Sharon Ann Smith, later known as Sharon Ann Evanoff, was born in the Midwestern United States and spent her formative years in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. In 1967, she made the bold move to Hollywood, where she was promptly hired by David F. Friedman, who recognized her potential and put her to work as a secretary and marketing representative in his production company office.
As Friedman's trusted right-hand woman, Shari was responsible for ensuring the timely release of films across the country and abroad. Her dedication and skill did not go unnoticed, and Friedman soon saw her as a potential cast member in several smaller films. However, it was Richard Kanter, a visionary director, who truly believed in Shari's talent and saw her as having the range to tackle several significant roles, including the pivotal part of Allison Jordan in the iconic film, Starlet.
Starlet, a groundbreaking film in its genre, featured several memorable scenes that are still widely regarded as some of the best acting and directing of the era. Shari's performance as Allison Jordan earned her a nomination for Best Actress in 1967, a testament to her impressive lead work. The film's success and influence were so significant that it paved the way for the creation of the first independent movie Awards, sponsored by the elite of the independent film industry.
The plot of Starlet, which revolves around a starlet's efforts to help her friend, who is being blackmailed by a producer, has been replicated numerous times in films both domestically and internationally, cementing its status as a classic in the genre.
