Sharon Lawrence Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Sharon Lawrence is an acclaimed American actress recognized for her breakthrough role on NYPD Blue and a prolific career across television, film, and stage.

Introduction

Sharon Elizabeth Lawrence is a versatile American actress whose career spans Broadway, network television, and streaming platforms — celebrated for her powerful performances, especially as ADA Sylvia Costas on NYPD Blue. Born on June 29, 1961, Sharon Lawrence has built a lasting presence in Hollywood. Her estimated net worth stands around $6 million, according to public sources.  She is married to Tom Apostle (since 2002), reflecting a stable personal life alongside her busy acting career.

Quick Facts

From North Carolina Stages to Hollywood Spotlight

Sharon Lawrence’s journey began in Charlotte, North Carolina. Raised partly in Charlotte before moving to Raleigh during her junior year of high school, she eventually graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School.  She then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1983.

Despite the journalism degree, Lawrence’s passion for performance drew her to the stage. In 1987, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of Cabaret. From there, she honed her craft in musicals and theatrical productions — including national tours and Broadway runs of shows like Fiddler on the Roof.

Her transition to television came in the early 1990s, but the turning point arrived in 1993 when casting directors selected her for the role of Assistant District Attorney Sylvia Costas on NYPD Blue. What began as a minor part blossomed into a major, Emmy-nominated role that cemented her status in Hollywood. 

Defining moments in Sharon Lawrence’s journey include:

• Broadway debut in Cabaret (1987), establishing her theatre roots.

• Graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill with a journalism degree — a background contrasting with her acting career.

• Casting and rise to fame on NYPD Blue (1993–1999), leading to multiple Emmy nominations.

• Continued success across television series, independent films, and stage — showcasing versatility.

The Core Pillars of Sharon Lawrence’s Wealth

The core pillars of Sharon Lawrence’s wealth include:

• Television and Film Roles — Long-running and guest appearances on high-profile TV series provided steady income over decades.

• Stage and Broadway Work — Theatre credits, including major productions and tours, contributed to her sustained earnings.

• Residuals and Syndication — Recurring roles and syndication of classic shows add to long-term income streams.

• Speaking Engagements and Industry Work — Appearances, endorsements, and possibly paid speaking engagements add diversity to income sources.

Given public data limitations, precise valuations per pillar are not publicly detailed — hence her net worth remains a conservative estimate.

Sharon Lawrence Relationships & Personal Life

Sharon Lawrence’s personal life has been marked by stability and discretion. In 2002, she married Tom Apostle. Their wedding took place at the same Los Angeles Greek Orthodox church where her NYPD Blue character Sylvia Costas married Andy Sipowicz — a poetic convergence of on-screen and real life.

Key insights into Sharon Lawrence’s relationships and personal life:

• Husband: Tom Apostle, married since 2002.

• Family background: Daughter of Tom Lawrence (a television news reporter) and Earlyn Lawrence (an education administrator) — formative influences from media and education.

• Privacy: Maintains a low-profile personal life away from tabloid drama, focusing instead on her craft and philanthropy.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Interests & Values

Beyond career success, Sharon Lawrence leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Philanthropy & Advocacy — She has served as Chair of Women In Film Foundation and is linked to environmental causes, including involvement with Heal the Bay.

• Public Appearances & Speaking — Her profile as a speaker for events suggests she leverages her celebrity for public-facing engagements beyond acting. 

• Dedication to Craft Across Mediums — Continued activity in theatre, television, and film reflects a commitment to performance and adaptation over decades.

Details about homes, cars, or other personal luxury assets have not been publicly verified in a credible way, indicating either a preference for privacy or lack of reporting.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Public estimates place Sharon Lawrence’s net worth at roughly $6 million.  However, because she has had a long, varied career — from theater to recurring TV roles — her wealth likely arises from multiple, overlapping income streams rather than a single blockbuster payday.

* These are qualitative assessments; public sources — such as celebrity finance sites — do not provide a fine-grained breakdown.

Given the demands and variability of acting work, her $6 million net worth reflects enduring but modest earnings relative to celebrity megastars — underscoring a career built on consistency, versatility, and professionalism rather than blockbuster fame alone.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Sharon Lawrence is widely respected for her longevity and adaptability. Her early success on NYPD Blue established her as a serious dramatic actress, and she avoided being pigeonholed by taking on a wide variety of roles across genres — from crime drama to comedy, stage musicals to indie films.

Her involvement with foundations like Women In Film indicates a commitment to supporting industry peers and advocating for broader representation.

Fans and critics alike often praise her for bringing depth to every role, and for managing a balanced career that spans decades without scandal. For many, she represents a model of professional resilience — a performer who reinvented herself over time while maintaining artistic integrity.

Conclusion

Sharon Lawrence’s journey — from journalism student in North Carolina to celebrated Broadway and television actress — reflects talent, grit, and adaptability. With a birthdate of June 29, 1961, and a stable marriage to Tom Apostle, she has cultivated both a fulfilling personal life and a steady career marked by critical recognition and enduring respect. Her estimated net worth of $6 million may not rival Hollywood’s elite, but it underscores consistent success across decades and platforms.

Sharon Lawrence’s story remains inspiring: a testament to the power of reinvention — and to the quiet strength of longevity in an industry built on constant change.