If you are a fan of ABC Family’s hit show Pretty Little Liars (and really, who isn’t) you may recognize Shay Mitchell. The Canadian actress plays Emily, a competitive swimmer who tries to solve the murder of her best friend Alison. But, Shay didn’t always think she would be an actress. Read Kidzworld’s bio to find out how Shay became a superstar.
Dancing Queen
Shannon Ashley Mitchell (better known as Shay Mitchell) was born in the bustling metropolis of Toronto, Canada. Although she plays a swimmer in Pretty Little Liars, in real life Shay was much more interested in dancing! Her parents enrolled her in dance lessons when she was only 5 years old and Shay competed against different kids all across the city. It was during this time that Shay got her first taste of the entertainment business.
Cross Country Traveler
When Shay Mitchell was 10 years old her parents moved her family across the country to the coastal town of Vancouver, Canada. Shortly after arriving she was spotted by an international talent agency who selected her to join their team! Shay learnt all about the world of modeling and was soon cast in different campaigns across the world in places like Barcelona, Thailand and Hong Kong. After high school Shay returned to Toronto to focus more on her acting. She landed the role of a model in a 2009 episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation, a hit show filmed right in Toronto. She also appeared in Sean Paul’s music video for “Hold My Hand.” Can you spot her?
Pretty Little Liar
In 2010 Shay got her big break when she landed the role of Emily Fields on ABC Family’s upcoming show Pretty Little Liars. The show, which is based on the bestselling novel series by Sara Shepard, follows Emily and her three best friends as they try to solve the mystery of their friend Alison’s disappearance and death. Shay’s character Emily is a competitive swimmer who is confused about her sexuality. Much of the show focuses on her attraction to both boys and girls, and how this played into her relationship with Alison. Now in its second season, Pretty Little Liars has catapulted the Canadian star to fame! What will Shay try next? She says she is interested in starring in a movie in between season two and season three of Pretty Little Liars. Hopefully we see her in something soon!
Did You Know?
- Shay’s mother is Filipino and her father is Scottish.
- She starred in the Disney series Aaron Stone.
- Shay went skydiving to get over a breakup with her boyfriend.
- In high school Shay worked at the Cactus Club Café, a Canadian restaurant chain in Vancouver.
- She originally wanted to play Spencer, not Emily, on Pretty Little Liars.
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