Shay Mitchell born Shannon Mitchell; April 10, 1987 is a Canadian actress and model. She stars in the ABC Family original series, Pretty Little Liars as Emily Fields. Born to a Filipina mother and Irish/Scottish father, Mitchell is a native of Toronto, Ontario. Even as a young child, Mitchell was interested in the performing arts, declaring to her parents that she would pursue such a career. Mitchell began dance lessons at the age of five, and she and several of her classmates toured the city to compete with a variety of other dance schools.
At the age of 10, Shay's family moved west to Vancouver, British Columbia. Within a year of their arrival, an international modeling agency held an open casting call for teen and pre-teen girls who were vying for representation. Shay was one of the girls selected.
At the age of 10, Shay's family moved west to Vancouver, British Columbia. Within a year of their arrival, an international modeling agency held an open casting call for teen and pre-teen girls who were vying for representation. Shay was one of the girls selected.