Keesha Sharp
{{short description|American actress and television director (born 1973)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Keesha Sharp
| image =
| caption =
| occupation = Actress, director
| birth_name = Keesha Ulricka Fleth
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1973|6|9}}
| birth_place = Rochester, New York, U.S.
| years_active = 2000–present
| spouse = Brad Sharp (m. 1997)
| children = 1
}}
Keesha Ulricka Sharp (née Fleth; born June 9, 1973){{cite web|url=http://www.movieweb.com/person/keesha-sharp|title=Keesha Sharp|work=MovieWeb|access-date=27 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627123923/http://movieweb.com/person/keesha-sharp/|archive-date=27 June 2015|url-status=dead}} is an American actress and television director. She played Monica Charles Brooks in the UPN/The CW comedy series, Girlfriends (2002–08), for which she received a nomination for NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Sharp has also appeared in films include American Adobo (2002), Why Did I Get Married? (2007), and from 2010 to 2013 co-starred in the TBS sitcom, Are We There Yet?. In 2016, she played Dale Cochran, the wife of Johnnie Cochran, in the FX anthology drama series, The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. From 2016 to 2019, Sharp starred as Trish Murtaugh in the Fox police comedy-drama series, Lethal Weapon, for which she received NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series nomination.
Life and career
Sharp was born in Rochester, New York. After graduating cum laude from The Boston Conservatory, Sharp set her sights on the stage.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/keesha-sharp/bio/249637/|title=Keesha Sharp|access-date=23 October 2016|archive-date=24 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024031945/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/keesha-sharp/bio/249637/|url-status=live}} She performed in the Broadway National Tour of Carousel, debuted Off-Broadway in Michael Bradford's Living in the Wind and played eight different roles in the interactive comedy Eat the Runt. Other theatre performances include Abyssinia, Aida, Thunder Knockin, Jitney, The Producers, Big Street, Suburb and Joe Turner's Come and Gone. On television, she guest starred on Welcome to New York, Third Watch, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, before moving to Los Angeles.
In 2002, Sharp was cast on the CW comedy series Girlfriends, which she played William Dent's (Reggie Hayes) girlfriend, and later wife, Monica. Her role garnered a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. [http://www.naacp.org/press/entry/list-of-naacp-image-awards-winners "List of NAACP Image Awards Winners"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630131610/http://www.naacp.org/press/entry/list-of-naacp-image-awards-winners |date=2015-06-30 }} (Press Release). March 2, 2007. Retrieved on June 1, 2013. The series ended in 2008. From 2005 to 2006, she also had the recurring role on Everybody Hates Chris as Sheila Ridenhour. Sharp also had roles in films Malibu's Most Wanted, Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood, Never Die Alone and Why Did I Get Married?.
After Girlfriends, Sharp had guest starring roles on The Game, Cold Case, Melissa & Joey, Elementary and The Exes. From 2010 to 2013, she was a regular cast member on the TBS sitcom, Are We There Yet?.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2010/08/its-official-tbs-picks-up-90-additional-episodes-of-sitcom-are-we-there-yet-61577/|title=It's Official: TBS Picks Up 90 Additional Episodes of Sitcom 'Are We There Yet?'|author=Nellie Andreeva|work=Deadline|access-date=27 June 2015|archive-date=19 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619145820/http://www.deadline.com/2010/08/its-official-tbs-picks-up-90-additional-episodes-of-sitcom-are-we-there-yet/|url-status=live}} In 2015, Sharp was cast as Dale Cochran, the wife of Johnnie Cochran (played by Courtney B. Vance), in the FX anthology drama series, American Crime Story.