Nicollette Sheridan became a household name with her role as Paige Matheson on the beloved soap opera Knots Landing. Rising to fame in the late 1980s, she was known for her beauty, ambition, and the ability to play both the heroine and villain with ease. However, behind her on-screen charm lies a story filled with personal challenges and professional ups and downs. Let’s take a deep dive into her journey from TV sensation to Hollywood’s scandal-plagued star, and see what Nicollette Sheridan is up to today.
Nicollette Sheridan’s Breakout Role on ‘Knots Landing’
For many, Sheridan’s portrayal of Paige Matheson on Knots Landing is unforgettable. The soap opera, which was a spinoff of the wildly popular Dallas, originally premiered in 1979. Sheridan, however, didn’t make her grand entrance until 1986, a few years after the show had found its footing. Her character, Paige, was a beautiful, cunning, and often manipulative woman who instantly became a fan favorite.
Sheridan herself described Paige as strong, ambitious, and mischievous, a character that wasn’t entirely good nor bad, but perfectly complex. This role catapulted her into stardom, earning her critical acclaim, including a 1990 Soap Opera Digest award for Outstanding Lead Actress.
From the Small Screen to Pop Culture Icon
Nicollette Sheridan’s star power didn’t just shine on Knots Landing. She also became a mainstay in pop culture during her time on the show. In 1990, she was named one of People’s “50 Most Beautiful People,” solidifying her status as a Hollywood bombshell. Audiences couldn’t get enough of Sheridan, and her fame only grew as she ventured into new roles, including the critically acclaimed drama Dynasty and guest spots in various television series.
However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that she reintroduced herself to a whole new generation of viewers with another juicy role—this time, on Desperate Housewives as Edie Britt.
The Role That Brought Nicollette Sheridan Back to Primetime: ‘Desperate Housewives’
Sheridan’s role as Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives was another career-defining moment. Edie, a scheming real estate agent, was the character everyone loved to hate. Sheridan’s portrayal was so compelling that many fans considered her a staple of the series. But despite the show’s success, her tenure on Desperate Housewives was marred by controversy.
In 2009, Edie Britt was unexpectedly killed off the show, leaving fans in shock and dismay. According to Sheridan, her exit wasn’t just a creative decision. She claimed that her departure from the series was a result of her accusations against the show’s creator, Marc Cherry. Allegedly, Sheridan had confronted Cherry about inappropriate behavior, leading to professional retaliation. The actress filed a lawsuit accusing Cherry of physical assault and wrongful termination. Although her case gained media attention, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in 2017.
Personal Struggles: Nicollette Sheridan’s Tumultuous Relationships
While Nicollette Sheridan’s professional life was filled with both highs and lows, her personal life has also been quite the rollercoaster. Throughout the years, she has had her share of highly publicized relationships, including a brief and dramatic marriage to actor Harry Hamlin in 1991. The marriage lasted just 11 months, and rumors swirled that Sheridan had cheated on Hamlin with singer Michael Bolton. Sheridan denied the allegations, but Hamlin’s second wife, Lisa Rinna, rekindled the gossip on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, causing a media frenzy.
After her divorce from Hamlin, Sheridan dated Michael Bolton on and off starting in 1992. The couple eventually became engaged in 2006 but called it quits in 2008. Despite their breakup, the pair remained one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples during their relationship.
In 2015, Sheridan briefly married Aaron Phypers, but their union was short-lived, ending in divorce after just six months. Ironically, Phypers went on to marry Denise Richards, another Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, further intertwining Sheridan’s personal life with reality TV drama.
A Step Back from the Spotlight
After her contentious exit from Desperate Housewives, Nicollette Sheridan chose to take a step back from the limelight. The intense media scrutiny, combined with personal and professional challenges, led the actress to pursue quieter, more meaningful projects. In recent years, she has starred in a few Hallmark Channel movies and made a notable return to TV with a role in the Dynasty reboot in 2017. However, her time on Dynasty was short-lived, as Sheridan decided to leave the show in 2019 to spend time with her terminally ill mother.
Her decision to prioritize family over her career spoke volumes about where her values now lie. “Working on Dynasty 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,” Sheridan shared in an emotional statement to TV Line in 2019.
Where Is Nicollette Sheridan Now?
Today, Nicollette Sheridan has largely stayed out of the Hollywood spotlight. While she remains an iconic figure in the television industry thanks to her memorable roles in Knots Landing and Desperate Housewives, she seems to have found peace away from the drama-filled world of TV. Now 57, Sheridan has embraced a quieter life, choosing to focus on her personal passions and family.
While many fans continue to remember her for her feisty on-screen characters, Nicollette Sheridan’s life off-screen has been just as complex and fascinating as her roles. From tumultuous relationships to career highs and legal battles, Sheridan has proven herself to be a resilient figure in Hollywood.
Conclusion
Nicollette Sheridan’s career, much like her characters, has been marked by ups and downs. From her breakout role as Paige Matheson on Knots Landing to her unforgettable portrayal of Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives, Sheridan has had an undeniable impact on television. However, her personal struggles and professional challenges have shown a different side to the actress—a woman who values authenticity, family, and inner strength. Although she’s stepped away from the spotlight, Sheridan’s legacy as a television icon remains strong.
