The “Cagney & Lacey” star chose love with her husband, although their marriage was illegal in 17 states. She knew it would mean problems for her children, but she couldn’t do anything about her feelings.

Tyne Daly has a remarkable life story that spans love, family, and friendship. From her interracial marriage that defied the law to her enduring bond with her co-star Sharon Gless to her joys of being a grandmother to four grandchildren, Daly has lived a life full of courage, compassion, and resilience.

Love knows no boundaries, and Tyne Daly and Georg Stanford Brown’s love story is a testament to that. Daly, a household name for her unforgettable role as Mary Beth Lacey in “Cagney and Lacey,” and Brown, known for his role as Officer Terry Webster in “The Rookies,” embarked on a journey that defied societal norms and faced many challenges.

Their marriage began in the face of adversity, as their love was once illegal in 17 states due to their different skin colors. Yet, they stood strong as they witnessed the gradual dismantling of discriminatory laws, proving that true love can overcome even the harshest obstacles.

Georg Stanford Brown and Tyne Daly on January 20, 1976. | Source: Getty Images

People questioned their decision, wondering about the fate of their biracial children and fearing they might be “fated for tragic lives.” But Daly and Brown’s determination to defy stereotypes and embrace their love held firm.

In a February 2022 interview, Daly shared she was 19 and Brown was 21 when they were courting and they didn’t care about what people said about their relationship. She expressed:

“So it was an action of love and passion, not an act of politics and policy. We just got dragged into it. The more I read now about the offense of marrying someone with a different melanin count than you, the deeper I am appalled by my nation’s insistence on their racism.”

Daly, reflecting on those times, reminisced about how she knew from the start that Brown was the father of her future children, and she couldn’t help but be enamored by him. Their love flourished for 24 years, weathering the storms that life threw their way.

But even the strongest bonds sometimes face insurmountable differences, leading them to part ways amicably in 1990. This is the story of a love that shattered barriers, endured trials, and eventually found its own path.

Daly, a parent of three daughters, cherishes the joys of being a mother and grandmother. Her heart overflows with love as she proudly embraces her role as a grandparent to four grandchildren, one of whom is a boy. In an interview, she described this as a “beautiful and noble job,” emphasizing its significance in her life, while adding she would not trade it for any of the jobs she has done.

Tyne Daly at a photo call for the revival of the Roundabout Theatre Company production of play "Doubt: A Parable" at The Knickerbocker Hotel on January 10, 2024 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

One of Daly’s beloved grandchildren is Posy Pie, who celebrated her 11th birthday on August 3, 2023. She is a dynamic and delightful young girl who, according to her mother, spreads joy wherever she goes. In a touching Instagram post, Posy’s mother praised her for her strength, humor, loyalty, and intelligence.

Daly revealed in a May 2018 Instagram post that all her daughters are now parents. She gushed, “All my women are mothers now! Wow,” alongside a snapshot of the four women beaming.

That same month, Daly’s eldest daughter, Alisabeth B Brown, was celebrated by a creative studio, known as Santa Fe Found for her excellent work as a potter and glass worker. After making ceramics for most of her life, Alisabeth branched out into glass.

Daly’s second daughter, Kathryne Dora Brown, is a single mother who resides in Hollywood, per her website. She describes herself as a successful actress, a preschool teacher, and a baker.

Notably, Kathryne is also a cancer survivor. On her Instagram page, with over 2,000 followers, she describes herself as a contrarian. Meanwhile, Daly’s youngest daughter, Xan Brown, makes home treats.

As for Daly, she is still very much a part of Hollywood. However, her acting career was interrupted when she was unexpectedly hospitalized on February 2, 2024.

She was set to lead in the award-winning Broadway play, “Doubt: A Parable” in which she would play Sis Aloysius. The production released a statement saying:

“Ms. Daly was unexpectedly hospitalized on Friday and unfortunately needs to withdraw from the production while she receives medical care; she is thankfully expected to make a full recovery.”

The details surrounding Daly’s health-related hospitalization remain unknown. In a recent interview, the play’s director, Scott Ellis, disclosed the stage star is expected to make a full recovery.

Aside from health issues, Daly remains invested in stage plays. In 2019, she shared that she had been part of stage plays in New York in the ten years prior. She has even gone to see some plays in Galway with her sisters and daughters.

True friendships can be rare in Hollywood, but for Daly and Sharon Gless, their connection remains as strong as ever. The dynamic duo shot to stardom with the hit show “Cagney and Lacey” in the 1980s, sharing a bond that can only be described as unbreakable. In a 2011 archive Radio Times interview, Daly fondly recalls her mother’s phrase:

“Sweat makes good friendship cement.”

And she couldn’t find a better expression to describe her relationship with Gless. Playing partners on screen for six years as Christine Cagney and Mary Beth Lacey in the groundbreaking US cop drama, their on-screen chemistry was matched by a deep and genuine friendship off-screen.

Tyne Daly (as Mary Beth Lacey) and Sharon Gless (as Christine Cagney) in "Cagney & Lacey" on March 25, 1982. | Source: Getty Images

Although many years have gone by since Daly first appeared on the screens, she remains a force in the entertainment industry. At 77 years young, going on 78 this year, she continues to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent. Recently, she has returned to Broadway, taking on the challenging role of a prickly nun in the gripping play “Doubt: A Parable.”

Daly’s unwavering dedication to her craft shines through as she takes on yet another challenging role, leaving audiences in awe of her timeless talent.

She celebrated her 77th birthday on February 22, 2023, even as one of her daughters shared a heartwarming picture of her beaming with joy as she sat at a table adorned with a birthday cake. The veteran star turned 78 on February 22, 2024.

Through the highs and lows of her remarkable journey, Daly’s love for her family, her enduring friendship with Gless, and her passion for the stage continue to shine, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment world.