international life — full of travel, culture, and new experiences.

Eric Maurice’s Nationality and Ethnicity

Eric Maurice is often described as French-Ivorian. This means he was born in Ivory Coast (which gives him Ivorian citizenship), but he also has French nationality or strong ties to France.

His ethnicity is mixed, which includes African-American and American roots. This diverse background may be one reason why he enjoys traveling and living in different cities around the world.

Even though he lives in the United States now, he still embraces his French and Ivorian identity. It shows in the way he presents himself — from his fashion to his global lifestyle.

What Does Eric Maurice Do for a Living?

So, what does Eric Maurice actually do? He’s a businessman — more specifically, an entrepreneur.

According to sources and a LinkedIn profile linked to his name, Eric is the co-owner of a company called 1515 Design and Manufacturing. This business is based in Inglewood, California, and it focuses on creative design and production work.

On an Instagram page believed to be his, Eric describes himself as someone who loves menswear, good food, and world travel. His bio says he’s a lifestyle and fashion enthusiast, and he enjoys exploring stylish things from different cultures.

He may not be famous like his ex-wife, but Eric has built a life that reflects his own passions — design, travel, and creativity.

How Eric Maurice Met Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph wasn’t always looking for love. In fact, before meeting Eric, she had promised herself to stay single. She even tied a ribbon on her finger at her birthday party — a little sign to remind herself to focus on herself and her goals.

But something changed that night. At her birthday celebration, everyone was paired up — dancing and enjoying themselves. Sheryl realized she was the only one standing alone. That moment made her think twice about love and relationships.

Not long after, Eric Maurice entered her life. They started dating and grew close quickly. Eric later proposed with a beautiful diamond ring, and their romance soon turned into marriage.

It wasn’t a flashy celebrity story — it was simple, sweet, and real. Just two people building a life together.

Inside Eric Maurice and Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Marriage

Eric and Sheryl got married in 1990, and they stayed together for over a decade. During their marriage, they had two children and created a loving home.

Eric was often seen by Sheryl’s side at events and public appearances. They supported each other, both in parenting and personal growth.

But even with all the good times, marriage isn’t always easy — especially when one person is in the public eye and the other prefers a private life. Over time, the pressures and differences began to grow.

Still, for many years, they made it work — raising their kids, balancing work and family, and staying strong as a team.

Eric Maurice and Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Divorce

Sadly, things started to fall apart in the early 2000s. In 2000, the public heard about their separation. A year later, in 2001, their divorce was finalized.

The breakup was hard, especially for Sheryl. A tabloid article from the National Enquirer made things worse. It claimed that Sheryl wanted younger men and was changing her look just to feel young again. These claims hurt her deeply.

She decided to sue the magazine for $1 million, saying the article was false and hurtful. At the same time, she was trying to heal from the divorce, care for her children, and protect her peace.

In her own words, she once said that divorce felt like “ripping the skin off your own body.” That shows just how painful it was for her — and probably for Eric, too.

Even though the marriage ended, both of them focused on staying kind and supportive for the sake of their children.

Eric Maurice’s Life After Divorce

After his divorce from Sheryl Lee Ralph in 2001, Eric Maurice chose to step away from the public eye. While Sheryl continued to shine in Hollywood, Eric quietly focused on his own life. He didn’t try to stay in the spotlight. In fact, many people didn’t hear much about him for years.

But that doesn’t mean he disappeared. Eric stayed active in business and focused on being a father. He lives a very private life, often moving between Los Angeles, New York, and Paris. He still enjoys travel, good food, and fashion — all things he once shared on his social media before making it private.

Even though he’s no longer married to a celebrity, he’s still connected to that world through his children. And from what we can tell, he’s always been there when they needed him.

Eric Maurice’s Children with Sheryl Lee Ralph

Eric Maurice and Sheryl Lee Ralph had two children together: Etienne Maurice and Ivy “Coco” Maurice. These two have grown up to become strong, talented, and creative adults.

Eric may not post often, but his kids do mention him from time to time, especially on Father’s Day or when they travel together. It’s clear they love and respect him. Ivy once shared how proud she is of her dad and thanked him for his support.

Eric’s story is not just about being Sheryl’s ex-husband. It’s also about being a present and caring father who helped raise two amazing kids.

Etienne Maurice, Eric’s Brave and Talented Son

Etienne Maurice was born in 1991. He is now an actor, director, and a strong voice for social change. He leads a nonprofit group called WalkGood LA, which focuses on mental health, healing, and wellness — especially in Black and brown communities.

Etienne’s journey has not been easy. When he was in college, he survived a violent mugging and was shot three times. He was rushed to the hospital with bullets in his leg and a wound on his head. It was a scary time for everyone, especially for his mother, who fainted when she heard the news.

But Etienne survived. That event changed his life. He now uses his voice and story to inspire others. And through it all, Eric Maurice has stayed quietly proud in the background.

Ivy Coco Maurice, Eric’s Stylish and Creative Daughter

Ivy Victoria Maurice, also known as Ivy Coco, was born in 1994. She is Eric’s daughter and is full of talent and creativity.

She works as a stylist, entrepreneur, and creative director. Ivy also helps run WalkGood LA with her brother Etienne and their cousin. Together, they’ve built a strong community focused on wellness and healing.

Ivy is also known for being her mom’s personal stylist — helping Sheryl Lee Ralph shine on red carpets and at major events. She studied economics at Syracuse University and later followed her passion for fashion and storytelling.

Though Ivy doesn’t always tag her dad online, she’s shared loving posts about him, thanking him for his support and guidance.

Where Is Eric Maurice Now?

As of 2025, Eric Maurice is believed to be living a quiet, comfortable life. He splits his time between California, New York, and Paris — places he seems to enjoy the most.

He still runs a business, likely connected to design and manufacturing. On his private Instagram, he calls himself a “Euro-American entrepreneur” and a “world traveler.” He also mentions being into menswear, lifestyle, and good food.

While Eric Maurice doesn’t speak in public or attend many events, he still plays an important role in his children’s lives. And through them, his quiet legacy continues.

Final Thoughts

Eric Maurice may not be famous like his ex-wife, but he’s a meaningful part of her story — and their children’s. He’s lived a private, low-key life while supporting his kids from the background.

His marriage to Sheryl Lee Ralph lasted more than a decade. Their split wasn’t easy, but they handled it with grace. And even after the pain of divorce, Eric remained a proud father, guiding his children as they became strong, independent adults.

Today, Eric Maurice is a quiet figure — not in the spotlight, but never forgotten. His life may be private, but his impact, especially on his family, is clear.