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000957/2016/1/|title=Black Reel Awards (2016)|website=IMDb|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230213727/https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000957/2016/1/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/10/code-black-american-crime-story-you-me-her-1201583934/|title='Code Black', 'American Crime Story' & 'You Me Her' Add To Cast - Deadline|author=Denise Petski|work=Deadline|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204092912/https://deadline.com/2015/10/code-black-american-crime-story-you-me-her-1201583934/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/article/american-crime-story-keesha-sharp-key-role-johnnie-cochrans-wife-played|title=American Crime Story: Keesha Sharp on Key Role Johnnie Cochran's Wife Played : People.com|work=PEOPLE.com|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-date=22 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722225137/http://www.people.com/article/american-crime-story-keesha-sharp-key-role-johnnie-cochrans-wife-played|url-status=live}} In 2016, she was cast in a series regular role opposite Damon Wayans Sr. in the Fox series Lethal Weapon playing Trish Murtaugh (played by Darlene Love in the Lethal Weapon film series).{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/image-awards-nominees-beyonce-nate-parker-donald-glover-48th-naacp-image-awards-1201869526/|title=NAACP Image Awards: Nate Parker & Donald Glover Lead Film & TV Noms; Beyonce Tops Field|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|date=13 December 2016|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115084908/https://deadline.com/2016/12/image-awards-nominees-beyonce-nate-parker-donald-glover-48th-naacp-image-awards-1201869526/|url-status=live}} Golden Brooks, her Girlfriends co-star, originally was cast in the role, but was replaced by Sharp during filming of pilot episode.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/03/keesha-sharp-cast-lethal-weapon-recasting-fox-pilot-1201722023/|title=Lethal Weapon' Fox Pilot: Keesha Sharp Replaces Golden Brooks In Recasting - Deadline|author=Nellie Andreeva|work=Deadline|access-date=17 March 2016|archive-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528071353/https://deadline.com/2016/03/keesha-sharp-cast-lethal-weapon-recasting-fox-pilot-1201722023/|url-status=live}} Later that year, she was cast as Thurgood Marshall's wife in the biographical film Marshall starring Chadwick Boseman.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/people-v-o-j-actress-keesha-sharp-to-play-chadwick-bosemans-wife-in-thurgood-marshall-biopic-exclusive/|title=Keesha Sharp to Play Chadwick Boseman's Wife in Thurgood Marshall Biopic|date=17 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-date=21 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521173203/http://www.thewrap.com/people-v-o-j-actress-keesha-sharp-to-play-chadwick-bosemans-wife-in-thurgood-marshall-biopic-exclusive/|url-status=live}}
In 2018, Sharp secured the rights to John Williams’ 2013 biography America’s Mistress: The Life and Times of Eartha Kitt. She was slated to star as Kitt and to produce the film alongside her husband, Brad Sharp.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/eartha-kitt-biopic-keesha-sharp-lethal-weapon-1202492232/|title='Lethal Weapon's Keesha Sharp To Produce & Star In Eartha Kitt Biopic|first=Amanda|last=N'Duka|date=30 October 2018|access-date=31 October 2018|archive-date=30 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030231304/https://deadline.com/2018/10/eartha-kitt-biopic-keesha-sharp-lethal-weapon-1202492232/|url-status=live}}
In 2019, Sharp was cast in the final season of the Fox musical drama series Empire.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/empire-keesha-sharp-recur-season-5-fox-drama-series-1202666714/|title='Empire': Keesha Sharp To Recur on Season 6 Of Fox Drama Series|first1=Denise|last1=Petski|date=August 12, 2019|access-date=January 7, 2020|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209015625/https://deadline.com/2019/08/empire-keesha-sharp-recur-season-5-fox-drama-series-1202666714/|url-status=live}}
In 2022, Sharp joined the third season of Power Book II: Ghost as a series regular.{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/power-book-ii-ghost-keesha-sharp-starz-series-regular-1234903957/|title='Power Book II: Ghost': Keesha Sharp To Co-Star In Starz Series|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=3 January 2022|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104003556/https://deadline.com/2022/01/power-book-ii-ghost-keesha-sharp-starz-series-regular-1234903957/|url-status=live}}
Personal life
Sharp married actor and singer-songwriter Brad Sharp on August 1, 1997. The couple have been together since high school and have a son named Solomon.{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/802923/14-things-to-know-about-lethal-weapon-star-keesha-sharp-as-she-turns-the-traditional-wife-role-on-its-head|title=14 Things to Know About Lethal Weapon Star Keesha Sharp|access-date=23 October 2016|archive-date=3 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103134436/http://www.eonline.com/news/802923/14-things-to-know-about-lethal-weapon-star-keesha-sharp-as-she-turns-the-traditional-wife-role-on-its-head|url-status=live}}
