Born on April 19, 1936, in the charming city of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, Sharon Pollock entered the world as Mary Sharon Chambers. Her early life was marked by the influence of her father, a figure deeply entrenched in both medicine and politics. Tragically, when Sharon was just sixteen, her mother passed away under circumstances that suggested suicide. Although she embarked on an academic journey at the University of New Brunswick, she chose to leave her studies behind to wed Ross Pollock, a Toronto-based insurance broker. Together, they welcomed five children before eventually parting ways.

Pollock's passion for theatre ignited in New Brunswick and later drew her to the vibrant arts scene in Calgary. Initially, she graced the stage as an actress, but in 1971, she found her true calling as a playwright. Her debut production, Walsh, emerged in 1973, offering a poignant exploration of the Canadian government's dealings with Native North Americans. This bold thematic choice set the stage for her future works. Her 1976 play, The Komagata Maru Incident, bravely tackled the ingrained issue of racism, further establishing her as a playwright unafraid to confront political topics.

Her acclaimed play Blood Relations made its debut in 1980, although it was initially presented in 1976 under the title My Name Is Lisabeth. This work marked a transformative shift in Pollock's focus toward examining the complexities of individual identity within familial and societal frameworks. The play's success earned her the prestigious Governor General's Literary Award, a milestone for dramatic works. Pollock's narrative prowess was acknowledged again with a second Governor General's Award for Doc, produced in 1984. This play later evolved into Family Trappings, drawing from the rich tapestry of her own family history. Among her diverse portfolio are masterpieces such as Fair Liberty's Call, which graced the Stratford Festival in 1993, and Saucy Jack, first performed at the Garry Theatre in Calgary, where Pollock herself served as founder and artistic director.

In addition to her stage triumphs, Pollock's literary achievements include the Canada Australia Literary Award in 1987, recognizing her expansive body of work. Her creativity has also been celebrated with the ACTRA Nellie Drama Award for National Radio and a Golden Sheaf Award for her compelling television writing.

Pollock's contributions to the arts extend far beyond her written dramas. She has shared her creative insights by teaching playwriting at several esteemed Canadian universities and has honed her directorial skills in various theatrical productions. As chairperson of the Advisory Arts Panel of Canada Council, she has influenced the direction of Canadian arts. Her leadership roles include helming the Playwright's Colony at the Banff Centre for Fine Arts and serving as associate director for the Stratford Festival Theatre and the Manitoba Theatre Centre. Her versatility shines not only on the contemporary stage but also in her work for radio and television, as well as her numerous dramatic pieces crafted specifically for children.