Answer Summary
Nicollette Sheridan was born on November 21, 1963, which made her 42 years old when Desperate Housewives premiered on ABC on October 3, 2004, and 48 years old at the series finale on May 13, 2012. The show’s primary timeline spans approximately eight seasons, aligning with her ages in the mid 40s to late 40s.
Below, we break down her age by key seasons, verify production start and end dates, and provide a concise reference table. This profile is designed as a durable reference rather than time‑sensitive news.
Nicollette Sheridan’s Age by Season
Using Sheridan’s confirmed birth year and the widely reported series timeline, her age progressed as follows during the show’s original run. Values are rounded to whole years based on typical U.S. broadcast scheduling (fall premieres in September–October and finales in May).
Season 1 (2004–2005)
Premiere age: 42 (mid‑season 40s). The debut episode aired while she was in her 42nd year, turning 43 late in the 2004–2005 season.
Seasons 2–5 (2005–2009)
Ages 43–47. She remained a central cast member through this period, with her 47th birthday occurring near the end of Season 5.
Seasons 6–8 (2009–2012)
Ages 48–50. At the series finale in May 2012, she was 48, approaching her 49th birthday in November of that year.
Key Dates and Ages Table
The following table summarizes verifiable dates and corresponding ages. Where exact episode‑level ages are not publicly documented, we rely on season‑level reporting from industry sources and network schedules.
| Date or Period | Event | Age (approx.) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 21, 1963 | Birthdate | 0 | Verified biography |
| October 3, 2004 | Series premiere | 42 | Network schedule + birthdate |
| May 13, 2007 | Season 3 finale | 43 | Aired date + birthdate |
| September 2008 | Season 5 start | 44–45 | Reported production timeline |
| May 13, 2012 | Series finale | 48 | Aired date + birthdate |
Context: When Was the Show Filmed?
Production for Season 1 began in spring 2004, with principal photography running into summer. Given the October premiere, Sheridan’s on‑screen age at the first episode was 40s, consistent with her real age. Filming for later seasons typically started several months before airing, which keeps on‑screen ages aligned closely with real ages.
Notable Details and Clarifications
- Birthdate confirmation: Multiple biographies and legal filings list November 21, 1963.
- Series run: The show aired from October 2004 to May 2012 on ABC, with a shortened Season 8 finale in 2012.
- Character vs. actor: On‑screen ages for Edie Britt (Sheridan’s character) match closely with Sheridan’s real age, as the writers generally avoided large time jumps that would misalign with actor age.
Age Comparison With Key Cast Peers
For perspective, here is a brief point‑of‑comparison list with other principal cast members at the series premiere (2004). These are real‑age references, not character ages.
- Felicity Huffman: born December 9, 1962 — 41 at premiere
- Marcia Cross: born March 25, 1962 — 42 at premiere
- Teri Hatcher: born December 8, 1964 — 39 at premiere
- Eva Longoria: born March 15, 1076 — 28 at premiere
- Jesse Metcalfe: born December 9, 1978 — 25 at premiere
Why Age Context Matters
Understanding Sheridan’s age during Desperate Housewives helps viewers and researchers interpret character timelines, career phases, and casting choices. It also supports accurate references in retrospectives, where approximate or rounded ages are commonly cited.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old was Nicollette Sheridan when Desperate Housewives started? She was 42 at the October 2004 premiere, turning 43 later that season.
- How old was she at the series finale? She was 48 at the May 2012 finale, approaching 49.
- Is her birthdate publicly confirmed? Yes, November 21, 1963 appears in multiple verified biographies and public records.
Takeaway
Nicollette Sheridan aged in sync with the show’s real‑time season progression, beginning at 42 and ending at 48. These figures are derived from her confirmed birthdate and the series’ well‑documented air dates, making them reliable for long‑term reference.