Shay Mitchell first gained widespread recognition as Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars, but her career extends far beyond television. These interesting facts about Shay Mitchell reveal her Filipino and Canadian roots, international modeling experience, acting journey, and success as an entrepreneur. From choosing her professional name to building a travel brand, she has taken an unconventional path.
Quick Facts About Shay Mitchell
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Shannon Ashley Mitchell |
| Date of birth | April 10, 1987 |
| Age | 39 (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnic background | Filipino, Scottish, and Irish |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 7½ inches |
| Profession | Actress, model, entrepreneur, producer |
| Known for | Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars |
| Business | BÉIS |
15 Interesting Facts About Shay Mitchell
1. Shay Is Not Her Birth Name
Mitchell was born Shannon Ashley Mitchell. During her WIRED Autocomplete Interview, she explained that she adopted Shay because another student at school had the same first name. Inspired by Jennifer Lopez’s nickname, she briefly considered “Shay-Lo” before choosing Shay.
2. She Spent Her Childhood in Canada
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Mitchell lived there until around age 12, when her family relocated to Vancouver. Although her career later took her to the United States, her Canadian upbringing remains an important part of her background.
3. Her Family Background Includes Filipino, Scottish, and Irish Roots
Her mother, Precious Garcia, is Filipino and originally from Pampanga, while her father, Mark Mitchell, has Scottish and Irish roots. Shay has shared how she once felt different growing up but eventually learned to embrace her mixed heritage.
4. She Traveled Internationally as a Model
Before pursuing acting, Mitchell worked as a model and traveled for assignments. At 18, she spent time in Bangkok and Hong Kong. Living abroad introduced her to different cultures and helped her develop independence at an early age.
5. She Discovered Acting After High School
Acting was not part of Mitchell’s original career plan. She has said that she did not take drama classes in high school. Her interest developed after graduation, when she began taking acting lessons and learning the craft.
6. Pretty Little Liars Became Her Breakthrough Role
Mitchell landed the role of Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars, which premiered in 2010 and ran for seven seasons through 2017. The series introduced her to a worldwide audience and established her as a recognizable television actress.
7. She Took on a Darker Role in You
In the first season of Netflix’s You (2018), Mitchell played Peach Salinger, a wealthy and controlling woman who becomes suspicious of Joe Goldberg. The character was a sharp contrast to Emily Fields and allowed her to explore a darker personality.
8. She Voiced the Lead Character in Trese
Mitchell voiced Alexandra Trese in Netflix’s Filipino animated supernatural series Trese. The project brought her work into animation while also connecting with her Filipino heritage.
9. Her Travel Videos Inspired a New Creative Direction
Through her YouTube channel and Shaycation videos, Mitchell shared trips, food, and personal adventures. Creating travel content gave her a way to explore an interest beyond acting and helped shape her later business ideas.
10. She Launched BÉIS in 2018
Mitchell founded BÉIS after recognizing a gap in the travel market: bags that combined practical features, attractive design, and accessible pricing. The company offers luggage, bags, and travel accessories. She has remained involved in its creative direction and product development.
11. BÉIS Secured a Major Deal in 2026
In October 2026, Samsonite acquired an 85% stake in BÉIS for $178.5 million, giving the company an approximate valuation of $210 million. The acquisition marked a major business milestone for the brand Mitchell founded.
12. She Expanded Into Production
Mitchell has also worked behind the camera through her production company, Amore & Vita. This side of her career allows her to explore storytelling and creative development beyond performing.
13. Her Screen Roles Span Several Genres
Beyond television drama, Mitchell has appeared in projects ranging from horror to comedy and romance. Her film credits include The Possession of Hannah Grace, Mother’s Day, and Something from Tiffany’s. She has also appeared in Dollface and voiced a character in Trese.
14. She Has Joined the Upcoming Baywatch Series
Mitchell will play Trina in Fox’s new Baywatch series. Her character is a former lawyer who leaves her legal career to become a full-time lifeguard. The series is scheduled to premiere in January 2027, so the role is one of her upcoming projects.
15. She Has Two Daughters With Matte Babel
Mitchell and Matte Babel have been romantically linked since 2017 and share two daughters, Atlas and Rome. In a November 2026 interview, she explained that they do not feel a wedding is necessary to define their relationship. She has also described marriage as a personal choice.
Shay Mitchell Movies and TV Shows
The following table highlights some of Mitchell’s notable screen credits.
| Title | Year | Role or Contribution |
| Degrassi: The Next Generation | 2009 | Model |
| Pretty Little Liars | 2010–2017 | Emily Fields |
| Mother’s Day | 2016 | Tina |
| The Possession of Hannah Grace | 2018 | Megan Reed |
| You | 2018 | Peach Salinger |
| Dollface | 2019–2022 | Stella Cole |
| Trese | 2021 | Voice of Alexandra Trese |
| Something from Tiffany’s | 2022 | Vanessa |
| Baywatch | 2027 | Trina (upcoming) |
FAQs
How old is Shay Mitchell?
Born on April 10, 1987, Mitchell is 39 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Shay Mitchell, and what is her weight?
IMDb lists her height at approximately 5 feet 7½ inches (1.72 meters). Her current weight has not been reliably confirmed publicly.
What is Shay Mitchell’s ethnicity?
Her family background includes Filipino heritage on her mother’s side and Scottish and Irish ancestry on her father’s side.
What is Shay Mitchell’s net worth?
Her personal net worth has not been independently verified. Online celebrity estimates should be treated cautiously. BÉIS’s reported 2026 valuation does not represent Mitchell’s personal wealth.
Is Shay Mitchell married?
She is not publicly reported to be married. Mitchell shares two daughters with her longtime partner, Matte Babel.
Is Shay Mitchell in Baywatch?
Yes. She has been cast as Trina in Fox’s upcoming series, scheduled to premiere in January 2027.
What is Shay Mitchell best known for?
Her breakthrough role was Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars. She is also known for her work in You and Dollface, as well as founding BÉIS.
Conclusion
Shay Mitchell’s career has grown from television acting into travel, production, and entrepreneurship. Her work on Pretty Little Liars, the growth of BÉIS, and her upcoming Baywatch role show the range of projects she continues to pursue.
Mark Johanson is an experienced American travel journalist specializing in destinations, adventure, and travel. He has written for major publications and co-authored numerous Lonely Planet travel guides covering destinations worldwide.