Sharon Gless was the star of the series “Cagney & Lacey” and “Switch!”The actress faced addictions that almost ruined her life.Now Gless is a happy grandma thanks to her husband, who changed her life when she was 48.Advertisement
Sharon Gless became a beloved actress with hit TV shows such as “Cagney & Lacey” and “Switch.” Her career skyrocketed from the 80s onwards, and she soon became one of the most recognizable faces on television. She opened up about her career in her memoir “Apparently There Were Complaints.”
Gless wrote about all the roles she had and even spoke candidly about her role opposite Michael Douglas in the 1983 film, “The Star Chamber.” She also spoke about her time on “Queer as Folk,” saying the show gave her the opportunity to know Rosie ODonnell. The two even shared a kiss on-camera.
Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly on “Cagney & Lacey,” 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Gless and ODonnell got along great, soon forming a lasting friendship off-set. The “The Girl Next Door” star even confessed she developed some feelings for ODonnell, but she never pursued them. She was happily married and secure in her sexuality, and ODonnell also knew this. Nonetheless, they were the closest of friends.
AdvertisementThese days, Gless can reflect on what gave her life meaning during many of the more challenging times.
ODonnell wasnt the first woman Gless had spent so much time with, though. While filming “Cagney & Lacey,” many reporters assumed Gless was gay, often asking her about her sexuality during interviews. But with her fame came other consequences. Gless revealed she soon developed a drinking problem.
Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly on “Cagney & Lacey,” November 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Ironically enough, Gless understood the struggles of her on-screen counterpart all too well. Like Christine Cagney, Gless had developed a dependency on alcohol, particularly a love for Martinis. She even used her personal experience with addiction to shoot one of the most memorable scenes in the show.
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Gless even tried curbing the vice by going to rehab, but it didnt do her much good. When she came out, she returned to drinking. The habit carried on throughout her life until doctors finally stepped in and told her she had to stop if she wanted to live. The suggestions came after she was hospitalized for terrible stomach pains.
At 72, Gless went cold turkey for 36 hours. The pains returned, and she consulted an expert gastroenterologist, who told her she shouldnt consult him in the future if she ever touches alcohol again. Gless recalled he was harsh but fair, warning her that alcohol would lead to her death.
Sharon Gless on September 21, 1986 in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
With the gastroenterologists warning looming over her, Gless had a difficult decision to make. She stopped drinking and started attending Alcoholics Anonymous groups. On May 8, 2015, Gless was officially entirely sober. Although she hasnt touched alcohol since, she confessed she occasionally misses it.
AdvertisementGlesss Husband Changed Her Life When She Was 48
These days, Gless can reflect on what gave her life meaning during many of the more challenging times. Although she wishes she could still enjoy a nightcap, she has stuck with sobriety because of many reasons, chief among them staying dignified. The actress opened up about her struggle with sobriety:
“The reason I want to stay sober is hopefully to achieve dignity of some kind. I dont want to wake up in the morning wondering what I did or who I offended. Its not who I am. Thats not my goal.”
Gless continued, saying she had her fair share of complaints about her actions while inebriated, which is where the name of her autobiography came from. Now, the actress prefers to live a quieter life with her beloved husband, who has stuck with her for 31 years.
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Gless reflected on how she and her husband, Barney Rosenzweig, the producer of “Cagney & Lacey,” have made their marriage last for over three decades. The actress confessed that things havent always been easy, but they stuck together and found ways to make their relationship work.
Although the actress has no children of her own, she has a large family that is constantly expanding.
The 79-year-old revealed what helped her create a lasting marriage, joking, “The secrets are separate bathrooms and dont stay too long in the same town.” She then revealed she and Rosenzweig had a tough time a few years back. Eventually, she had to leave to shoot a new project, and her absence put things in perspective.
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When she came back from filming, she and Rosenzweig had the opportunity to calm down and reflect. They knew they wanted to make things work, so they settled down and talked things through. The lockdown also struck, forcing them to spend time together and work through their problems. She noted:
“Menopause also didnt help. It was rough. Its hard to get through, but we did. And sometimes you just have to leave the room to stop the fighting.”
These days, Gless and Rosenzweig continue to enjoy their marital bliss. The producer is retired, and he and his wife decided to move from the bustle of Hollywood to the more remote Fisher Island, right off the coast of Miami.
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They celebrated their 31st anniversary by attending a performance of “Phantom,” with Gless explaining that they first saw the production as a young couple almost 36 years before. The actress also shared her secret to staying youthful, saying, “Attitude is so important; I think its what has sustained me.”
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Over the years, Gless and her husband have built a happy life together. Although the actress has no children of her own, she has a large family that is constantly expanding. She has always had brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews to keep her busy. She remarked:
“I am surrounded by family. I have two brothers, two sisters-in-law, stepdaughters and stepgranddaughters and nieces and nephews, and 18 cousins. I was raised Catholic, so they just kept coming!”
Gless spoke highly of her two brothers, saying theyve always been loving and supportive. Her oldest brother, Michael Gless, is an attorney, while Aric Gless, who is seven years her junior, became an architect. Gless also revealed she has always had a close bond with her older brother since they were closer in age.
Gless may not be a biological mom, but her husband has three daughters. The actress commented that she didnt have much of a hand in raising the girls, but she has built a close relationship with them. Gless remains close with her co-star Tyne Daly and noted, “My family are my best friends.”
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