Actress Devon Odessa, best known for her role in the beloved 1990s teen drama My So-Called Life, was recently spotted running errands in Los Angeles. The 52-year-old actress, who has kept a low profile in recent years, looked unrecognizable in photos obtained by the Daily Mail.
A Blast from the Past
Odessa played Sharon, the childhood friend of Angela Chase, portrayed by Claire Danes, in the cult-classic series that aired from August 1994 to January 1995. The show also launched the career of Jared Leto as Jordan Catalano. Despite critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including Emmys and a Golden Globe win for Danes, the series was canceled after just one season.
Behind the Scenes
In a 2022 oral history published in Elle, Odessa revealed that a storyline about her character's body-image issues was inspired by her own teenage insecurities. She shared that she discussed her discomfort with her breasts with series creator Winnie Holzman, who respectfully incorporated it into the show. The close bond between Odessa and Holzman led to Holzman officiating Odessa's 2008 wedding to Jeffrey Baldinger, with whom she has two children.
Career Highlights
Before My So-Called Life, Odessa appeared in guest roles on shows like Highway to Heaven, The Facts of Life, and Small Wonder, as well as the cult horror film Pumpkinhead (1988). After the series ended, she starred in Gregg Araki's teen satire Nowhere (1997) and had numerous TV guest spots. Her acting slowed down in recent years, with her most recent role being in the 2024 film Shark Girl.
Reflections on the Show
Odessa humorously noted that fans often feel they went to high school with her due to the show's realistic portrayal of teenage life. My So-Called Life was groundbreaking for its depiction of issues like homophobia, substance abuse, and school violence, and it won awards from GLAAD and the Young Artist Awards.
