Sharon Gless is a celebrated American actress known for her iconic roles in television, particularly for portraying strong, independent women. Over a career that has spanned more than five decades, Gless has become a household name, thanks to her starring roles in shows like Cagney & Lacey, Burn Notice, and Queer as Folk. Her powerful performances, combined with her bold choices of characters, have not only made her a television star but also an influential figure in the portrayal of women and LGBTQ+ characters in media.
Early Life and Introduction to Acting
Sharon Gless was born on May 31, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, into a prominent family. Her grandfather, Neil S. McCarthy, was a successful Hollywood attorney, representing high-profile stars like Howard Hughes and Cecil B. DeMille. Despite her family’s ties to the entertainment industry, Gless’s path to acting wasn’t immediate.
Initially, Gless pursued a career outside of Hollywood. After studying at Gonzaga University and working as a secretary at William Morris Agency, her interest in acting began to take shape. Encouraged by her employer and others around her, she decided to attend acting classes. It wasn’t long before Gless realized her passion for performance. She studied acting with renowned teachers, honing her skills, and soon made the leap into the entertainment industry.
Early Career in Television
Sharon Gless’s entry into acting was marked by various guest appearances on popular television shows in the 1970s. She made her debut in The Long, Hot Summer (1965), a television movie, and continued to earn roles in series such as Marcus Welby, M.D., Ironside, and The Rockford Files. Her performances in these early shows caught the attention of television executives, and she quickly developed a reputation for being a versatile and reliable actress.
In 1972, Gless signed a contract with Universal Studios, making her one of the last actresses to be signed under the old Hollywood studio system. Over the next few years, she appeared in several Universal-produced series, such as Adam-12, Emergency!, and McCloud. During this period, Gless began to make a name for herself as a talented performer, but it wasn’t until her role in Switch (1975–1978), where she played private detective Maggie Philbin, that she started gaining more significant recognition.
Breakthrough with Cagney & Lacey
Sharon Gless’s career reached new heights in 1982 when she was cast in the groundbreaking police procedural drama Cagney & Lacey. Gless replaced Meg Foster in the role of Christine Cagney, a tough, ambitious New York City detective. Paired with Tyne Daly, who played Mary Beth Lacey, Gless helped create one of television’s most enduring partnerships.
Christine Cagney was a trailblazing character for television at the time. As a single, career-driven woman in a male-dominated profession, Gless’s portrayal resonated with viewers and critics alike. The show was celebrated for its exploration of complex issues, including gender roles, alcoholism, workplace sexism, and friendship between women. Gless’s nuanced performance as the no-nonsense, determined Cagney earned her widespread acclaim.
During the run of Cagney & Lacey, Gless received multiple Emmy nominations, ultimately winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1986 and 1987. The show itself garnered critical success, winning numerous awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. Gless and Daly’s on-screen chemistry became iconic, and their portrayal of two strong, supportive women became a blueprint for many future television shows.
Gless’s work on Cagney & Lacey solidified her status as a feminist icon, as the show was one of the first to center on the lives of two women who were not defined by their romantic relationships with men. Instead, their professional achievements and personal struggles took center stage, which was revolutionary for television at the time. Gless’s ability to bring depth and vulnerability to Christine Cagney made her a relatable and beloved character for audiences.
Post-Cagney & Lacey Success
After Cagney & Lacey ended its original run in 1988, Sharon Gless continued to enjoy a successful career in television. In 1991, she reunited with her co-star Tyne Daly for Cagney & Lacey: The Return, a TV movie that revisited the characters of Cagney and Lacey. The film’s success led to several more TV movies, keeping the beloved duo in the public eye well into the 1990s.
Gless also took on other television roles that showcased her versatility. In 1993, she starred in the legal drama The Trials of Rosie O’Neill, where she played the title role of a public defender. Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series in 1991.
During the 1990s, Gless appeared in guest-starring roles on numerous television shows and continued to take on new challenges. She brought her dynamic presence to shows like Murder, She Wrote, Touched by an Angel, and Judging Amy, demonstrating her range as an actress who could tackle both comedic and dramatic roles.
Queer as Folk and Championing LGBTQ+ Representation
In 2000, Sharon Gless took on a role that would introduce her to a new generation of fans. She joined the cast of Queer as Folk, a groundbreaking American adaptation of the British series that followed the lives of a group of gay friends living in Pittsburgh. Gless played Debbie Novotny, the fiercely supportive, outspoken mother of one of the central characters, Michael. Debbie became a fan favorite, known for her colorful personality, loving heart, and unyielding defense of the LGBTQ+ community.
Gless’s portrayal of Debbie Novotny resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences and allies alike, as she brought warmth, humor, and authenticity to the role. The show was one of the first in the U.S. to depict gay life openly, without shying away from the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Gless’s performance as a straight ally and loving mother helped humanize the struggles of LGBTQ+ characters for mainstream audiences.
Queer as Folk ran for five seasons, and Gless’s work on the show earned her critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Her portrayal of Debbie Novotny further solidified her reputation as an actress who was unafraid to tackle bold, socially relevant roles.
Burn Notice and Later Career
In 2007, Sharon Gless took on another prominent television role as Madeline Westen, the sharp-witted mother of a spy, in the hit series Burn Notice. The show followed Michael Westen, a former spy trying to figure out why he was “burned” by his agency while helping others in Miami. Gless’s role as Madeline provided both comic relief and emotional depth, and she was a key part of the ensemble cast.
Gless’s performance on Burn Notice earned her a new wave of fans, and she quickly became one of the most beloved characters on the show. She appeared in all seven seasons of the series, which ended in 2013. Her work on Burn Noticedemonstrated her enduring appeal and versatility as an actress capable of bringing depth to a wide range of characters.
Awards and Recognition
Sharon Gless’s impressive body of work has earned her a plethora of awards and accolades over the course of her career. In addition to her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Cagney & Lacey, Gless has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award seven times and has won twice—once for Cagney & Lacey and once for The Trials of Rosie O’Neill. She has also received multiple Screen Actors Guild nominations, further reflecting her peers’ recognition of her talent and impact.
In 2007, Gless was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to her lasting influence on the television industry. Her contributions to television have also been recognized by organizations such as the Paley Center for Media and Women in Film.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Sharon Gless has remained fiercely private about her personal life but has been open about her dedication to social causes. She has long been an advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Her roles in both Cagney & Lacey and Queer as Folk reflect her commitment to championing characters and stories that challenge societal norms and promote diversity.
Gless has also been active in charity work, supporting various causes such as the fight against cancer and LGBTQ+ rights. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy have made her not only a beloved actress but also a respected figure beyond Hollywood.
Legacy
Sharon Gless’s impact on television is undeniable. From her pioneering role in Cagney & Lacey to her bold choices in Queer as Folk and Burn Notice, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what women in television can achieve. Her portrayals of strong, independent women and her unwavering support for social issues have left a lasting legacy in the industry.
Gless’s career is a testament to her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. She remains an inspiration to aspiring actors and continues to be a beloved figure for audiences worldwide.