David Shaughnessy is a multifaceted British-born individual, exceling in various creative fields, including acting, television directing, theatre directing, and producing. His impressive résumé boasts four Daytime Emmy Awards, with two honors for producing and two for directing.
Shaughnessy's educational background is rooted in prestigious institutions, having attended Eton College and the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. His early career commenced in repertory theaters throughout the UK, eventually leading to a principal role with the Old Vic Theatre Company in London, which he toured globally.
Notably, Shaughnessy performed in national tours, including an 18-month stint in Godspell for renowned producer Cameron Mackintosh. His acting credits extend to television series and movies in both the UK and the US. Additionally, he found success as a theatre director in the UK, particularly in comedy productions.
Shaughnessy's directing credits include the critically acclaimed premiere of Steve Brown's musical, "Elmer Gantry," at the Chichester Festival Theatre. He later transitioned to television directing and expanded his repertoire to include producing, ultimately becoming the executive producer of the daytime drama, The Young and the Restless.
Presently, Shaughnessy directs for Days of Our Lives while also providing voice-overs for films, animation, commercials, and video games.
Born into a creative family, Shaughnessy's father, Alfred Shaughnessy, was a scriptwriter, best known for his work on the iconic television series Upstairs, Downstairs. David's older brother, Charles Shaughnessy, is a well-known actor, famously portraying Maxwell Sheffield on the television show The Nanny. Shaughnessy is married to former Days of Our Lives head writer Anne Schoettle, and they have three daughters, Amy, Katie, and Josie.
As the heir presumptive to the Barony of Shaughnessy, the title is currently held by his brother.