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| rowspan=2| 2001
| Monique | |
| American Adobo
| Debbie | |
| rowspan=2| 2003
| Sister #1 | |
| Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood
| Chanel | Video |
| 2004
| Edna | |
| 2005
| What If in This Life | Rape Victim | Short |
| 2007
| Pam | |
| 2008
| Shattered! | Angela | |
| 2014
| The 636 | Hope Rigby | Short |
| rowspan=2| 2015
| Sayeneshin | Wife | Short |
| Christian
| Robyn | Short |
| 2016
| Killer Coach | Gina Morgan | TV movie |
| rowspan=4| 2017
| Fixed | Daisy | |
| Born Guilty
| Leslie | |
| You Have a Nice Flight
| Kristen | |
| Marshall
|{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-naacp-image-award-nominations-complete-list-1057758|title=NAACP Image Awards: 'Marshall,' 'Get Out,' 'Girls Trip' Dominate Film Nominations|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040637/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2018-naacp-image-award-nominations-complete-list-1057758|url-status=live}} |
| 2020
| A Christmas Surprise | Demetria | TV movie |
| 2021
| Do Better | Wisdom (voice) | Short |
| rowspan=3| 2022
| Dark My Light | Emily | |
| Green Lantern: Beware My Power
| Vixen / Mari McCabe (voice) | Direct-to-Video |
| Titanic 666
| Captain Celeste Rhoades | |
| 2023
| Spring Breakthrough | Monica Rollins | TV movie |
| 2024
|Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths |Vixen / Mari McCabe (voice) |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 2000
| Lauren | Episode: "The Crier" |
| rowspan=2| 2001
| Grace | Episode: "Walking Wounded" |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
| Charlene | Episode: "Pique" |
| 2002–2008
| Monica Charles Brooks | Recurring Cast: Season 3-6, Main Cast: Season 7-8 |
| rowspan=2| 2004
| Lindy Berry | Recurring Cast: Season 1 |
| Still Standing
| Lexi | Episode: "Still Flirting" |
| 2005–2006
| Sheila Ridenhour | Recurring Cast: Season 1 |
| rowspan=2| 2009
| Herself | Episode: "Episode #4.25" |
| The Game
| Keesha James | Episode: "Hill Street Blues" |
| rowspan=2| 2010
| Chantel Jones | Episode: "Bombers" |
| Detroit 1-8-7
| Keri Rader | Episode: "Royal Bubbles/Needle Drop" |
| 2010–2013
| Gigi | Main Cast |
| rowspan=3| 2013
| Maggie | Episode: "Teach Your Children" |
| Elementary
| Mistress Felicia | Episode: "Poison Pen" |
| Instant Mom
| Lynn Lawson | Episode: "Dances with She-Wolves" |
| rowspan=2| 2014
| Denise | Recurring Cast |
| The Exes
| Dee Dee | Episode: "Catch It 'Cause You Can" |
| 2015
| Maya | Recurring Cast |
| 2016
| Recurring Cast |
| 2016–2019
| Trish Murtaugh | Main Cast |
| 2018
| Herself/Restaurant Patron | Episode: "Trying to Pasta Test" |
| 2018–2019
| Naomi Nivola | Guest: Season 2, Recurring Cast: Season 3 |
| 2019–2020
| Empire | Dr. Paula Wick | Recurring Cast: Season 6 |
| 2022
| Inside the Black Box | Herself | Episode: "Condola Rashad, Keesha Sharp and Jeff Byrd Visit the Black Box" |
| 2023
| Professor Harper Bonet | Main Cast: Season 3 |
==Directing==
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|
| 2012
| Episode: "The Concussion Episode" |
| 2014
| Half-Off | Director and writer |
| 2018
| Episode: "Panama" |
| 2021
| Episode: "The Book of Ruin: Chapter Four: Lyding" |
| 2021
| 2 episodes |
| 2021
| Episode: "Sistervention..." |
| 2022
| Charmed | Episode: "The Tallyman Cometh" |
| 2022
| Episode: "Free Your Mind" |
| 2023
| Bel-Air | 3 episodes |
| 2023–2024
| Found | 2 episodes |
| 2025
| Episode: "Name Image Likeness" |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Awards ! Category ! Recipient ! Outcome |
|---|
| 2008
| NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | "Girlfriends" | {{nom}} |
| rowspan=2| 2017
| Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series | {{nom}} |
| NAACP Image Awards
| NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | "Lethal Weapon" | {{nom}} |
| 2018
| NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | "Marshall" | {{nom}} |
References
{{reflist|2}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|1077920}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharp, Keesha}}
Category:American film actresses
Category:American television actresses
Category:21st-century African-American actresses
Category:21st-century American actresses
Category:Boston Conservatory at Berklee alumni
Category:21st-century African-American people