From Screen Partners to Lifelong Friends: Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly's Bond
Back in the 1980s, Cagney & Lacey broke barriers by proving that two women could headline an action-packed police drama. As trailblazers in Hollywood, Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly redefined what women could achieve on screen. But here's the kicker: their off-screen friendship didn't blossom until much later. “We were so busy working during those years that we didn't have the time to connect as friends,” Sharon shares with Closer. Over the last few years, though, everything has changed. “We’ve grown to know each other on a personal level, and now we talk every single day,” she adds with a warm smile.
Sharon's Journey: From Christine Cagney to Memoirist
Sharon Gless, the Emmy-winning actress who captivated audiences for seven seasons as Christine Cagney, has a story to tell. In her new memoir, Apparently There Were Complaints, she dives deep into her life, both on and off the screen. “The title came to me naturally,” Sharon reveals. “I wanted to address all the complaints about me—and trust me, there were plenty!”
Her journey wasn’t always smooth. Growing up in a prominent California family, Sharon faced immense pressure to become a socialite, find a wealthy husband, and live the high-society life. But that wasn’t her dream. “I always knew I wanted to be an actress,” she says. “The idea of raising perfect children and being the ideal wife just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t live up to those expectations and still pursue my passion for acting.”
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The Late Bloomer Who Found Her Calling
Sharon didn’t fully commit to her acting career until she was 26, which she admits is considered late in Hollywood terms. “I used to bury my dream because it felt impossible at times,” she confesses. However, starting late turned out to be a blessing. It allowed her to mature and understand what she truly wanted. In 1991, at the age of 47, Sharon married her longtime love and Cagney & Lacey producer, Barney Rosenzweig. “Our relationship started secretly on set, but it’s been an incredible 30-year journey,” she reflects.
Marriage Secrets and Advocacy Work
Sharon and Barney's love story, which began secretly on the Cagney & Lacey set, has endured for three decades. “Being married to my boss was definitely a challenge, but it never interfered with our work,” Sharon says. “Our marriage is colorful, filled with laughter, and built on mutual respect. The key? Separate bathrooms and a good sense of humor. There are some things only laughter can fix.”
After Cagney & Lacey ended in 1988, Sharon continued to shine in other series like The Trials of Rosie O’Neill and Queer as Folk. The latter ignited her passion for advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. “I thought playing an outrageous mother would be fun, but it turned into a profound learning experience,” she explains. “I realized the challenges faced by the community and became an advocate ever since. They’re my boys out there.”
Quitting Drinking and Finding Clarity
In 2015, a health scare prompted Sharon to quit drinking, a decision that saved her life. “My love affair with martinis almost killed me,” she admits candidly. Ironically, her Cagney & Lacey character also struggled with alcoholism. “Alcohol is all or nothing—you can’t just cut back,” she explains. Writing her memoir without the haze of alcohol gave her clarity. “I looked at myself honestly and realized I turned out pretty great. I’m proud of who I’ve become.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
