Sharon Gless is an American actress who has had a successful career in television and film. She was born on May 31, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. Gless is best known for her roles as Christine Cagney in the 1980s police drama "Cagney & Lacey" and as Debbie Novotny in the Showtime series "Queer as Folk."

Gless began her career on stage, appearing in numerous productions in the 1970s. She made her television debut in the 1974 series "Faraday and Company" and went on to appear in several other television shows and films, including "The Marcus-Nelson Murders," "Switch," and "The Rockford Files."

In 1982, Gless landed the role of Christine Cagney in "Cagney & Lacey," which became a major hit and earned her critical acclaim. She won two Emmy Awards for her performance in the series, which ran from 1982 to 1988.

After "Cagney & Lacey" ended, Gless continued to act in both television and film. In 2000, she landed the role of Debbie Novotny in "Queer as Folk," which also became a critical and commercial success. Gless won a GLAAD Media Award for her work on the show.

Throughout her career, Gless has also been active in philanthropy and charitable causes, including animal rights and AIDS research. She has been recognized for her contributions with several awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Humanitarian Award from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

Overall, Sharon Gless is a highly respected and accomplished actress who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry.