Sela Ward

Celebrity   , , ,
Sela Ward

Name: Sela Ann Ward

Introduction: Sela Ward is an American actress, author, and producer. With a career spanning decades, she is highly acclaimed for her compelling dramatic performances in television, for which she has won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. She is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts, particularly establishing a home for abused children in her hometown.

Date of birth: July 11, 1956

Height: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m)

Place of birth: Meridian, Mississippi, U.S.

Family:

  • Parents’ names: Granberry Holland Ward Jr. (father, electrical engineer) and Annie Kate (née Boswell) Ward (mother, homemaker).
  • Siblings: She is the oldest of four children. She has a sister, Jenna Ward, and two brothers, Granberry Ward III (Berry) and Joseph Brock Ward.
  • Spouse: Howard Elliott Sherman (m. 1992), an entrepreneur. They married on May 23, 1992.
  • Children:
    • Austin Ward Sherman (son, born 1994)
    • Anabella Raye Sherman (daughter, born 1998)
  • Relatives: Her siblings are Jenna, Berry, and Brock.

Profession: Actress, author, producer, spokesperson.

Nationality: American

Religion: She was not raised Jewish, but is married to a Jewish husband, Howard Sherman.

College or university attended: University of Alabama (graduated in 1977 with a double major in fine art and advertising). While there, she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen.

Biography and What Famous For:

Sela Ward began her career in New York City after graduating from college, first working in advertising and then transitioning to modeling. She soon moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Her first film role was in “The Man Who Loved Women” (1983), and she quickly landed a regular TV role in the CBS series “Emerald Point N.A.S.” (1983–1984). She also appeared opposite Tom Hanks in the 1986 film “Nothing in Common.”

Sela Ward is most famous for her critically acclaimed and award-winning performances in television dramas:

  • “Sisters” (1991–1996): She achieved her breakthrough starring role as Teddy Reed in the NBC drama series. Her portrayal of the troubled but resilient sister earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1994, solidifying her status as a leading dramatic actress.
  • “Once and Again” (1999–2002): Her role as Lily Manning, a single mother navigating a new relationship, brought her even greater acclaim. She won her second Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2000 and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama in 2001 for this role. Her performance was widely praised for its honesty and depth, and the show itself was noted for its realistic portrayal of relationships and family life.
  • “CSI: NY” (2010–2013): She joined the popular CBS police procedural as Jo Danville, a seasoned investigator, for its final three seasons.
  • “House” (2005-2006): She had a notable recurring role as Stacy Warner, Dr. House’s former girlfriend and lawyer.
  • “FBI” (2018-2019): She starred as FBI SAC Dana Mosier in the first season of the CBS crime drama.

Beyond television, Ward has also appeared in several prominent films:

  • “The Fugitive” (1993): Playing Helen Kimble, the deceased wife of Harrison Ford’s character, Dr. Richard Kimble.
  • “Runaway Bride” (1999): A cameo as “Pretty Woman in Bar.”
  • “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004): As Dr. Lucy Hall.
  • “The Guardian” (2006): As Helen Randall.
  • “Gone Girl” (2014): As newswoman Sharon Schieber.
  • “Independence Day: Resurgence” (2016): Portraying President Lanford.

In 1997, after meeting two foster children in her hometown, Ward was inspired to co-found Hope Village for Children in Meridian, Mississippi. This facility provides a permanent group home and emergency shelter for abused and neglected children, which she partially funded. She also wrote an autobiography titled “Homesick: A Memoir” (2002).

Sela Ward is renowned for her sophisticated screen presence, emotional depth, and ability to elevate any role, particularly in complex dramatic narratives.

Have participated (Selected Filmography, Television, and Other Ventures):

Film:

  • The Man Who Loved Women (1983) – Janet Wainwright
  • Nothing in Common (1986) – Carolyn
  • Steel Justice (1987)
  • The Fugitive (1993) – Helen Kimble
  • My Fellow Americans (1996) – Kaye Griffin
  • 54 (1998) – Billie Auster
  • Runaway Bride (1999) – Pretty Woman in Bar
  • The Badge (2002) – Carla Hardwick
  • Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004) – Jeannie Miller
  • The Day After Tomorrow (2004) – Dr. Lucy Hall
  • The Guardian (2006) – Helen Randall
  • The Stepfather (2009) – Susan Harding
  • Gone Girl (2014) – Sharon Schieber
  • Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) – President Lanford

Television:

  • Emerald Point N.A.S. (1983–1984) – Hilary Adams
  • Sisters (1991–1996) – Teddy Reed
  • Almost Golden: The Jessica Savitch Story (1995) (TV film) – Jessica Savitch
  • Frasier (1997) – Kelly Easterbrook (guest)
  • Once and Again (1999–2002) – Lily Manning
  • The Fugitive (2000) – Helen Kimble (archival footage)
  • Suburban Madness (2004) (TV film) – Bobbi Bacha
  • House (2005–2006) – Stacy Warner (recurring)
  • CSI: NY (2010–2013) – Jo Danville
  • Graves (2016–2017) – Margaret Graves
  • Westworld (2018) – Juliet (guest)
  • FBI (2018–2019) – FBI SAC Dana Mosier

Books:

  • Homesick: A Memoir (2002)

Philanthropy:

  • Co-founder of Hope Village for Children in Meridian, Mississippi.

Awards and Nominations:

  • Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1994) – “Sisters”
  • Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2000) – “Once and Again”
  • Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama (2001) – “Once and Again”
  • Numerous other Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
  • CableACE Award for Best Actress in a Movie or Miniseries (1996) – “Almost Golden: The Jessica Savitch Story”