Sherry Stringfield was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the oldest of three children. Despite her birthplace, she spent most of her childhood in Spring, Texas. During her high school years, she pursued both athletic and acting endeavors.
Following her high school days, Stringfield attended the Acting Conservatory of the State University of New York at Purchase, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1989. Interestingly, she shared a dormitory with Parker Posey during this period. While studying at the university, she made appearances in numerous off-Broadway productions.
After graduating, Stringfield worked briefly in a theater box office before signing a three-year contract to play the role of "Blake" in the daytime drama Guiding Light in 1992. Following a short hiatus, during which she traveled, she returned to Los Angeles to co-star as "Laura Kelly" on the popular television series NYPD Blue in 1993.
Stringfield is widely recognized for her portrayal of "Dr. Susan Lewis" on NBC's medical drama ER, which earned her three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, as well as a Golden Globe nomination and a People's Choice Award nomination for Favorite Female Performer. With 112 Emmy nominations throughout the show's run, ER remains a critical and audience favorite.
In addition to her television work, Stringfield has appeared in several feature films, including Autumn in New York (2000) alongside Richard Gere and Winona Ryder, and 54 (1998) with Mike Myers, Salma Hayek, and Ryan Phillippe.
Currently, Stringfield resides in Los Angeles with her two children.
