Shannon Woodward
A versatile actress who transitioned from network sitcom charm to HBO's high-concept drama and award-winning video game voice work.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American actress·Birthday: December 17·Millennials
Biography
Shannon Woodward built a career on sharp timing and emotional authenticity, first winning audiences as the delightfully deadpan Sabrina on the Fox sitcom 'Raising Hope.' Her Oklahoma roots and early work on shows like 'The Riches' prepared her for a left turn into the ambitious, fractured reality of HBO's 'Westworld,' where she played the resourceful technician Elsie Hughes. Woodward further demonstrated her range by stepping into the world of video game performance capture, voicing the complex and resilient Dina in 'The Last of Us Part II.' Her work in the game was a masterclass in subtlety and strength, earning a BAFTA nomination and proving her skill transcends traditional media. She moves between comedy, sci-fi thriller, and interactive drama with a grounded presence that makes every character feel lived-in and real.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Shannon was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Shannon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Shannon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received a BAFTA Games Award nomination for Performer in a Supporting Role for her voice and performance capture work as Dina in 'The Last of Us Part II'.
- Played a series regular role as Sabrina Collins on the Fox sitcom 'Raising Hope' for its entire four-season run.
- Portrayed the pivotal role of park technician Elsie Hughes in the first two seasons of HBO's acclaimed series 'Westworld'.
Did You Know?
She is a close friend of singer-songwriter Katy Perry and was a bridesmaid in her wedding.
Woodward is an advocate for animal welfare and has worked with organizations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
She originally auditioned for the role of Clementine in the video game 'The Walking Dead: The Game' before later landing her role in 'The Last of Us Part II'.
“I look for the truth in the script, not just the lines.”
