The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines versatile as "embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills" and "turning with ease from one thing to another." By that definition, actor Sharon Taylor is a virtuoso of versatility. In fact, few actors can claim mastery over the wide spectrum of genres like Taylor. With a career spanning over eighteen years, she has established herself as an exemplar of versatility, equally adept in drama, comedy, and action.

Taylor's two most recent projects, Nancy Drew and Guiding Emily, demonstrate this ability to work across various genres. In the supernatural-mystery series Nancy Drew, she played one of the main antagonists in season four, causing a lot of trouble for the eponymous protagonist. Taylor also recently acted as one of the main characters in Guiding Emily, a heartfelt Hallmark movie about finding love through adversity and raising guide dogs for the visually impaired. 

However, Taylor's early career was marked by the industry's limited roles for strong women, but she found inspiration in Linda Hamilton's iconic role in Terminator 2. This turning point came as media narratives evolved to embrace strong female characters, opening doors for Taylor's diverse and versatile talents.

Within Taylor's "bag of tricks" is her unique ability to perform her own stunts, a skill that adds authenticity to her action-packed roles. Her physical prowess, combined with her acting skills, has enabled her to portray a range of compelling characters. From playing a Kryptonian supervillain in Smallville to a sightless warrior in Apple TV's See, Taylor's roles are as varied as they are engaging. Her martial arts training also unexpectedly opened doors, as demonstrated during her time on Stargate Atlantis, where she showcased her skills alongside Jason Momoa.

Taylor's versatility is not limited just to action and drama. She has also established herself in comedy. Her performance in the sitcom JANN, available on Hulu, earned her a Leo Award for Best Performance in Comedy. This recognition validates her ability to seamlessly transition between genres—a rare feat in the industry.

2024 marks a thrilling chapter in Taylor's career with her role in the much-anticipated Amazon series Cross. Based on James Patterson's acclaimed Detective Alex Cross book series, Taylor plays a detective working alongside the titular character. This role underscores her continuing presence in the world of detective and mystery genres, where her strong, authoritative characters shine. A funny side story is that during high school, Sharon faced the dilemma of having to choose between a career as a cop and an actor. Ironically, she has mostly played police officers in her acting career.

Taylor's versatility extends beyond acting, however. She writes her own scripts and has engaged in pitch meetings with TV network executives, demonstrating her multifaceted talent and deep understanding of the industry. Her connection to nature through hiking and camping gives her the grounding and the balance needed to navigate the often tumultuous world of film and television.

Looking ahead, Taylor aspires to continue collaborating with esteemed actors and hopes to see one of her scripts come to life. Her dream of diversifying her portfolio remains vibrant as she continues to be a familiar and respected presence in all television genres.

Sharon Taylor's versatility is not just about the roles she plays. It's also about breaking stereotypes and embracing physical strength. Her journey shines the light on the increasing demand for multifaceted, strong female characters. As a result, Taylor has become an inspiration to aspiring actors of all shapes, sizes, and talents.