Charles Shaughnessy

Biography: Whether portraying a refined Broadway producer or an adventurous butler, Charles Shaughnessy infuses his characters with the charm and sophistication of a true English gentleman. With an impressive array of projects, he has proven himself to be one of the most versatile and talented actors in the industry today.

As the wealthy and cultivated 'Maxwell Sheffield,' Charles starred in CBS's situation comedy, "The Nanny," since its debut in 1993 through its sixth and final season, which airws in the 1999 season. Raised in the Chelsea area of London in a show business family -- his father was a writer on the BBC series, "Upstairs, Downstairs," and his mother was an actress -- Charles made his stage debut in his grade school's production of "Peter Rabbit." After graduating from Eton College (the U.S. equivalent of high school), he decided to resist family norm and study law at Cambridge University. "Despite a lifelong love of the theatre, I thought it was about time someone inWhether portraying a refined Broadway producer or an adventurous butler, Charles Shaughnessy infuses his characters with the charm and sophistication of a true English gentleman. With an impressive array of projects, he has proven himself to be one of the most versatile and talented actors in the industry today.

As the wealthy and cultivated 'Maxwell Sheffield,' Charles starred in CBS's situation comedy, "The Nanny," since its debut in 1993 through its sixth and final season, which airws in the 1999 season.
Raised in the Chelsea area of London in a show business family -- his father was a writer on the BBC series, "Upstairs, Downstairs," and his mother was an actress -- Charles made his stage debut in his grade school's production of "Peter Rabbit." After graduating from Eton College (the U.S. equivalent of high school), he decided to resist family norm and study law at Cambridge University. "Despite a lifelong love of the theatre, I thought it was about time someone in my family did something sensible," says Charles. While still at Cambridge and earning his degree in law, however, he caught the attention of Footlights Revue, a prestigious comedy troupe whose membership roster has included such talents as Eric Idle, John Cleese and Emma Thompson. After joining the ensemble and performing at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, his good intentions were swept aside and his first passion ultimately triumphed.

Upon graduation, he returned to London where he studied for three years at the Central School of Speech and Drama. Subsequently, he was cast in several dramatic BBC series, including Agatha Christie's "Partner's in Crime" and "Jury." Packing up his successful beginnings, Shaughnessy moved to Hollywood to marry Susan Fallender, an American-born actress whom he met and fell in love with during drama school.

Once in the States, his career continued to flourish with his performance in Howard Brenton's "The Genius" at the Mark Taper Forum. After a brief stint as 'Holly Scorpio's' cousin on "General Hospital," he quickly went on to become one of daytime's most popular leading men for eight years as the charming 'Shane Donovan' on "Days of Our Lives." During that time, Charles continued his theatrical interest by co-starring with Alan Bates in "A Patriot for Me" at the Ahmanson Theatre.

After leaving his role as international spy Shane Donavan in the daytime soap "Days of our Lives" in 1992, Charles guest starred on many prime time series including "Murphy Brown" and "Mad About You," as well as the CBS mini-series, "Till We Meet Again." He has also appeared in four movie-of-the-week specials: CBS's "Everything To Gain" with Sean Young; "Dayo"; "A Degree of Deception"; and NBC's "A Kiss So Deadly".
Charles says that his professional hopes for the future are to work with his wife and to explore the world outside of live action. "I would love to seriously crack the world of voice over," says Shaughnessy, who has lent his strong vocal appeal to the animated series "Duckman." "Animation is a great gig."

Despite his busy schedule, Charles has never left his expensive education too far behind. He is most proud of his 1995 title of "Celebrity Jeopardy Champion" where he won $31,800 for his charity the Sunlight Mission which provides refuge for battered women and children. "As long as I stay away from questions about "U.S. Presidents," he confesses, "I think I'm safe!"
Aside from work, Charles finds time to spend with his two young daughters. He enjoys bicycling with his eldest and going to the park with his little one.
Charles has been married to actress Susan Fallender since May 13, 1983 and is the proud father of two daughters, Jenny & Madelyn. His brother, David, is the producer of the popular daytime soap "The Young and the Restless" on CBS.

***All biographical information is kindly provided by The Official Charles Shaughnesssy Website @ http://www.charles-shaughnessy.com. I thank Charles Shaughnessy & A.J. Davis for allowing me to use this information.… Expand