From the haunting halls of Rosewood to jet-setting across Netflix thrillers, Shay Mitchell’s movies and TV shows tell the story of a woman who turned small-screen mystery into a full-blown global empire. Once the secretive swimmer Emily Fields on Pretty Little Liars, she’s now an actress, producer, entrepreneur, and full-fledged pop culture icon.
But how did a Canadian-Filipino teen from Mississauga become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable multi-hyphenates all while running a travel brand that’s basically become the “It Girl luggage” line of the decade? Let’s rewind.
Quick Bio: Shay Mitchell
| Full Name | Shannon Ashley Garcia Mitchell |
|---|---|
| Born | April 10, 1987 (Age 38 in 2025) |
| Birthplace | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Pretty Little Liars, You, Dollface, BÉIS Founder |
| Socials | @shaymitchell on Instagram |
Who Is Shay Mitchell?
Before she was sharing the screen with murderers and mysterious “A”s, Shay Mitchell was just a small-town girl with big-screen dreams. Born to a Filipino mother and a Scottish-Irish father, Shay grew up surrounded by creativity, dancing, modeling, and traveling the world before she was out of her teens.
By 19, she’d already modeled internationally and started landing acting gigs in Canadian TV shows like Degrassi: The Next Generation and Aaron Stone. But nothing could have prepared her for what came next: a role that would define a generation.
The Breakthrough: Pretty Little Liars and the Rise of Emily Fields
When Pretty Little Liars premiered in 2010, it was a glossy, eerie teen drama that quickly became a global obsession. The show turned its leads, Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, and Shay Mitchell, into instant icons.
Mitchell’s portrayal of Emily Fields, the quietly strong, fiercely loyal swimmer with a heart of gold, became groundbreaking. For many fans, she represented something rarely seen on network TV at the time: a confident queer woman of color navigating love, loss, and friendship on her own terms.
It wasn’t just acting; it was cultural resonance. And as the seasons rolled on, Shay’s charisma, humor, and grace made her a fan favorite. The show ended in 2017, but its impact and her performance continue to define her legacy.
“Pretty Little Liars gave me everything — my career, my fans, and a platform to tell more stories that matter,” she told People in a 2021 interview.
All Shay Mitchell Movies and TV Shows (The Ultimate List)
If you’ve ever wondered how much range Shay Mitchell has, here’s the answer: plenty. From horror to comedy to animation, she’s done it all.
TV Highlights
- Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017) — ABC Family/Freeform
The show that started it all. Seven seasons of secrets, suspense, and style. - You (2018, Netflix) — As Peach Salinger, Shay delivered one of her most unforgettable performances — part menace, part mystery. Peach was rich, manipulative, and quietly tragic. Her layered portrayal showed she could go far beyond teen drama territory.
- Dollface (2019–2022, Hulu) — Opposite Kat Dennings and Brenda Song, Shay played Stella — the effortlessly cool best friend whose confidence hides a relatable vulnerability. It was a comedy that proved Shay could do heart and humor with equal ease.
- Trese (2021, Netflix) — Voice acting? Check. Shay voiced Alexandra Trese in the English version of the hit Filipino supernatural anime, bringing her cultural roots full circle.
Film Roles
- Mother’s Day (2016) — Her first major movie role alongside Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts. Shay played Tina, a young mother balancing career and chaos.
- The Possession of Hannah Grace (2018) — In her first leading film role, Shay starred as a former cop trapped in a morgue with a demonic presence. It was dark, intense, and a massive box-office success for a small-budget horror.
Where to Watch Shay Mitchell in 2025
- Pretty Little Liars → HBO Max / iPlayer
- You → Netflix
- Dollface → Hulu / Disney+
- Trese → Netflix
- The Possession of Hannah Grace → Amazon Prime Video
Read about: how Gen Z Is Changing Hollywood
Shay Mitchell’s Best On-Screen Moments (Ranked by Fans)
Fans have spoken — and social media receipts don’t lie.
From viral TikTok edits to Reddit threads praising her range, these are Shay’s most iconic moments:
- Emily Fields Comes Out (PLL, Season 1) — A quiet, emotional milestone that inspired countless viewers worldwide.
- Peach vs. Joe Goldberg Showdown (You) — Peak tension, perfectly acted, endlessly rewatched.
