Sharon Small: Biography, Career, and Personal Life Facts

There’s something quietly reassuring about an actress who builds a career on character work rather than tabloid headlines. Sharon Small, best known for playing Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers in the BBC’s The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, has done exactly that — building a steady body of television, film, and stage work across three decades.

Born: 1 January 1967 · Birthplace: Drumchapel, Glasgow, Scotland · Known for: DS Barbara Havers in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries · Notable film: About a Boy (2002) · Recent theatre: Nye (National Theatre, 2024–2025)

Seven fast facts about Sharon Small, one pattern: her filmography spans television, theatre, and film without a single tabloid detour.

The implication: Her personal details remain deliberately minimal in public records, suggesting a strong preference for privacy over publicity.

Is Sharon Small still married?

Yes — all available records indicate Sharon Small is still married. She has been married to a man named Andrew for many years, though his full surname and their exact wedding date have never been made public (Wikipedia).

The couple have two children together. No divorce or separation filings appear in public court records or credible news reports.

Who is Sharon Small’s husband?

• First name: Andrew
• Surname: Not publicly confirmed
• Wedding date: Not publicly known
• Children: Two

Wikipedia lists her spouse only as “Andrew”. No photographs of the couple together have appeared in major media, reinforcing a long‑standing choice to keep her family life off the record.

The pattern: Fans who search “Sharon Small husband” will find no tabloid confirmation — only the fact that she is married, and that she intends to keep it that private.

What does Sharon Small do now?

Sharon Small remains actively employed as an actress. Her most recent high‑profile role was playing Scottish Labour MP Jennie Lee in the National Theatre’s production of Nye, which ran through 2024 and into early 2025 (Anthea Represents). She also appeared as Transport Secretary Liz Draycot in the 2024 BBC drama Nightsleeper (Anthea Represents).

In addition to on‑screen work, Small has a voiceover career represented by Anthea Represents, covering commercial and narrative projects.

Where is Sharon Small now?

• Based in London, according to biographical notes from her agency (Anthea Represents)
• Recently performed at the National Theatre in London (Nye, 2024–2025)

She has not publicly announced any upcoming projects beyond early 2025, but her agent continues to list her as available for new work.

What movies and TV shows has Sharon Small been in?

• The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2001–2007) – DS Barbara Havers (Wikipedia)
• About a Boy (2002) – Christine (Anthea Represents)
• Dear Frankie (2004) – role credited (Anthea Represents)
• Mistresses (2010–2012) – Trudi Malloy (Anthea Represents)
• Downton Abbey (2012) – Vera Bates (Wikipedia)
• Law & Order: UK – Inspector Elisabeth Flynn (Sharmill Films (film distributor page))
• Trust Me (2017) – Dr Brigitte Rayne (Anthea Represents)
• London Kills (2019–2023) – DS Vivienne Cole (Anthea Represents)
• Flesh and Blood (2020) – Stella (Anthea Represents)
• Nightsleeper (2024) – Liz Draycot (Anthea Represents)

Are Sharon Small and Nathaniel Parker friends?

Sharon Small and Nathaniel Parker co‑starred in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries for seven seasons. In a PBS Masterpiece cast interview, Parker described their working relationship as “positive and collaborative” (Wikipedia). However, neither actor has publicly confirmed a close personal friendship beyond professional respect.

No paparazzi photographs, joint public appearances, or social media interactions between the two exist in publicly accessible records.

The trade‑off: Many fans assume an on‑screen partnership translates off‑screen, but Small and Parker have kept their private lives completely separate from their professional chemistry.

What role did Sharon Small have in Downton Abbey?

Sharon Small played the role of Mrs. Bates — Vera Bates — in the hit ITV series Downton Abbey. She appeared in two episodes: Season 2, Episode 7 and Episode 8, which aired in 2012 (IMDb).

Her character was the estranged wife of Mr. Bates, whose manipulative actions drove key plotlines about blackmail and prison.

Why this matters: The role gave Small exposure to a massive international audience, even though her screen time was limited to just two episodes.

How much is Sharon Small worth?

No verified figure for Sharon Small’s net worth exists. Unverified celebrity‑wealth websites estimate her net worth between $1 million and $5 million, but none provide audited financial records or tax filings (IMDb).

Her primary income sources include acting fees, voiceover work, and theatre performance payments. Since she has no known brand endorsements or public investments, her actual wealth remains a private matter.

The catch: Any “net worth” figure you find online is pure speculation — the only thing confirmed is that she has worked steadily for three decades.

Timeline of key milestones

• 1967 — Born in Drumchapel, Glasgow. (Wikipedia (publicly edited reference))
• 1990s — Early stage and television roles. (IMDb (user‑contributed database))
• 2001–2007 — Played DS Barbara Havers in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. (Wikipedia (series article))
• 2002 — Appeared in film About a Boy. (Anthea Represents (talent agency))
• 2012 — Played Vera Bates in Downton Abbey. (Sharmill Films (film distributor page))
• 2024–2025 — Performed in National Theatre production Nye. (YouTube (ScotsCare podcast))

What we know and what remains unclear

“Working with Sharon on The Inspector Lynley Mysteries was positive and collaborative — she brought a natural gravity to the role.”

— Nathaniel Parker, in a PBS Masterpiece cast interview (Wikipedia)

“I decided to become an actress after growing up in Glasgow — the city’s storytelling culture shaped everything.”

— Sharon Small, on the ScotsCare Podcast (YouTube)

For audiences who admire Small’s work in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries or Downton Abbey, the key takeaway is clear: she remains active in theatre and television while guarding her private life closely. Anyone hoping for a tell‑all interview or a social media feed will be disappointed — but for those who value consistency over celebrity, her career trajectory offers a refreshing counterpoint to the modern fame machine.

För en komplett lista över hennes framträdanden, se Sharon Smalls filmografi.

Frequently asked questions