Claire Danes and Jared Leto’s former ’90s TV co-star looked almost unrecognizable during a rare outing in Los Angeles this week.
The actress, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, was spotted running errands in a casual all-black outfit, sparking curiosity about her identity.
She was later revealed to be Devon Odessa, best known for playing Sharon Cherski on the cult-favorite teen drama My So-Called Life.
The beloved series aired from 1994 to 1995 and starred a young Claire Danes as Angela Chase and Jared Leto as Jordan Catalano. Though it lasted just one season, the show became a critical success and remains a fan favorite decades later.
Odessa’s character Sharon was Angela’s childhood best friend, whose friendship was tested as they navigated the challenges of high school. The series was praised for tackling difficult subjects including identity, body image, substance abuse, homophobia, and violence.
In a 2022 oral history of the show, Odessa shared that one of Sharon’s body-image storylines was inspired by her own teenage insecurities, after speaking openly with creator Winnie Holzman.
Before and after My So-Called Life, Odessa built a steady career with appearances in shows like Full House, The Wonder Years, and films including Pumpkinhead and Nowhere.
Her screen work slowed in later years, though she returned in the 2024 movie Shark Girl.
Although she has largely stepped away from the spotlight over the years, Devon Odessa still holds a special place in the hearts of ’90s television fans. Her role as Sharon on My So-Called Life remains one of the show’s most memorable performances, helping the series maintain its cult status decades after it first aired. Even with only one season, the drama continues to resonate with new generations of viewers, proving its lasting impact and keeping Odessa’s work fondly remembered.
