Sharon Lynn Adams [Henry Louis Gates Ex-Wife] Before & After

Sharon Lynn Adams, formerly married to Henry Louis Gates Jr., has kept a low profile since their divorce in 1999.

While she supported her ex-husband through difficult times, she remains quiet about her own life, both professionally and personally.

In the meantime, Henry continues to be esteemed in academia, though he faced controversy following a widely publicized arrest.

Here’s everything that you need to know about her.

Sharon Lynn Adams Quick Facts

Sharon Lynn Adams Age, Background

Sharon Lynn Adams, born on April 21, 1950, is currently 75 years old.

Originally from West Virginia, USA, she is the daughter of Edward Elwyn Jack and Doris Evelyn Lee.

While Edward was employed as a miner, information about Doris is limited.

Sharon was raised alongside three siblings: Sandy, Robert, and Edward, though further details about them are unavailable at present.

Sharon, highly educated, attended her local school, completed high school, and then enrolled at Yale University, known as one of the best universities globally.

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Sharon Lynn Adam Married Life

Sharon Lynn Adam married Henry Louis Gate Jr for twenty years. They met during Sharon’s work for Jay Rock’s campaign for governor of West Virginia in 1972.

Their romantic relationship began a few months later, and they dated for years before marrying in 1979.

During their marriage, Sharon and Henry did many things together, such as hosting a BBC series called “Great Railway Journey” and traveling extensively in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

They shared hobbies and enjoyed each other’s company as a couple.

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Children

During their twenty-year marriage, Sharon Lynn Adam and Henry Louis Gate Jr had two daughters, Liza (Elizabeth) and Meggie.

Both daughters keep their personal lives private, sharing very little about themselves.

In 2010, Elizabeth suffered a severe stroke that caused significant damage to her brain. When she woke up, she thought she was recovering from a hangover.

Despite struggling with speech at first, with the support of her parents, especially Sharon, Elizabeth started making progress in her recovery.

Elizabeth was in her twenties when she had the stroke, raising awareness about the risk of stroke in young adults and causing public concern.

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Divorce

In 1999, after twenty years of marriage, Sharon and Henry announced their separation. The specific reason for their split remains undiscussed.

Since then, Henry has remarried and his wife is Marial Iglesias Utset, is a Cuban citizen and a historian of slavery and the slave trade to Cuba.

However, there is no information available about whether Sharon has done the same or not.

There is no news or details about Sharon’s relationships or marriage after her divorce.

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Who Is Husband Henry Louis Gate Jr?

Henry Louis Gates, born on September 16, 1950, in Keyser, West Virginia, is an American teacher, history expert, filmmaker, and book reviewer.

He is 74 years old.

He has directed 14 movies, including “Let the Church Say Amen” and “Africa’s Great Civilization.”

Additionally, Gates has contributed to the writing of 20 books. Currently, he holds the position of Alphonse Fletcher University Professor.

He also serves as the head of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University.

Henry is widely respected for his dedication and achievements, having won an Emmy Award.

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Henry Louis Gate Arrest and Scandal

Henry Louis Gates, a well-known expert in African-American history, grabbed headlines when police arrested him near Harvard University, where he taught.

He dialed the police to report a possible break-in at his own home but ended up being arrested himself. The police stated they arrested him because he was being loud.

Gates’ arrest ignited a significant discussion about racism, especially given his extensive study of African-American experiences. He accused the officer, Sgt. James Crowley, who came from white ethnic background, for racism.

Even President Obama, who had a personal acquaintance with Gates, criticized the police for his arrest.

Sharon Adams, ex-wife of Henry, expressed her support for her husband.

She suggested that Gates and Crowley engage in a face-to-face conversation to resolve the situation.

Despite conversing briefly with Gates post-incident, Sharon believed that it was necessary for both of them to manage the situation with minimal external interference.

What Does Sharon Lynn Adams Do For a Living?

Sharon is primarily recognized as Henry Gates’ ex-wife and gained attention because of their relationship. She collaborated on a few projects with Henry but rarely discussed her own career.

Sharon keeps her professional life private and has maintained a low profile.

As of 2025, she is approximately 75 years old and is presumed to have retired.

Preferring a quiet life away from media, she avoids public appearances and attention.