While her on-screen characters often brought drama, Sheridan’s personal journey has largely unfolded away from the spotlight in recent years. Here’s a closer look at her career, background, and where she is today.
Breakthrough on Knots Landing
Knots Landing, a spin-off of Dallas, premiered in 1979, but Sheridan joined the cast in 1986. She portrayed Paige Matheson, a confident, ambitious, and complex character who quickly became a fan favorite. Sheridan remained on the series for seven years, helping define the show’s later seasons.
At the time, she was also fresh from appearing opposite John Cusack in the romantic comedy The Sure Thing. Her performance on Knots Landing earned critical and popular acclaim, including the 1990 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. She was also recognized by People magazine as one of its “50 Most Beautiful People.”
Reflecting on her character, Sheridan once described Paige as “strong, ambitious, bright, and mischievous,” qualities that resonated with audiences and made the role especially memorable.
Early Life and Background
Born in England, Nicollette Sheridan moved to the United States at the age of 10. She grew up in Hollywood, where her mother, actress Sally Adams, worked in the entertainment industry. This early exposure gave Sheridan insight into acting from a young age.
Although she initially retained a strong British accent, Sheridan later learned to adopt an American accent as well, a skill she developed through practice during her teenage years. Today, she can switch between accents with ease.
Career Beyond the 1980s
Following her success on Knots Landing, Sheridan continued working steadily in television. She appeared in Dynasty and later gained widespread attention for her portrayal of Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives. The character’s bold personality and sharp humor made her one of the show’s most talked-about figures, and many fans consider Edie one of the series’ standout roles.
After leaving Desperate Housewives, Sheridan shifted her focus to smaller projects. She appeared in several Hallmark Channel movies and later returned to the spotlight with the 2017 reboot of Dynasty, where she played the iconic role of Alexis Carrington.
Personal Life
Sheridan’s personal life has occasionally drawn public attention over the years. She was married briefly to actor Harry Hamlin in the early 1990s. She later had a long, on-and-off relationship with singer Michael Bolton, which included an engagement before the couple ultimately parted ways.
She was also briefly married to Aaron Phypers. Since then, Sheridan has largely kept her private life out of the public eye.
Stepping Back and Family Priorities
In 2019, Sheridan chose to leave the Dynasty reboot to spend more time caring for her mother, who was seriously ill. At the time, she explained that family had become her top priority.
“Working on the Dynasty reboot and reprising the iconic role of Alexis has been thoroughly enjoyable, but the chance to spend precious time with my terminally ill mother is more important to me right now,” she told TV Line.
Where She Is Today
Now in her late 50s, Nicollette Sheridan remains best known for the television roles that defined her career. While she no longer appears regularly in major series, her performances on Knots Landing and Desperate Housewives continue to be celebrated by longtime fans.
By stepping back from the spotlight and focusing on select projects and personal priorities, Sheridan has shaped a career that reflects both longevity and balance—leaving behind a lasting legacy in television history.