Born in Aurora, Illinois, to local philanthropists and Civil Rights workers Charles and Marie Wilkinson, Sheila had a brother, Donald, who died of cancer in 1970. She left home at age 16 to study drama in Frankfurt and in London, where she lived for many years, acting with the National Theatre and appearing in the pioneering film on race relations 'Pressure' and as the female lead in the film version of 'The National Health'. She ultimately cut down on acting, one reason being her stated view that parts are fewer for older actresses,returning to America, to Los Angeles, where she founded Theatre of Hearts, which aims to bring culture and acting opportunities to under-privileged youngsters.