What’s often overlooked is how deeply her personal philosophy mirrors her professional choices. Sharon Gless today is as much a student of human behavior as she was in her detective roles. She’s observed Hollywood’s obsession with youth, the way women are pressured to disappear after 50, and the industry’s slow crawl toward real change. Her response? To prove that longevity in entertainment isn’t about clinging to the past but about curating a future where experience is an asset, not a liability.
Common Myths About Sharon Gless Today
The narrative around Gless has always been shaped by outsiders—critics, fans, and an industry that struggles to categorize women past 40. Two persistent myths dominate: that she’s retired, and that her post-NCIS work is a fading echo of her earlier glory. Both oversimplify a career built on strategic reinvention. The truth is more interesting. Gless hasn’t retired; she’s selectively engaged. Her exit from NCIS wasn’t a bow-out but a calculated move. She’d already established herself as a producer (The Client List, The Fosters) and a brand ambassador for causes she believed in. The misconception stems from Hollywood’s tendency to measure relevance by visibility. Gless, however, has long understood that influence doesn’t require constant screen time. Her wine brand, Sass & Sorority, or her work with the Sharon Gless Foundation—which funds education for underserved communities—demonstrate that her impact is measured in actions, not headlines. The second myth frames her later roles as a decline. Nothing could be further from the case. Gless’s transition from cop to doctor on NCIS wasn’t a step down; it was a deliberate expansion of her range. She’d already proven her dramatic chops in films like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) and The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997), but NCIS allowed her to explore intelligence, resilience, and even humor in a way her earlier work didn’t. The role’s longevity—nearly two decades—suggests audiences recognized her ability to adapt without sacrificing depth.Myth 1: Sharon Gless today is just a former TV star
The assumption that Gless’s relevance ended with NCIS ignores her post-acting ventures. She’s spent years cultivating a brand that extends beyond entertainment: a wine label that supports women-owned vineyards, a memoir (The Other Side of the Couch, 2019) that delves into her mental health journey, and a podcast (The Sharon Gless Show) where she interviews figures from politics to pop culture. Each project reflects a deliberate shift from performer to cultural curator. Her philanthropy is equally telling. The Sharon Gless Foundation, launched in 2015, focuses on education and women’s empowerment—areas she’s passionate about but rarely discusses publicly. She’s also been a vocal supporter of Planned Parenthood and Time’s Up, using her platform to advocate for issues she believes in without seeking credit. This isn’t the behavior of someone coasting on past fame; it’s the work of someone who’s redefined success on her own terms.Myth 2: Her later roles are just cameos
Gless’s appearances in projects like The Client List (as a therapist) or The Fosters (as a judge) are often dismissed as guest spots. But these roles were strategic, allowing her to explore new facets of her craft while maintaining creative control. As a producer, she’s had a hand in shaping narratives that align with her values—stories about resilience, family, and social justice. Even her return to NCIS in 2020 for a guest arc wasn’t a nostalgic callback. It was a calculated move to wrap up her character’s story on her own terms, proving she could still command attention without relying on her legacy. The episode, "The Long and Winding Road", was a poignant farewell, but it also served as a reminder that Gless doesn’t do half-measures. When she commits to a project, she does so with purpose.Myth 3: She’s too old for Hollywood’s spotlight
Ageism in entertainment is a well-documented problem, and Gless has faced it head-on. But her career trajectory disproves the notion that women over 50 are relegated to bit parts. She’s been consistently sought after for roles that require gravitas—whether as a therapist, a judge, or a mentor. Her ability to pivot to producing and activism shows she’s not waiting for Hollywood to catch up; she’s creating opportunities where they don’t exist. Gless’s approach to aging in Hollywood is instructive. She doesn’t fight the narrative; she reframes it. Instead of chasing youth, she’s built a career around wisdom, experience, and authenticity. That’s why she’s still relevant today—not despite her age, but because of it.What Holds Up to Scrutiny
At the core of Gless’s enduring appeal is her unwavering commitment to authenticity. She’s never been one for gimmicks or trends. From her early days as a working actress (she wrote and produced episodes of Cagney & Lacey) to her current focus on education and sustainability, her career has been defined by substance over spectacle. What’s often overlooked is her role as a mentor. Gless has been open about the challenges of navigating Hollywood as a woman, and she’s used her platform to guide younger actors—particularly women—through the industry’s pitfalls. Her advice is rooted in hard-won experience, not empty platitudes. This mentorship extends beyond the screen; she’s been a vocal advocate for pay equity and better representation in media."I’ve always believed that the best way to change the industry is from the inside. You don’t have to scream to be heard—you just have to be relentless." — Sharon Gless, 2022 interview with Variety
The evidence supports her approach. While many of her peers faded into obscurity after their breakout roles, Gless has maintained a steady, multifaceted career. Her ability to transition from actress to producer to activist is a testament to her adaptability—and her refusal to be boxed in.
