Shay Mitchell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shay Mitchell
Mitchell in 2022
Born	Shannon Ashley Garcia Mitchell (1987-04-10) April 10, 1987 (age 38) Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Occupation	Actress entrepreneur
Years active	2009–present
Partner(s)	Matte Babel (2017–present)
Children	2
Relatives	Lea Salonga (cousin)

Shannon Ashley Garcia "Shay" Mitchell (born April 10, 1987) is a Canadian actress and businesswoman. She became well-known for playing Emily Fields in the mystery TV show Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017). This role earned her several awards and nominations.

She also gained fame for starring as Peach Salinger in the thriller series You (2018). Later, she played Stella Cole in the Hulu comedy series Dollface (2019–2022). Mitchell also voiced Alexandra Trese in the Netflix animated series Trese (2021). She has also helped produce the crime drama series The Cleaning Lady (2022–2025).

After appearing in short films, Mitchell had her first movie role in Dreamland (2016). She also appeared in the comedy film Mother's Day (2016). She starred in the horror film The Possession of Hannah Grace (2018) and the Christmas film Something from Tiffany's (2022).

Besides acting, Mitchell is known for her fashion and business projects. She started the travel fashion company BÉIS and the drink brand Onda. She also founded a production company called Amore & Vita Inc. Mitchell is recognized for her great style.

Early life and background

Shay Mitchell was born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Her mother, Precious Garcia, is from the Philippines. Her father, Mark Mitchell, has Scottish and Irish family roots.

Mitchell's mother is a first cousin of Lea Salonga. Lea Salonga is a famous singer and musical theater actress. Shay went to Rockridge Secondary School and then West Vancouver Secondary School.

In her late teenage years, Mitchell worked as a model. She modeled for different companies in cities like Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Barcelona. Later, she returned to Toronto to study acting.

Acting career highlights

Becoming a star in Pretty Little Liars

Mitchell (second from right), with her cast mates from Pretty Little Liars at Paleyfest in 2014

Shay Mitchell started acting in 2009. She had small roles in TV shows like Degrassi: The Next Generation and Rookie Blue. In 2009, she also appeared in the music video for "Hold My Hand" by Sean Paul.

Mitchell was chosen to play Emily Fields in the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars. This show was based on a popular book series. She first tried out for a different character, Spencer Hastings, but that role went to another actress. She then got the part of Emily Fields.

Mitchell has said that playing Emily was one of the best roles she might ever have. She felt lucky to bring Emily to life because of the character's impact on many people. Pretty Little Liars became very popular and gained a huge fan base. Mitchell received a lot of praise for her acting in the show.

She won a Young Hollywood Award in 2011. She also received nominations for a People's Choice Award and six Teen Choice Awards.

In 2010, Mitchell appeared in four episodes of the Disney XD series Aaron Stone. In 2011, she became a spokesperson for Pantene shampoo. That same year, Mitchell started a YouTube channel. She is known for her lifestyle videos on her channel.

In 2015, Mitchell co-wrote a young adult novel called Bliss with Michaela Blaney. This was her first time writing a book.

New roles and business ventures

In 2016, Mitchell had her first major movie role in the musical drama Dreamland. She played a character named Nicole. That same year, she starred in the comedy film Mother's Day. This movie was a success at the box office.

Mitchell at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2018

In 2018, Mitchell was cast in the TV thriller series You. She played Peach Salinger, a rich and powerful socialite. The series was highly praised by critics. Mitchell's performance, along with the rest of the cast, received positive reviews.

Also in 2018, Mitchell started her production company, Amore & Vita Inc. She also launched her travel brand, BÉIS. In the same year, the horror film The Possession of Hannah Grace was released. Mitchell played Megan Reed, a former police officer working at a morgue. She said this role was one of her most challenging.

Since November 2019, Mitchell has played Stella Cole in the Hulu comedy series Dollface. Stella is the best friend of Jules Wiley, played by Kat Dennings. This was Mitchell's first main role in a comedy. She and the other actors in Dollface received praise for their performances.

In 2021, she made her voice acting debut in the Netflix animated series Trese. She provided the voice for the main character, Alexandra Trese. Since 2022, she has been an executive producer for the crime drama series The Cleaning Lady.

Personal life and advocacy

Mitchell at the 38th People's Choice Awards in 2012

Shay Mitchell has supported various causes. She worked with The Trevor Project and the NOH8 Campaign. She also works with the WE Charity, which helps communities get better educational resources. She partnered with Represent Clothing to sell T-shirts, with half the money going to GLAAD.

Mitchell has been in a relationship with Matte Babel since 2017. They have two daughters together. Their first daughter was born in October 2019, and their second daughter was born in May 2022.

Filmography

Film roles

Television roles

Music videos

Awards and nominations

See also

In Spanish: Shay Mitchell para niños