Shannyn Sossamon

Photo of Shannyn Sossamon

Biography

With the talk of her seemingly celebratory beginnings almost stealing the thunder away from her solid acting turn, her true story wasn't as glamorous as it at first seemed. Hailing from Reno, Nevada, Sossamon moved to California in pursuit of a career in dance, but soon started working as a disc jockey. When a friend landed the Paltrow gig and needed to borrow her turntables, she came along to spin during the DJ's breaks and her effortless …
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Job Title

Actor

Born

Shannon Marie Kahoolani Sossam on October 3, 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Career Milestones

Moved to Los Angeles the day she graduated from high school

Raised in Reno, Nevada

1999

Spotted by a casting agent while helping a friend DJ Gwyneth Paltrow's birthday party

2001

Made feature acting debut in "A Knight's Tale," opposite Heath Ledger; directed by Brian Helgeland

2002

Cast in the ensemble "Rules of Attraction"; Roger Avary's adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' 1980s-set novel

2002

Co-starred in "Forty Days and Forty Nights," opposite Josh Hartnett

2003

Reunited with director Helgeland and co-star Ledger for "The Order"

2005

Appeared in "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang," opposite Robert Downey Jr.; premiered at the Cannes Film Festival

2005

Co-starred with Kip Pardue and Ashlee Simpson in "Undiscovered"

2006

Had a small role in Nancy Meyers' "The Holiday" as Jack Black's girlfriend

2007

Co-starred with Patrick Fugit in the controversal indie film, "Wristcutters: A Love Story"

2008

Co-starred in "One Missed Call," a remake of the Japanese horror film "Chakushin Ari"

Awards

2002

MTV Movie Award for Best Female Breakthrough Performance in A Knight's Tale

2002

MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss in A Knight's Tale

2002

MTV Movie Award for Best Musical Sequence in A Knight's Tale