Shay Mitchell

  Shannon Ashley Garcia "Shay" Mitchell (born on April 10, 1987) is a Canadian actress and model. She is most famous for her character in Pretty Little Liars, a mystery thriller drama that starred Emily Fields. Her roles have earned her nominations for six Teen Choice Awards and a People's Choice Award. After appearing in several short films, Mitchell's feature film debut was as Nicole in Dreamland (2016). Following her appearance as Tina in Mother's Day (2016), Mitchell was also in the role of Megan Reed in The Possession of Hannah Grace (2018). She is also well-known for her activism and her media image. Mitchell was named by Esquire magazine as one of the "Sexiest Women Alive" in 2014. She also appeared on Maxim Hot 100 in 2015. Mitchell was born in Mississauga, Ontario, the daughter of Precious Garcia and Mark Mitchell. Mitchell's father is Scottish and Irish and her mother, Filipina, is originally from Pampanga. She left the Philippines when she was 19. She is the first cousin once removed from Lea Salonga who is a actor and singer in the musical theatre. Mitchell was a student at Rockridge Secondary School, then transferred to West Vancouver Secondary School, which she attended until graduation. Mitchell has worked as models for a variety of companies in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Barcelona before returning to Toronto to pursue her acting studies.