Remember this star of the nighttime television soap opera ‘Knots Landing’?
Nicollette Sheridan is a name that sparks nostalgia for fans of 1980s and 1990s television. Known for her captivating performance as Paige Matheson in Knots Landing and her iconic role as the cunning Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives, Sheridan remains a beloved figure in Hollywood. But her life has been far from a smooth journey. From tumultuous relationships to professional challenges, Sheridan’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and enduring beauty. Let’s delve into the life and career of this remarkable actress.
The Rise of Paige Matheson: Nicollette Sheridan’s Breakout Role
Sheridan’s big break came when she joined Knots Landing in 1986, a popular spinoff of Dallas. Her portrayal of Paige Matheson brought a mix of charm, wit, and intrigue to the series. Sheridan’s character wasn’t just another soap opera stereotype—Paige was multifaceted, switching effortlessly between her “nice” and “naughty” sides.
As Paige, Sheridan won audiences over with her strong, ambitious, and mischievous personality. “Paige is different. She’s strong, she’s ambitious, she’s bright, she’s mischievous,” Sheridan once said of her role.
Her performance earned her critical acclaim and a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1990. That same year, she was named one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People,” cementing her status as a Hollywood bombshell.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Born in England, Nicollette Sheridan moved to the United States at the age of 10. Her upbringing was steeped in Hollywood culture, thanks to her famous mother, actress Sally Adams, and her stepfather, Telly Savalas, best known for his role as Blofeld in James Bond.
Adjusting to life in America wasn’t easy, especially with her thick British accent. “All the kids used to make fun of that, and I hated it,” Sheridan admitted in an interview. Determined to fit in, she practiced speaking with an American accent every day until she mastered it—a testament to her drive and adaptability.
The Tumultuous Love Life of Nicollette Sheridan
Sheridan’s personal life has been as dramatic as her on-screen roles. She’s experienced high-profile relationships, messy breakups, and whirlwind marriages, making headlines for both her romance and heartbreak.
In 1991, she married actor Harry Hamlin, but the marriage lasted only 11 months. Rumors of infidelity surfaced, with Hamlin’s second wife, Lisa Rinna, claiming Sheridan cheated on him with singer Michael Bolton. Sheridan vehemently denied the allegations, sparking a public feud that played out on Twitter years later.
After her divorce, Sheridan began dating Michael Bolton in 1992. The couple had an on-again, off-again relationship that spanned more than a decade. They reunited in 2005, got engaged in 2006, but called it quits for good in 2008.
Sheridan’s second marriage, to Aaron Phypers, was equally short-lived. The couple tied the knot in 2015 but divorced just six months later. Interestingly, both of her ex-husbands went on to marry stars from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—Hamlin married Lisa Rinna, and Phypers wed Denise Richards.
