Sharon Gless as Detective Christine Cagney and Tyne Daly as Detective Mary Beth Lacey in “Cagney & Lacey,” dated 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Sharon Gless as Detective Christine Cagney and Tyne Daly as Detective Mary Beth Lacey in “Cagney & Lacey,” dated 1985 | Source: Getty Images
No official explanation was provided at first, but the change sparked speculation both within the industry and among viewers. Friends close to her described her reaction as deeply painful. She reportedly told them it felt as though she had been “hit by a truck” and chose not to speak publicly about the matter at first.
Instead, she believed it was better to stay silent and let her actions speak for her. In Hollywood, silence can lead to rumors, and without a clear reason for her departure, whispers began circulating. Some assumed she had been difficult on set, labeling her a potential problem.
“Until the news spread, she was an in-demand actress,” one report noted. “But there was no official announcement of why she was fired, so some people jumped to some pretty wild conclusions.” As those who didn’t know the facts continued to speculate, she found that job offers began to dwindle.
Later, the network addressed the decision, saying they wanted to make a change to “give the show a better balance.” Following this clarification, she began receiving offers again and soon landed a role in the TV movie “Desperate Intruder,” co-starring Nick Mancuso and Claude Akins.
The actress attends the premiere of “No Place Like Home” on November 27, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
The actress attends the premiere of “No Place Like Home” on November 27, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
Amid the controversy, one thing remained undeniable. Her striking appearance, especially her intensely blue eyes, had captivated audiences from the start. Mademoiselle magazine even dubbed them “the eyes of ’79,” a nickname that would follow her throughout her career.
Some producers even felt her eyes were a “distraction,” insisting she wear contact lenses to tone down their brightness. But she viewed them differently. “I’m not aware that my eyes are so distinctive,” she once said. “I don’t look at my eyes, I see through them.”
The actress attends the screening party for “Poetry In Motion” on June 25, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
The actress attends the screening party for “Poetry In Motion” on June 25, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
Though the setbacks she faced in television were significant, she managed to find new footing in the film industry. Her unique presence and intense performances found a new place — and a new following.
Film Roles and Career Reinvention
Following her departure from “Cagney & Lacey,” she shifted her focus toward film, where her distinctive screen presence resonated with a new audience. In 1987, she took on one of her most memorable roles as Evil-Lyn in “Masters of the Universe,” a fantasy action film that developed a cult following over the years.
The actress as Evil-Lyn in a scene from the film “Masters Of The Universe,” in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
The actress as Evil-Lyn in a scene from the film “Masters Of The Universe,” in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Her portrayal of the powerful villainess stood out, further cementing her ability to take on commanding and intense characters. She continued this momentum with a role in the 1988 satirical science fiction film “They Live,” which remains one of her most recognized performances.
In the film, she played Holly, a mysterious character who added depth to the storyline’s commentary on consumerism and control. Her work during this time showcased her range, moving effortlessly between genres. In 1989, she appeared in two more films: the horror sequel “Stepfather II: Make Room for Daddy” and the action film “Blind Fury,” both of which also featured Actor Terry O’Quinn.
The actress attends the screening party for “Poetry In Motion” on June 25, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
The actress attends the screening party for “Poetry In Motion” on June 25, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
These roles allowed her to maintain a consistent presence in Hollywood during the late 1980s, even as she continued to navigate the challenges brought on by her earlier career setback. Throughout the 1990s, she remained active on television, guest-starring in popular series such as “Quantum Leap,” “ER,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Sliders.”
Her performances were consistently well-received, and she was known for bringing intensity and depth to every role she played. Yet while her career was regaining traction, her personal life reflected a much different pace — one rooted in simplicity, family, and a conscious effort to stay grounded.
The actress attends the Monster Mania Convention on March 10, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The actress attends the Monster Mania Convention on March 10, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Life Beyond the Spotlight
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In a past interview, she revealed that she was previously married to Actor Stephen McHattie. She has a son, Christopher, from her earlier relationship with Actor Ron Starr, and the family lived in suburban Los Angeles. Life at home was far removed from the industry’s demands, with evenings centered around family meals and simple routines.
“I cook — by throwing things together. I cook every night. I taste as I go along,” she shared, describing her daily routine. Their home in Topanga Canyon featured a garden where they once grew their own strawberries. “Since the heavy rains this year, we’ve been too busy trying to save our trees to plant a garden,” she said.
The actress arrives for sCare Foundation’s 2nd Annual Halloween Benefit on October 28, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The actress arrives for sCare Foundation’s 2nd Annual Halloween Benefit on October 28, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
She also noted how nature and family took precedence in her daily life. She brought a zucchini quiche recipe to that same interview — a favorite from her older sister Gray, who lived near Seattle. “My sister’s an excellent cook,” she said with pride. She also shared the joy she found in her acting career.
Acting, for her, was about exploration rather than fame. “More than anything, you have to be careful about yourself. The most important thing is to keep a healthy perspective about your life and craft. Otherwise, your values will fly right out the window. So many people want so much from this business,” she stated.
