Overview

Sharon Lawrence is an American actress, singer, and dancer. She is best known for her role as Assistant District Attorney Sylvia Costas in the ABC drama series NYPD Blue, for which she received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Over the course of her career, she has appeared in numerous films and television series, including roles in Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Shameless, Dynasty, and Joe Pickett. Lawrence is also an accomplished stage actress whose credits include Broadway’s Chicago and revivals of Cabaret and Fiddler on the Roof. She is affiliated with the Board of Directors of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation as well as WeForShe.org, HealTheBay.org and UNC-Chapel Hill General Alumni Association.

What Is Sharon Lawrence’s Net Worth?

Sharon Lawrence, an accomplished American actress, singer, and dancer, has cultivated a successful career spanning several decades. Her estimated net worth stands at $6 million. This financial standing reflects her extensive work in television, film, and theatre, marking her as a notable figure in the entertainment industry.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Sharon Lawrence was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in June 1961. Specific details about her early life, such as the exact schools she attended or her childhood residence, are not widely available in public records. However, her career trajectory began with a strong foundation in performing arts, eventually leading her to Los Angeles, where she pursued acting opportunities. Her early roles in television included guest appearances in various shows, building her experience and visibility within the industry. One of Lawrence’s most significant breakthrough roles came with her portrayal of Assistant District Attorney Sylvia Costas in the critically acclaimed television series *NYPD Blue*. She was part of the cast from 1993 to 1999. The series, known for its gritty realism and complex characters, provided Lawrence with a platform to showcase her acting abilities. For her work on *NYPD Blue*, Lawrence received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations, specifically in 1996, 1997, and 1999. She also earned a Screen Actors Guild Award in 1995 for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. These accolades significantly boosted her profile and led to further opportunities in television and film.

Lawrence’s role as A.D.A. Sylvia Costas was not just a career highlight but also a substantial contributor to her financial standing. While specific salary details for her work on *NYPD Blue* are not publicly available, leading roles in successful network television series often command substantial compensation. Given the show’s popularity and her prominent role, it’s reasonable to assume that her earnings from *NYPD Blue* formed a significant portion of her accumulated net worth.

Television Career: Series Regular and Recurring Roles

Following her success on *NYPD Blue*, Sharon Lawrence continued to secure prominent roles in television. From 1997 to 1998, she starred as Gwen Leonard in the television series *Fired Up*. Although the series lasted only two seasons, it provided her with another leading role and further expanded her television credits. In 1999, she took on the role of Donna Stiles in the series *Ladies Man*, which aired until 2001. While specific details about the viewership numbers or financial success of *Fired Up* and *Ladies Man* are not readily available, being a series regular on these shows would have contributed to her income and overall net worth. Her recurring roles on various television series have been a consistent source of income and visibility. These roles have spanned numerous genres and networks, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Some notable recurring roles include:

  • *Wolf Lake* (2001-2002): This series, although short-lived, allowed Lawrence to explore the thriller genre.
  • *Desperate Housewives* (2009): Appearing in multiple episodes of this popular series exposed her to a broad audience.
  • *Hidden Palms* (2007): This teen drama provided her with another opportunity to showcase her acting range.
  • *Monk* (2009): Guest-starring in a show with a devoted following added to her visibility.
  • *Privileged* (2008-2009): This series offered her a recurring role in a show targeted at a younger demographic.
  • *One Tree Hill* (2009-2012): A multi-episode arc in this long-running series further solidified her presence on television.
  • *Drop Dead Diva* (2011-2014): Lawrence played Bobbi Dobkins, mother to Jane Bingum, in more than one episode.
  • *Game of Silence* (2016): This drama series provided her with a recurring role in a suspenseful narrative.
  • *Rizzoli & Isles* (2016): Lawrence appeared as Dr. Hope Martin in three episodes.
  • *The Last Tycoon* (2016-2017): A recurring role in this period drama added to her diverse portfolio.
  • *Queen Sugar* (2016-2021): This critically acclaimed series provided her with a recurring role in a socially relevant drama.
  • *Me, Myself and I* (2017): Another recurring role in a comedy series.
  • *The Ranch* (2018-2020): Appearing in this Netflix series exposed her to a streaming audience.
  • *Shameless* (2018-2021): Lawrence played Margo Mierzejewski in several episodes.
The financial impact of these recurring roles, while varying based on the number of episodes and the network’s budget, collectively contributes to her overall net worth. Guest-starring roles can range from a few thousand dollars per episode to tens of thousands, depending on the show’s popularity and the actor’s experience and profile. Lawrence’s consistent work in television has ensured a steady income stream, allowing her to build her wealth over time.

Film and Theatre Contributions

While Sharon Lawrence is primarily known for her television work, she has also appeared in several films, adding another dimension to her career and income. Some of her film credits include roles in movies such as “Gossip,” “The Alibi,” and “Solace.” While these roles may not have been leading ones, they contribute to her overall earnings and demonstrate her versatility as an actress. Specific financial details regarding her earnings from these film roles are not publicly available. In addition to film and television, Lawrence has also been involved in theatre productions. Although details about her specific theatre roles and earnings are not widely publicized, involvement in stage productions can supplement an actor’s income and provide opportunities for artistic growth. For instance, Equity contracts for stage actors can provide a stable income, especially for longer runs of successful plays.

Real Estate and Other Assets

Information regarding Sharon Lawrence’s specific real estate holdings or other significant assets is not publicly available. It is common for high-net-worth individuals to invest in real estate, stocks, and other assets, which can contribute to their overall wealth. However, without specific details, it is difficult to quantify the impact of these investments on her net worth.

Awards and Recognition

Sharon Lawrence’s career has been marked by critical acclaim and industry recognition. As mentioned earlier, she won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 1995 for her work on *NYPD Blue*. Additionally, she received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her role in *NYPD Blue* and another nomination for her guest appearance on *Grey’s Anatomy* in 2009. While awards and nominations do not directly translate into monetary gains, they enhance an actor’s reputation and can lead to increased opportunities and higher salaries in future projects. The prestige associated with these accolades undoubtedly contributes to her long-term career success and, by extension, her financial stability.

Personal Life and Public Engagements

While Sharon Lawrence maintains a public profile as an actress, detailed information about her personal life, spending habits, and financial management is not widely available. Celebrities often have various expenses, including management fees, publicist costs, and lifestyle-related expenditures, which can impact their overall net worth. Without specific details, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive analysis of these factors in relation to her financial standing. However, Lawrence’s continued activity in the entertainment industry, her diverse range of roles, and her consistent presence on television suggest a stable and successful career. Her net worth of $6 million reflects her hard work, talent, and strategic career choices over the years.

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