When television icon Lyle Waggoner passed away in March 2020 at the age of 84, he left behind a legacy defined not only by his sharp comedic timing on The Carol Burnett Show and his heroic turn on Wonder Woman, but also by a remarkably stable personal life. While Hollywood marriages often flicker out under the glare of the spotlight, his nearly six-decade union with his wife, Sharon Kennedy, stood as a rare exception in the entertainment industry.
Understanding the life of Lyle Waggoner wife Sharon Kennedy means looking past tabloid culture to find a multifaceted woman. She balanced an acting career, financial consulting, and real estate ventures while supporting a high-profile husband. Their partnership endured for 59 years until his death, anchored by mutual respect, shared business ventures, and a quiet life away from the relentless churn of Los Angeles gossip columns.
Who Was Sharon Kennedy?
Sharon Kennedy was much more than a footnote in a television star's biography. Born into an era when women in entertainment faced significant barriers, Kennedy carved out a diverse career path that spanned the arts and finance.
Before and during her marriage, she pursued acting. Television audiences occasionally caught her on screen, including a notable multi-episode appearance in the 1980s television series Eh Brian! It's a Whopper. However, her professional ambitions extended far beyond soundstages and studio lots. Kennedy developed a sharp business mind, working as a financial consultant and a licensed real estate agent. This financial acumen proved invaluable as she and her husband navigated the unpredictable financial waters of the entertainment business, managing investments and building a secure foundation for their family.
A Marriage That Defied Hollywood Odds
Lyle Waggoner and Sharon Kennedy tied the knot on September 17, 1960. At the time, Waggoner was still grinding through the early stages of his acting career, long before The Carol Burnett Show catapulted him into living rooms across America in 1967.
Despite working in an environment notorious for marital strain, the couple maintained a quiet bond. Waggoner often joked in interviews about his status as a television heartthrob, but friends and family frequently noted that his public persona as a dashing leading man was entirely separate from his private life as a devoted husband. They shared a partnership built on shared humor, grounded values, and mutual support. When Waggoner passed away at his home in Westlake Village, California, following a battle with cancer, Kennedy was right by his side.
Family Life and Children
The marriage produced two sons, Jason and Beau. Raising children while navigating a demanding television schedule is notoriously difficult, but the couple prioritized stability for their boys.
As Jason and Beau grew, they followed entrepreneurial and business paths rather than chasing Hollywood fame. Following their father's passing, the sons took active roles in managing family enterprises, including the legacy of Star Waggons—the iconic custom trailer rental company that Lyle Waggoner founded in the late 1970s. The company grew out of Waggoner's practical ingenuity when he realized film crews needed better mobile dressing rooms. Sharon and Lyle built that venture into an industry standard, showcasing how effectively the couple worked together on business initiatives.
Life Away from the Cameras
In their later years, the couple split their time between Southern California and a sprawling property near Jackson, Wyoming. In Wyoming, Waggoner pursued a passion for bronze sculpture, with his artwork featured in regional galleries.
Sharon embraced the quieter rhythm of mountain life, far removed from the Los Angeles studio lots. Friends often described them as an inseparable pair who enjoyed simple routines, hosting close friends, and spending time with their grandchildren. According to historical profiles and public records from outlets like Biography, their ability to transition smoothly from Hollywood television royalty to quiet community members in Wyoming highlighted the strength of their foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were Lyle Waggoner and Sharon Kennedy married?
They were married for nearly 60 years, from their wedding on September 17, 1960, until Lyle's death on March 17, 2020.
Did Sharon Kennedy act in television or movies?
Yes, Sharon Kennedy pursued an acting career alongside her work in real estate and finance. She appeared in television projects during the 1980s, including a multi-episode run in the British television series Eh Brian! It's a Whopper.
How many children did Lyle Waggoner and Sharon Kennedy share?
They shared two sons, Jason and Beau, who later took on leadership roles in managing the family's business ventures following their father's passing.
What was Sharon Kennedy's profession outside of acting?
Beyond occasional acting roles, Kennedy worked as a financial consultant and a real estate agent, utilizing her business expertise to help manage their investments and enterprises over the decades.
