Sharon Leal

Sharon Leal (Sharon Ann Leal) is an American actress and singer whose career spans over two decades, showcasing her versatility across stage, television, and film. Born on October 17 1972 in Tucson, Arizona, she is the daughter of a Filipina mother, Angelita, and an African‑American father who served as a military policeman; after her parents’ separation, she was legally adopted by her mother’s husband, Master Sergeant Jesse Leal, a United States Air Force officer stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines. Growing up with a multicultural heritage, Leal cultivated a passion for performance that led her to her first professional role as Dahlia Crede on the CBS daytime drama Guiding Light, a breakthrough that opened doors to Broadway where she joined the original company of Rent and later headlined the national tour as Mimi. Her early recording work includes contributions to the 1999 cast album of Bright Lights, Big City and the 2001 soundtrack for Making Tracks, establishing her as a credible musical talent.

From 2000 to 2004, Leal was a regular on the Fox series Boston Public, after which she transitioned to major film projects such as the 2006 cinematic adaptation of Dreamgirls, playing Michelle Morris alongside Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx. She continued her collaboration with Tyler Perry in Why Did I Get Married? (2007) and its sequel (2010), while also appearing in holiday favorite This Christmas the same year. Television roles followed, including the recurring part of Vanessa Lodge on Hellcats and a notable guest turn as M’gann M’orzz (Megan) on Supergirl during seasons 2, 3, 5, and 6. In 2014 she released her self‑titled album “Leal,” adding a recorded music credit to her résumé. Off‑screen, Sharon married producer Bev Land in 2001, gave birth to their son Kai Miles in September of that year, and divorced in 2009. Known for her warm personality, she maintains close friendships with former co‑stars and continues to balance acting with occasional musical ventures, solidifying her place as a dynamic figure in contemporary entertainment.