Sharon Small – Biography, Age, Husband & Net Worth

Sharon Small is a Scottish actress with a career spanning more than three decades across television, film, and theatre. Born on 1 January 1967 in Drumchapel, Glasgow, she is best known for playing Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers in the BBC series The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole in the crime drama London Kills. Her stage work includes major productions at the National Theatre, where she performed opposite actors such as David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

Small’s professional reputation rests on a steady stream of demanding roles, many of them portraying strong, intelligent women in law enforcement or medical settings. Beyond television, she has appeared in award‑nominated films including About a Boy and Dear Frankie, and has built a parallel career as a highly regarded stage actress with more than thirty‑five theatre credits.

What are Sharon Small’s most famous movies and TV shows?

Key insights about her career

• Sharon Small is a highly regarded Scottish stage and screen actor with a career spanning over 30 years.
• She gained international recognition as Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers in the BBC series The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2001–2007).
• Recent work includes the lead role of DS Vivienne Cole in the crime drama London Kills (2019–2023) and the National Theatre production Nye about NHS founder Nye Bevan.
• Contrary to some search queries, Sharon Small did not appear in Downton Abbey – that role was played by different actors.
• She earned a Golden Satellite Award nomination for Best Actress for her work in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.

Snapshot facts

Who is Sharon Small married to?

Details about Sharon Small’s marital status and the name of any spouse are not publicly known. No official confirmation exists in reputable biographies or interviews. Reports that she is married to a photographer named Dan Bridge circulate on social‑media platforms, but these claims remain unverified by the actress or her representatives. Her personal life is kept private, and she has not addressed the subject in any known public statement.

How old is Sharon Small?

Sharon Small was born on 1 January 1967, which makes her 58 years old in 2026. She was born in the Drumchapel area of Glasgow, Scotland, and was raised by her single mother, Sandy Small, as the eldest of five siblings. Her exact height, according to IMDb, is 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m).

What is Sharon Small’s net worth?

No official figure for Sharon Small’s net worth has been published. Industry estimates for a working actress with her level of television and stage credits typically place the value between $1 million and $2 million. Some less reliable sources claim a significantly higher amount, as much as $121 million, but those figures cannot be confirmed and are considered speculative. The absence of a public financial disclosure means any number should be treated with caution.

Where is Sharon Small now?

Sharon Small remains active in stage and television. Most recently, she performed in the National Theatre production Nye (2024–2025), playing Jennie Lee opposite Michael Sheen. In 2024 she appeared in the BBC thriller Nightsleeper as Transport Secretary Liz Draycott. An upcoming role in Midsomer Murders has been listed on IMDb, though no air date has been announced. As of early 2025, no official projects for 2026 have been confirmed, but fans and industry watchers expect further television or theatre announcements.

What are the key moments in Sharon Small’s career?

1. 1967 – Born in Drumchapel, Glasgow.
2. 1990s – Early stage and television roles in Scotland, including Sunburn and Glasgow Kiss.
3. 2001–2007 – Portrays DS Barbara Havers in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (BBC One).
4. 2002 – Appears in the film About a Boy as Christine.
5. 2019–2023 – Stars as DS Vivienne Cole in London Kills (BBC/Acorn TV).
6. 2024–2025 – Performs in National Theatre production Nye (as Jennie Lee) and other stage work.
7. 2026 (anticipated) – No confirmed projects announced yet; fans expect further television or theatre roles.

What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Sharon Small?

How does Sharon Small’s career reflect the British acting landscape?

Sharon Small’s trajectory illustrates a common path for British actors who move fluidly between television, film, and theatre. Her long‑running role in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries placed her at the centre of the UK’s crime‑drama tradition, while her subsequent work on London Kills and the stage demonstrates a shift towards ensemble‑driven, character‑focused productions. Her National Theatre credits, including Good opposite David Tennant and Nye opposite Michael Sheen, highlight the prestige she commands in the theatrical community. The persistent online confusion about a Downton Abbey appearance likely stems from the number of Scottish actresses who have guest‑starred in period dramas, though Small herself never appeared in that series.

Where can you find reliable information about Sharon Small?

The most authoritative sources for Sharon Small’s biography and filmography are:

• Wikipedia – Sharon Small
• IMDb – Sharon Small
• National Theatre – Sharon Small
• BBC Drama – Sharon Small page
• Anthea Represents – Sharon Small

No direct interview quotes from Small herself are available in the public domain; all information above is drawn from these secondary sources.

What is the legacy of Sharon Small?

Sharon Small has built a durable career by choosing roles that require both emotional depth and intellectual authority. Her portrayal of DS Barbara Havers remains a touchstone for fans of British crime drama, while her recent stage work reinforces her standing as a versatile theatre performer. For readers interested in similar actors, see Polly Walker – Biography, Career, and 2025 Updates and Anne-Marie Duff – Biography, Marriage, and Career Highlights.

Frequently asked questions about Sharon Small