Vinessa Shaw

Profile Summary: Vinessa Shaw
- Full Name: Vinessa Elizabeth Shaw
- Birthday: July 19, 1976 🎂
- Age: 48 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Mixed (Ashkenazi Jewish, Italian, Irish, Swedish, English, Spanish/Mexican, Dutch, French, German)
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer ♋
Family Life
Spouse & Children
- Spouse: Kristopher Gifford.
- Wedding Date: Married in 2017 (exact date undisclosed).
- Engagement Date: Engaged in 2008 after dating since 2007.
- Children:
- Son: Jack Hiroki Gifford (born February 2018).
Parents & Siblings:
- Mother: Susan Damante (actress).
- Father: Larry Shaw.
- Siblings: A younger sister named Natalie Shaw.
Childhood:
- Born into a multicultural family with a rich blend of ethnicities, reflecting her diverse heritage.
- Grew up in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by the entertainment industry due to her mother’s acting career.
Education:
- Attended Pitzer College but did not complete her studies, choosing to focus on her acting career instead.
Career Highlights
Professional Background
- Primary Professions: Actress, Model.
Early Career:
- Made her acting debut at a young age in the film Home Sweet Home (1981).
- Gained recognition as a child actress with roles in popular TV shows like Murder, She Wrote, and The Torkelsons.
Breakthrough Role:
- Played a memorable role in Hocus Pocus (1993), which became a cult classic over the years.
Notable Works:
- Film Credits:
- Eyes Wide Shut (1999) – Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
- 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002).
- 3:10 to Yuma (2007) – A critically acclaimed Western film.
- Puncture (2011).
- After the Fall (2014).
- 12 Mighty Orphans (2021) – Played Juanita Russell.
- We Need to Do Something (2021) – Played Diane.
- Television Credits:
- House M.D. – Played Dr. Kelly Benedict.
- Ray Donovan – Played Kate McPherson.
- Those Who Kill – Played Angela Early.
- Vegas – Played Laura Savino.
Modeling Career:
- Worked as a model early in her career, adding to her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Trivia/Facts
- Born under the zodiac sign Cancer, symbolizing sensitivity, creativity, and nurturing qualities.
- Comes from a culturally diverse background, which has shaped her unique perspective and adaptability as an actress.
- Known for her ability to portray strong, relatable characters across genres, from drama to horror.
Legacy
Vinessa Shaw is a celebrated actress and model whose career spans several decades, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her early breakout role in Hocus Pocus introduced her to audiences worldwide, while her performance in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut solidified her status as a serious actress.
Her work in films like 3:10 to Yuma and 12 Mighty Orphans , as well as her recurring roles in TV series like Ray Donovan and House M.D. , highlights her ability to take on challenging and diverse roles. Beyond her professional achievements, Vinessa balances her career with her role as a devoted wife and mother, raising her son Jack with her husband, Kristopher Gifford.
With a legacy rooted in both classic and contemporary projects, Vinessa Shaw continues to inspire fans with her timeless beauty, talent, and dedication to her craft. 🌟🎬✨