Sharon Gless was born on May 31, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, to Marjorie and Dennis J. Gless. Raised in a supportive family environment, Sharon came from a notable lineage—her grandfather, Neil McCarthy, was a prominent attorney who once represented the industrialist Howard Hughes. Though initially hesitant about Sharon's interest in acting, her grandfather eventually recognized her passion and agreed to support her by funding her acting classes.
Before fully committing to an acting career, Gless worked for several well-known companies in film and advertising, including General Film Corporation, Young & Rubicam, Sassafras Films, and Grey Advertising. These formative experiences provided her with valuable industry insights, eventually steering her toward a ten-year acting contract with Universal Studios—a significant milestone that laid the groundwork for her future success in television and film.
Gless's television career began in 1973 with a role in Faraday & Company. In 1974, she gained greater recognition by joining the cast of Marcus Welby, M.D. as Kathleen Faverty, where she integrated seamlessly with the existing ensemble and helped maintain the show's momentum. This role marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as a familiar face in American television.
One of Gless's most iconic roles came with the character Christine Cagney in the acclaimed television series Cagney & Lacey. On set, she met executive producer Barney Rosenzweig, whom she later married in 1991. For her performance as Cagney, Gless received six Emmy Award nominations, winning twice, and earned two consecutive Golden Globe Awards. Her portrayal of strong, complex female characters became a hallmark of her career.
Gless continued to make notable television appearances into the 21st century. One of her more recent roles was in the 2016 television series The Exorcist, where she played Chris MacNeil in three episodes—further proof of her enduring relevance in the industry.
| Birth Date: | 31 May, 1943 |
| Age: | 76 yrs |
| Occupations: | Television actor Actor Stage actor Film actor |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress |
| Spouse: | Barney Rosenzweig [M. 1991] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 10 million |
