Shannyn Sossamon, born Shannon Marie Kahoolani Sossamon, October 3, 1979 in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an American musician and motion picture/music video actress. She is of mixed French, Native Hawaiian, Dutch, Irish, Filipino and German descent. Born in Hawaii, but native to Reno, Nevada, after her high school graduation, Sossamon moved to Los Angeles, where she pursued a career in dance; while she attended Dance Unlimited, Sossamon appeared in television commercials and had DJ gigs in local clubs. In 1999, Sossamon was discovered by casting director Francine Maisler, while helping a friend DJ at Gwyneth Paltrow's birthday party.
Her first role was the female lead role in A Knight's Tale. Reportedly close friends with Heath Ledger, she also appeared alongside him in 2003 in The Order, and appeared in music videos for Mick Jagger and Korn. Sossamon continues to DJ weekly at a Los Angeles club, but spends most of her time filming.
Sossamon gave birth to a son on May 29, 2003, named Audio Science Clayton. |
