Shari Belafonte, born on September 22, 1954, in New York City, is an American actress, model, and singer celebrated for her diverse accomplishments in entertainment and fashion. She is the daughter of the legendary singer and actor Harry Belafonte and psychologist Marguerite Byrd.

Raised in an environment that valued both artistry and activism, she attended various schools including Georgetown Day School and Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama.

She started her career as a highly successful fashion model, appearing on over 300 magazine covers and starring in commercials for brands like Calvin Klein. Belafonte made her film debut with the 1982 movies "Time Walker" and "If You Could See What I Hear," before securing her most iconic role as Julie Gillette on the ABC series "Hotel," where she starred from 1983 to 1988. 

Expanding her repertoire, she also starred in the Canadian science fiction series "Beyond Reality" and appeared in several TV movies such as "French Silk," "Babylon 5: Thirdspace," and "The Midnight Hour," as well as on stage in the acclaimed Los Angeles production "Tamara."

Her artistic pursuits extend to music, releasing two studio albums in the 1980s, and to hosting, as seen in programs like "Lifestyles with Robin Leach and Shari Belafonte" and the travel series "Travels in Mexico and the Caribbean."

Shari Belafonte also made notable contributions as a voice actress and producer, and has served as a spokesperson and advocate for health, children’s, and environmental causes. She has been recognized among the most influential celebrity endorsers and has posed for Playboy, embracing her role as a prominent and versatile media figure.

Shari Belafonte has been married twice: first to Robert Harper and, since 1989, to actor Sam Behrens. She has continued to perform in television, notably with recurring roles in "General Hospital" and "The Morning Show" on Apple TV+, and remains a vibrant and respected presence in the arts.