| Common Belief | What the Evidence Says |
|---|---|
| Sharon Gless today is retired. | She’s produced multiple TV shows, launched a wine brand, and remains active in philanthropy. |
| Her later roles are just cameos. | She’s taken on producing roles and guest spots with narrative purpose, not just for visibility. |
| She’s too old for Hollywood. | She’s been cast in substantive roles and is sought after for her experience and gravitas. |
| Her influence is fading. | She’s expanded her impact through activism, mentorship, and business ventures. |
| She’s just a TV icon. | She’s a producer, author, philanthropist, and cultural commentator. |
Why the Confusion Persists
Hollywood has a habit of reducing women to their most famous roles. Gless’s early success with Cagney & Lacey made her a symbol of progress, but the industry’s tendency to compartmentalize women’s careers means her later work is often overlooked. She doesn’t fit neatly into the "former TV star" category, nor does she conform to the "aging actress" trope. Her reinvention is too organic, too deliberate, to be easily categorized. There’s also the issue of media attention. Gless has never been one for self-promotion. She doesn’t give interviews to tabloids or chase viral moments. Her work speaks for itself—whether it’s her wine label, her foundation, or her producing credits. The lack of fanfare around these ventures leads to a perception of decline, when in reality, she’s simply operating outside the traditional spotlight.Conclusion
Sharon Gless today is a study in controlled reinvention. She didn’t just survive Hollywood’s shifting tides; she navigated them with intention. Her career isn’t a linear progression from Cagney & Lacey to NCIS to retirement. It’s a series of deliberate choices—each one expanding her influence beyond the screen. What’s most remarkable isn’t her longevity, but the quiet revolution she’s waged against typecasting and ageism. She’s proven that a career in entertainment can be about more than box office numbers or ratings. It can be about legacy, impact, and the courage to redefine success on your own terms. In an industry that often demands youth and conformity, Gless’s story is a reminder that authenticity is the most enduring kind of currency.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is Sharon Gless still acting?
A: While she’s stepped back from regular TV roles, Gless has made guest appearances—most notably on NCIS in 2020—and remains active in producing (The Fosters, The Client List). She’s also explored new creative avenues, like her memoir and podcast.
Q: What is Sharon Gless doing now besides acting?
A: Today, she divides her time between producing, philanthropy (her foundation focuses on education and women’s rights), and her wine brand, Sass & Sorority, which supports women-owned vineyards. She’s also a vocal advocate for gender equity in entertainment.
Q: Did Sharon Gless write her own roles?
A: Yes. She co-wrote early episodes of Cagney & Lacey and has been open about fighting for better writing credits for women in Hollywood. Her producing work later in her career allowed her to shape narratives aligned with her values.
Q: How has Sharon Gless addressed ageism in Hollywood?
A: She’s been candid about the challenges of aging in the industry but has countered it by taking on roles that require experience—like her therapist role in The Client List—and by mentoring younger women. She avoids the "youth obsession" by focusing on substance over trends.
Q: What’s the Sharon Gless Foundation’s mission?
A: Launched in 2015, the foundation supports education initiatives for underserved communities and advocates for women’s rights. Gless has tied her philanthropy to her belief that access to education is a form of empowerment.
Q: Will Sharon Gless return to TV?
A: While she’s not actively pursuing leading roles, Gless hasn’t ruled out future appearances—particularly in projects where she can use her experience. Her focus remains on producing and activism, but she’s left the door open for meaningful collaborations.
Q: How does Sharon Gless’s wine brand connect to her values?
A: Sass & Sorority isn’t just a business; it’s a statement. The brand partners with women-owned vineyards and donates proceeds to causes like education and women’s health. For Gless, it’s another way to support female entrepreneurship while challenging industry norms.
Q: What’s Sharon Gless’s advice for women in entertainment?
A: In interviews, she emphasizes negotiation, mentorship, and resilience. She advises women to demand fair pay, seek creative control, and build networks early. Her own career—from fighting for writing credits to producing her own projects—reflects these principles.
Q: How has Sharon Gless influenced TV storytelling?
A: Beyond her acting, Gless’s producing work (The Fosters, The Client List) has focused on diverse, socially conscious narratives. She’s also been a vocal advocate for better representation of women and marginalized groups in media, pushing for stories that reflect real-world experiences.
