Born Sheila Marie Mathews in New York City to Christopher Joseph and Elizabeth (née McCloskey) Mathews, she was married to producer Irwin Allen until his death in 1991. She appeared in several of her husband's TV series and movies through to 1986. Appearances include City Beneath the Sea, Lost in Space, Land of the Giants, The Poseidon Adventureand The Towering Inferno. Following his death in 1991 she remained on the board of Irwin Allen Productions up until her death. She also served as a producer on the 2002 television remake of The Time Tunnel and as Executive Producer of the film Poseidon.