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 "It
isn't often that an actor has the opportunity I've
had to create a character like Sylvia Costas
Sipowicz and see her develop over several years
with consistently excellent writing and a dynamic
personal storyline ... I am very fortunate." This
comes from Sharon Lawrence, twice nominated for an
Emmy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her work
on "NYPD Blue" and one of the most sought-after
actresses working in television and film
today.
The acclaim and
popularity of the series focused the spotlight of
attention on its stars from the very beginning.
Lawrence has picked from among the many
opportunities offered and has consistently chosen
those which would allow her to stretch as an actor
and be seen in different ways by her growing
audience. Among the many television movies she has
starred in are "The Shaggy Dog," "The Face on the
Milk Carton," "The Haunting of Patricia Johnson,"
"A Friend's Betrayal" and the miniseries, "Degree
of Guilt."
Most recently,
she brought the house down with her comedic
talents, guest starring on "Caroline in the City,"
and that performance resulted in her winning her
own comedy series, scheduled to premiere
mid-season. She will, of course, continue her role
on "NYPD Blue," making her perhaps the only actress
ever to star simultaneously in two series on two
different networks.
The pace comes
naturally to the high-energy performer. Born and
raised in North Carolina, Lawrence broke into show
business as a singer and dancer, earning her place
on Broadway in some of the juiciest featured roles
of musicals like "Zorba the Greek," "Cabaret" and
"Fiddler on the Roof." "I've always wanted this
career," she says, "and I always believed I'd have
it, but you can't imagine the initial awe of
finding myself on stage with Anthony Quinn, Joel
Grey and Topol."
As difficult as
it was to leave New York, Lawrence crossed the
country to Los Angeles to begin her film and
television career in the early '90s. She has
scarcely had a day off since.
"It's so
gratifying to see the hard work turn into exciting
new opportunities," she said recently. "But 'NYPD'
will always be home, and I know I will never work
with a finer group of actors than this cast. I'll
be around as long as they'll have me."
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