- Dollface’s “Stella’s Career Confession” Scene — Proof that comedy can carry truth.
- Trese’s Final Battle Sequence — A voice performance with grit and gravitas.
“She gives every character a soul,” one fan wrote on Reddit, “and you can feel how much she loves storytelling.”
Beyond Acting: The Entrepreneur Era
Some actors fade after their breakout roles. Shay Mitchell? She built an empire.
In 2018, she launched BÉIS, her travel and lifestyle brand that’s since become a cult favorite among influencers and jet-setters. Every bag from the Weekender to the Carry-On Roller blends luxury with practicality. It’s no wonder Forbes called her “one of the most business-savvy stars of her generation.”
Then came Onda Tequila Seltzer, co-founded with friends, plus her content empire spanning YouTube and TikTok. Shay doesn’t just act, she directs, produces, and markets with the precision of a CEO.
“Acting will always be my first love,” she told Variety, “but creating something tangible that people use every day? That’s another kind of art.”
The Voice Behind the Animation: Trese and Representation
In Trese, Shay voiced a supernatural detective navigating a mythological Manila blending fantasy with Filipino folklore.
It wasn’t just a job; it was a cultural milestone. For the first time, millions of global viewers heard a major star celebrate Filipino mythology in prime time. The show topped Netflix charts in Asia and received critical praise for spotlighting Filipino identity on an international stage.
Shay herself called it “a love letter to where part of me comes from.”
Is Shay Mitchell Returning to TV in 2025?
That’s the million-dollar question. While there’s no official announcement yet, whispers in the entertainment world suggest Shay’s attached to a new streaming drama series, reportedly a mix between Big Little Lies and Killing Eve.
Fans spotted her filming in Los Angeles in early 2025, sparking speculation on TikTok. Whether it’s a new role or a cameo, one thing’s clear: Shay’s not done with the small screen.
Check out more on: Susan Lucci Sarah Snook Broadway photo
Awards, Recognition, and Cultural Impact
While Shay hasn’t been a red carpet regular at the Oscars, her impact runs deep:
- Teen Choice Awards (2011–2017) — Multiple nominations for Pretty Little Liars.
- GQ Asia Woman of the Year (2018) — Honoring her influence and heritage.
- Forbes 30 Under 30 (2020) — Recognized for entrepreneurship and influence.
What sets her apart isn’t just what she’s achieved, it’s how she’s done it: on her own terms, with authenticity, humor, and grit.
What’s Next for Shay Mitchell?
If Shay’s past decade taught us anything, it’s that she never stays in one lane for long. Between acting, voice work, and her fast-growing business ventures, 2025 looks poised to be her busiest year yet.
Rumor has it she’s developing a limited docu-series exploring the realities of modern motherhood and celebrity life — an area she’s approached with openness and wit across her social media.
And honestly? That’s exactly what fans love about her. Shay Mitchell feels real. She’s glam, funny, business-minded, and occasionally chaotic in the best way.
FAQs About Shay Mitchell’s Career
Q1: What are Shay Mitchell’s most popular TV shows?
A: Pretty Little Liars, You, and Dollface top the list, each showing a different side of her versatility.
Q2: Is Shay Mitchell still acting in 2025?
A: Yes — she’s reportedly filming a new drama and is expected to appear in another Netflix project soon.
Q3: What movies has Shay Mitchell starred in?
A: Mother’s Day and The Possession of Hannah Grace are her two best-known film roles.
Q4: Where can I stream Shay Mitchell’s shows?
A: Pretty Little Liars (HBO Max/iPlayer), You and Trese (Netflix), Dollface (Hulu/Disney+).
Q5: What is Shay Mitchell doing now besides acting?
A: She runs her brands BÉIS and Onda while juggling motherhood and digital content creation.
The Final Word: The Evolution of Shay Mitchell
From small-town dreamer to global powerhouse, Shay Mitchell has become one of entertainment’s most quietly unstoppable forces.
She’s not chasing fame, she’s designing her own version of it. Whether she’s slaying on-screen, building her brand empire, or just making us laugh through chaotic mom-life TikToks, Shay is proof that evolution doesn’t mean reinvention; it means expansion.
So, what’s next for Shay Mitchell? Maybe another Emmy-worthy performance. Maybe another viral BÉIS drop.
Either way, one thing’s certain: wherever Shay goes next, the world will be watching.