A Star with Beauty and Brains
Endless legs, a radiant smile, and a magnetic presence—Sharon Gabet had it all. But her impact on American television wasn’t just about looks. She became one of the reigning queens of daytime drama, captivating millions with her unforgettable characters. Her iconic portrayal of Raven Whitney on The Edge of Night cemented her place in soap opera history. Yet Sharon’s story goes beyond scripts and sets—it’s about reinvention, resilience, and following her heart wherever it led.
From Small-Town Roots to Big Dreams
Born Sharon Rose Gabet on January 13, 1952, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sharon’s early years gave little hint of the fame to come. She pursued a degree in nursing at Purdue University, seemingly headed for a practical career. But acting was her true calling. With determination, she earned an MFA in Acting from Cornell University and a spot at the Actors Studio in New York City.
Imagine being a young woman trading the safety of nursing for the uncertainty of stage and screen—that leap of faith defined Sharon’s courage. Moving to New York in the 1970s, she was a small-town girl ready to conquer the world’s biggest stage.
Video : Sharon Gabet interview from WOST website 2006
Raven Whitney and the Rise of a Soap Legend
In 1977, Sharon landed the role that would change her life—Raven Alexander Whitney on The Edge of Night. Raven was bold, manipulative, and unapologetically scandalous. She schemed, betrayed, and plotted, but Sharon’s performance gave the character unexpected vulnerability. Fans loved to hate her—and couldn’t stop watching.
Her chemistry with co-star Larkin Malloy, who played Sky Whitney, was electric. Together, they created one of daytime television’s most memorable couples. Sharon earned two Daytime Emmy nominations (1982 and 1984) for Outstanding Lead Actress, proving her talent was as sharp as Raven’s wit.
Sharon herself has said Raven was her favorite role—an unforgettable character that challenged her as an actress and gave her space to play with both villainy and charm.
Exploring New Roles on Other Soaps
When The Edge of Night ended in 1984, Sharon transitioned seamlessly into other daytime dramas. On Another World (1985–1987), she portrayed Brittany Peterson, a deaf woman in a complicated love story marked by hardship and survival. The role required depth and nuance, showing Sharon’s ability to tackle emotionally demanding material.
From 1987 to 1989, she stepped into the role of Melinda Cramer on One Life to Live. Each soap gave her a new opportunity to demonstrate her versatility, from villains to victims, from glamorous to grounded. She even appeared on The Love Boat in 1982, reminding audiences that her talent wasn’t limited to daytime TV.
Reinvention: Life Beyond Acting
By the late 1980s, Sharon stepped away from Hollywood. But instead of fading into obscurity, she found new purpose. When her third child was diagnosed with autism, Sharon embarked on a two-decade journey of learning. She explored holistic healing, metaphysics, psychology, and spirituality, transforming personal challenges into a lifelong pursuit of wisdom.
Her insights became books. Spiritual Magic delves into her metaphysical studies, while From the Raven to the Dove is part memoir, part reflection on her soap career and spiritual awakening. The updated 2021 edition includes new photos and tributes to her late co-star Larkin Malloy. Through her writing, Sharon connected with fans in a fresh way, sharing not only her past but also her personal growth.
Video : Sharon Gabet as Melinda Cramer – OLTL clips 1987/1988
Personal Life: Strength in Every Chapter
Sharon’s personal life had as many twists as a soap opera. She married actor Larry Joshua in 1984, with whom she had three children, before their divorce in 1997. Later, she married Thomas Atwell in 2006, though that union ended in 2013. Despite the ups and downs, Sharon’s devotion to her children—especially advocating for her autistic child—defined her journey as a mother.
Her personal growth extended into yoga, earning certification as a teacher. She found balance and peace in the practice, grounding herself while navigating life’s challenges.
Still Inspiring in the Present Day
As of 2025, Sharon Gabet, now in her seventies, remains active in her own way. She connects with fans through social media, sharing memories of her soap opera days and updates on her life. She’s hinted at possible creative projects, such as a cabaret act blending storytelling and performance—a perfect way to unite her love for acting and her gift for connection.
Her home has become a personal sanctuary, where she even feeds ravens—an ironic, poetic nod to her most famous role. Sharon also continues to inspire readers with her books, which combine wisdom, experience, and authenticity.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Still Shines
Sharon Gabet’s journey proves that true stars shine both on and off screen. She will always be remembered as Raven Whitney, the unforgettable vixen of The Edge of Night, but her story doesn’t end there. Her work on Another World and One Life to Live showed her range, while her later pursuits in writing, healing, and spirituality highlighted her depth.
She transformed challenges into opportunities, leaving behind not just a legacy of great television but also of resilience and wisdom. Sharon Gabet is more than a soap queen—she’s a storyteller, a teacher, and an inspiration. Her light, like her smile, continues to warm hearts long after the cameras stopped rolling.
