Childhood & Early Life
Sharon was born on February 9, 1971, in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 3, she and her family moved to Chatsworth, California. Since her childhood, Sharon had been interested in dance. She was trained in ballet and jazz.
Over the years, Sharon developed an interest in acting and decided to become an actor. However, she chose modeling to enter the entertainment industry. She began modeling as a teenager, and in 1988, she was scouted by an agent at a modeling event.
Sharon got a modeling offer in Japan and stayed there for about 5 months. She also worked as a lingerie model. Back in Los Angeles, Sharon turned her focus to acting and did a few plays. She was part of musicals such as 'Grease,' 'The Wizard,' and 'The Nutcracker.'
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Career
Sharon made her TV debut in 1989, with the recurring role of ‘Dawn Winthrop’ in the 'ABC' soap opera 'General Hospital.' She continued on the show till the following year, and in 1991, she had two brief recurring (two episodes) appearances in 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' and 'Parker Lewis Can't Lose.' She also appeared in an episode of the 'NBC' sitcom 'Cheers.'
After a single-episode appearance in the crime drama 'Silk Stalkings,' Sharon was seen in her second recurring role. She played a manic depressive character named ‘Debbie Simon’ in the 'CBS' drama 'As the World Turns,' from 1992 to 1993. In 1994, Sharon appeared as ‘Anne Welles’ in the series 'Valley of the Dolls.' This was her first regular role.
The same year, Sharon began playing the most significant role of her career, ‘Sharon Newman,’ in the 'CBS' soap opera 'The Young and the Restless.' She began her stint with the show in August 1994 and still plays the same character. Sharon was initially a recurring actor in 'The Young and the Restless.’ However, in 1995, she signed a bond with the creators and was made a regular.
In February 2003, Sharon had a temporary exit from 'The Young and the Restless’ but resumed later in April. Also in 2011, she shared her disappointment with her character, which was receiving a lot of negative feedback for being involved with too many men. Despite that, Sharon, as an actor, has gained immense accolades for her outstanding performance. She has convincingly portrayed the struggles of ‘Sharon,’ who has been shown to have undergone several traumatic experiences and phases, such as infidelity, rape, kleptomania, and bipolar disorder.
Sharon has earned several nominations for her role in 'The Young and the Restless’ and has won a 'Daytime Emmy’ award (for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series’) in 1999, a 'TV Soap Golden Boomerang Award' (for ‘Younger Female Star’) in 2003, and a 'Soap Opera Digest Award' (for the ‘Hottest Female Star’) in 1998.
Sharon made her film debut with the 1997 dark comedy ‘HBO’ TV film 'Breast Men.' She was initially offered a significant role in the film, but she had declined it, as she was not comfortable filming a scene that required her to be topless. So, Sharon accepted a brief role that did not require her to expose much instead.
In 2005, Sharon was seen in two independent films, namely, 'Carpool Guy,' in which she starred with her 'The Young and the Restless’ co-star Lauralee Bell, and the short film 'Wentworth,' which was an independent production of the 'University of Southern California' students.
Sharon’s performance as ‘Janie’ in the 2007 short film 'Repressions' was highly acclaimed and also earned her a 'Method Fest Award' nomination in 2008. She was featured in a 2009 episode of the sex comedy web series 'Poor Paul.' In June 2010, Sharon was seen in the ‘Hallmark’ TV movie 'Dad's Home,' a romantic comedy. Sharon joined the cast of the reality show 'Hell’s Kitchen' for an episode in 2014.
In December 2001, Sharon was named as the first TV actor to be featured on the cover of the men's lifestyle journal 'FHM.'
In January 2010, Sharon launched her signature line of fashion jewelry, 'Pomp,' which she co-created with her best friend, fashion stylist Elif Inanc. The range is available through the shopping cable 'QVC Network.'
Family & Personal Life
Sharon was earlier married to businessman Sandy Corzine. They dated for about 2.5 years and got married in April 2007. The two did not want a lavish wedding. Thus, they eloped and had a secret wedding in Mexico. However, the hotel they stayed in arranged an extravagant reception for their wedding.
Sharon and Sandy divorced in November 2009, citing some personal disputes. The divorce had a devastating impact on the actor. Sharon once admitted that she loved Sandy dearly and would continue to do so, but unfortunately, they could not be together. She once also mentioned that she would not be able to be a friend to her former husband.
While undergoing the trauma of the divorce, Sharon was supported by her sister and Elif. She also lost her dog, Jack, 6 months after the divorce. Sharon then brought home a rescue Chihuahua from a dog shelter and named him Marco.
After divorcing Sandy, Sharon dated Jimmy Wayne, a country songwriter and singer. However, she never confirmed this relationship. They eventually broke up. Sharon was rumored to have dated her co-star Joshua Morrow after they were spotted together multiple times.
