Episode 101 - Apparently There Were Complaints With Emmy Award Winning Actress Sharon Gless - Part 1
In the latest episode of “Hollywood Obsessed,” host Tony Miros interviews actress Sharon Gless, celebrated for her iconic role as Christine Cagney in “Cagney & Lacey.” She has also starred in “Queer As Folk” and “Burn Notice.”
During their engaging conversation, Sharon discusses how she came up with the title “Apparently There Were Complaints” for her newly published memoir. She shares insights about growing up in Los Angeles, where her grandfather’s legacy as a prominent entertainment lawyer sowed the seeds for her passion in the industry. How at just 26, she embarked on her acting journey, landing an exclusive contract with Universal Studios at 27, which would shape her career from 1972 to 1982. She describes the unique experience of being a contract player, mentored by Monique James, who guided her from obscurity to stardom. She shares vibrant anecdotes, including an early job as a secretary and a memorable date with Steven Spielberg during the first AFI Awards. Additionally, she reflects on working with Suzanne Pleshette and recalls a conversation with Gloria Swanson while filming “Airport 1975.” She candidly discusses struggles, including an unsuccessful role on “Marcus Welby, MD”, her lack of chemistry with James Brolin, and how Robert Wagner helped revitalize her career with a role in his TV series “Switch.” Among her many roles, she reveals her deep affection for portraying Carole Lombard in the TV movie “Moviola: The Scarlett O'Hara War.” Ultimately, she emphasizes how “Cagney & Lacey” not only transformed her life but also left an indelible mark on television history, paving the way for future generations of women in the industry.
SHARON GLESS
Few actresses have the distinction of being recognized and revered worldwide for multiple iconic roles in groundbreaking television shows. Sharon Gless is one of them.
Sharon Gless was born into a prominent Hollywood family and always knew she wanted to be an actress. She was an exclusive contract player for Universal Studios from 1972 until 1982, when the studio ended all talent contracts. She was the last contract player in the history of Hollywood. While at Universal, Gless appeared on series such as The Rockford Files; The Bob Newhart Show; and Marcus Welby, MD; among others. In 1982, she accepted the role of Cagney in Cagney & Lacey, eventually winning two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for Best Leading Actress in a Drama Series. In 2000, Gless started playing Debbie Novotny in Queer as Folk, which ran for five seasons. Since then, she’s starred in Burn Notice, Nip/Tuck, and many other shows, movies, and plays. Gless married Barney Rosenzweig, the Executive Producer of Cagney & Lacey, in 1991. They’ve been together for twenty-seven years.
Gless has her star on the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame, an award for Excellence in the Arts from DePaul University in Chicago, and has many recorded radio plays, including ‘Night, Mother, which earned her the International Sony Award.
Always the happiest when acting in a series or on screen, Gless also finds great fulfillment in lending her indomitable voice to issues involving human rights and LGBTQ causes and was honored by Norman Lear’s People for the American Way for her unwavering dedication to helping others.
She currently resides both in Los Angeles and on Fisher Island, off the coast of Miami, Florida.
Sharon Gless Official Website –
Sharon’s Memoir “Apparently There Were Complaints” –
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Apparently-There-Were-Complaints/Sharon-Gless/9781501125966
The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/
Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST
Follow our Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/
Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - http://camfrierson.com/voice
Music by QubeSounds from Pixabay
Sharon Gless
Actress / Author
Few actresses have the distinction of being recognized and revered worldwide for multiple iconic roles in groundbreaking television shows. Sharon Gless is one of them.
Generations of TV viewers know and love the remarkable characters brought to life by this standout multi Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress: Christine Cagney (Cagney & Lacey), Rosie O’Neill (The Trials of Rosie O’Neill), Debbie Novotny (Queer As Folk)and Madeline Westen (Burn Notice), among many others. With over four decades of indelible television, film, and stage roles to her credit, Gless continues to enchant her long time followers and captivate new fans with every appearance.
In 1972, the head of Talent at Universal Studios perceived a take-notice quality in Sharon Gless and signed her as an exclusive contract player, a coveted breakthrough opportunity for any young actress. Gless remained under contract for the next decade, until the studio ended all talent contracts in 1981. Gless was held until 1982, earmarking her as the last contract player in the history of Hollywood.
During her contract years with Universal, Gless appeared in top-rated television series including: "The Rockford Files", "The Bob Newhart Show", "Kojack", "Adam-12", and "Faraday and Company". After re-occurring guest-star spots on "Marcus Welby, M.D." (with 25 million weekly viewers in the 1970’s), Gless was offered the role of Kathleen Faverty, James Brolin’s intended first love interest. That one didn’t work out. Robert Young appre… Read More
Listen On
