American actress and singer Shawnee Smith is most recognized for her parts in the “Saw” movie series and “Becker.” Since Shawnee has been in so many horror movies, she is often referred to as the “scream queen.”
She is also well-known for her part in the film “The Stand,” which is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name.
She has appeared in a number of television shows as a guest star, including “Cagney & Lacey,” “Married with Children,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Players.”
She performed as the female vocalist of the punk/metal group “Fydolla Ho” in the early 2000s, touring the US and the UK. Together with actress Missi Pyle, she was a member of the desert country-rock band “Smith & Pyle.”
It’s OK to be Happy, the title track from their first album, was recorded in Joshua Tree. Due to their demanding personal and acting schedules, the band broke up.
Shawnee is skilled in playing a variety of musical instruments, including the guitar, piano, and drums. She also sang solo vocals on the “Catacombs” soundtrack.
Shawnee Smith’s Date of Birth and Parents
Shawnee Smith was born on June 3, 1969, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, in the United States. She was the second child of James H Smith, a financial planner and former “US Airforce” pilot, and Patricia Ann Smith, an oncology nurse.
Shawnee’s family relocated to Van Nuys, California, when she was a year old. When she was two years old, her parents were divorced, and when she was eight, her mother got remarried.
Shawnee Smith’s Education
Before graduating in 1987, Shawnee attended North Hollywood High School, Madison Junior High School, and Ranchito Avenue Elementary School in Panorama City, Los Angeles.
Shawnee Smith’s Husband
In 1998, Shawnee married photographer Jason Reposar after they had decided to get married. Verve, their daughter, was soon born. The couple divorced in 2003.
In 2005, Shawnee wed musician Kai Mattoon. Jakson Mattoon, their son, was born. In 2006, they got divorced.
Shawnee Smith, who converted from Protestantism to Eastern Orthodoxy, plans to produce a documentary titled “Orthodoxy: A Love Story” on her conversion and other characteristics of Orthodoxy.
Shawnee Smith’s Career
At the early age of 8, Shawnee made her onstage entrance in the repertory production of “A Christmas Carol,” beginning her professional acting career. At age 15, she took part in a theater production.
In 1978, she had her first TV appearance in the “McDonald” commercial named “Best Friends,” and in 1982, she starred in her first feature picture, “Annie.” Age 9 saw her join the Screen Actors Guild.
She co-starred in the 1985 films “Not my Kid” and “Crime of Innocence,” both about “troubled teens.” She starred in the remake of the 1958 horror movie “The Blob,” “Iron Eagle,” “Summer School,” and “Iron Eagle” (1986). (1988).
In the 1990s, she took a three-year vacation from acting because she was tired of playing young girls and was having trouble getting employment. She got a little part in “Leaving Las Vegas” just before she was ready to start courses. After that, she found stable employment.
Shawnee often appeared in a number of TV productions, including the reality series “Scream Queens” (2015–2016), the series “Becker,” and the miniseries “The Stand” (1994).
In 2002, she made a comeback in the movies with “Never Get Outta the Boat.” Later, she appeared in “Saw” as “Amanda.” She returned to the role in the next six “Saw” films, including “Saw 3D.” (2010).
Guitar, piano, and drums are all instruments that Shawnee Smith performs. She has performed on the soundtracks for “Saw III” and “Catacombs,” respectively.
In the early 2000s, Shawnee sang lead vocals for the punk/metal band “Fydolla Ho.” In December 2001, the band released its first full-length album.
Shawnee and actress Missi Pyle were members of the country music duo “Smith & Pyle.” In July 2008, their first album, “It’s OK to be Happy,” which was recorded in Joshua Tree, California, was made available.
Shawnee and Missi started their own record label, Urban Prairie Records, as partners in business. But the two split up in 2011 before a follow-up record was finished.
Shawnee Smith is best known for playing Linda in the 1998–2004 television series Becker. She was a guest star in every one of the 129 episodes.
Shawnee gained national attention as the “scream queen” because of her role as “Amanda Young” in the “Saw” movie series.