Charles Shaughnessy

Charles Shaughnessy, born and raised in London, England, came from a show business family. His father was the principal writer and script editor on "Upstairs, Downstairs" and his mother was an actress. He started acting in school plays while in grade school but, after graduating from Eton College, got his BA in Law at the Magdalene College of Cambridge University. "Despite a lifelong love of the theater, I thought it was about time someone in my family did something sensible," he said.

While at Cambridge he joined the famous "Footlights Revue" comedy group. Upon graduation, Shaughnessy returned to his first love, acting, and enrolled in drama school in London. After a year touring in repertory, he was cast in the Agatha Christie television series "Partners in Crime." He then won the lead role in the BBC drama series "Jury."

Romance brought the actor to America and he moved to Hollywood to marry Susan Fallender, an actress he had met in drama school. Shaughnessy first covered the Los Angeles Theatre scene, appearing at The Mark Taper Forum, the LAAT, and the Ahmanson opposite the late Alan Bates in "A Patriot for Me". He was then cast in the role of Shane Donovan in the daytime series "Days of Our Lives." He stayed with the series for eight years and won three Soap Opera Digest Awards.

He later starred in the successful CBS show "The Nanny" opposite Fran Drescher. After a six year run on "The Nanny" he has since appeared in the feature film "Denial" with Jason Alexander and Patrick Dempsey, "Second Chances," "The Painting" and most recently "Kids in America" as well as several TV Movies, including "A Kiss So Deadly" with Charlotte Ross, "Dayo" with Elijah Wood and for Disney, "Moms Got A Date With A Vampire" with Caroline Rhea and "Get A Clue" with Lindsay Lohan.

Charles has done many animated series, but most recently, was proud to receive an EMMY for his voice-work as Dennis the goldfish, in the animated Disney cartoon, "Stanley."

Most recently, Charles was excited to make his Broadway debut starring in the triple Tony award winning musical, "Urinetown."

Charles has enjoyed a varied career on stage and in front of the camera, but is most grateful for his beautiful wife, Susan and his two girls, Jenny and Maddy, who make it all worthwhile.