Shane West, born Shannon Bruce Snaith in 1978, is a talented individual with a rich family background. His mother, Leah (Launey),is a lawyer, and his father, Don Snaith, owned a drugstore. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Shane was exposed to the world of music from a young age, as both his parents were musicians.
At the age of fifteen, Shane began to pursue an acting career, landing small roles on various television shows. However, it was his breakthrough role in ABC's Once and Again in 1999 that catapulted him to fame. He then appeared in films such as Liberty Heights and Whatever It Takes, solidifying his status as a teen heartthrob.
Shane's success continued with his starring roles in A Walk to Remember, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and What We Do Is Secret. He played the role of Michael on the show "Nikita" from 2010 to 2013 and John Alden on "Salem" since 2014.
Aside from acting, Shane has a passion for music. He is the lead singer and guitarist for his band, Average Jo, which he formed to continue the musical traditions of his family. Shane's parents were both musicians when he was young, and he has carried on their legacy through his music.
Shane's family background is diverse, with his father being born in Jamaica of mostly English and Sephardi Jewish descent, and his mother being from a Cajun (French) family from Louisiana.