Shannyn Sossamon is an American actress, who earned much prominence for the portrayal of Jocelyn in the 201 film entitled, A Knight’s Tale. She was born on October 3, 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Sherry Sossamon and Todd Lindberg. She was baptized with the real name of Shannon Marie Kahololani Sossamon and has the combination of Dutch, English, Irish and German as well as French, Filipino and Hawaiin descent. She grew up in Reno, Nevada, where she entered the Galena High School. Shortly after she graduated in high school, Sossamon relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her professional career in dancing. After landing in Los Angeles, Sossamon started to work as a disc jockey, booking gigs in some local clubs. Earlier in her career, Sossamon modeled for several companies, which also includes the Sassy magazine and the Unionbay Clothing as well as the American Eagle Outfitters and Planned Parenthood. On the other hand, Sossamon has also appeared in two of the commercials of the renowned brand, Gap. She was also featured in various music videos for several artist like, Cher, Mick Jagger, and The Goo Goo Dolls a well as Korn and the Draft Punk.
In year 1997, Sossamon was featured in some of the episodes of the sketch comedy series called, Mr. Show, where she appeared as a fashion model and a girl and trophy presenter. In year 1999, the casting director, Francine Maisler, noticed Sossamon while she accompanying a fellow DJ in the birthday party of Gwyneth Paltrow’s brother. After being involved n various auditions, Sossamon beat the actress Kate Hudson for the female lead role in the 2001 film entitled, A Knight’s Tale, where she portrayed the role of Jocelyn, together with the stars of Heath Ledger and Rufus Sewell. The film garnered her a Young Hollywood Award for Breakthrough Female Performance as an nomination for a Teen Choice Awards. She then earned four nominations for an MTV Movie Awards, which also includes the award for Best Breakthrough Performance. On the other hand, in year 2002, Sossamon starred in the romantic comedy film entitled, 40 Days and 40 Nights, where she portrayed the role of Erica Sutton, together with the stars of Josh Hartnett, Paulo Costanzo as well as Maggie Gyllenhaal. For her portrayal on the film, Sossamon earned a nomination for a Teen Choice Award for the Choice Film Chemistry.
Also, in year 2002, Sossamon starred as Lauren Hynde in the satirical dark comedy film called, The Rules of Attraction, which also starred James van der Beek. On the following year, Sossamon together with Heath Ledger, were both included in the casts of the mystery horror film called, The Order, where she portrayed the role of Mara Williams. Sossamon appeared as a guest star in one of the episodes of the NB series called, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. On the following year, Sossamon made her return in big screen, appearing in the horror film called, Devour, together with Jensen Ackles and Dominique Swain as well as William Sadler. She then earned small roles in the film called, Undiscovered and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. In year 2006, Sossamon appeared as Maggie in the romantic comedy film entitled, The Holiday, which also includes the stars of Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude law and Jack Black.
On the same year, Sossamon was included in the casts of the 2006 film entitled, Wristcutters: A Love Story, where she portrayed the role of Mikal. However, the film was initially flopped, earning total of $460,136 compare to its budget amounting to $1 Million. Nevertheless, the film was nominated for various awards, which also includes the two Independent Spirit Awards. Sossamon then earned positive reviews from most of the critics. Subsequently, Sossamon appeared in the TV series called, Dirt, where she portrayed the role of Kira Klay. The series, she appeared in five episodes for the show’s first season. She then starred together with Pink in the horror film called, Catacombs, where she portrayed the role of Victoria. She then signed one to be one of the regular casts of the TV series called, Moonlight. However, the show has been pulled out after the first season.
She then starred as Beth Raymond in the 2008 remake of the horror film of One Missed Call, which also starred Ed Burns, Azuru Skye and Margaret Cho as well as ray Wise. For her portrayal on the film, Sossamon earned a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Film Actress: Horror. On the following year, she appeared in the crime drama film called, Life is Hot in Cracktown, where she portrayed the role of Concetta, alongside Evan Ross, Kerry Washington and Victor Rasuk as we;; as Brandon Routh. In year 2010, she appeared as Claire in the thriller film of The Heavy, which also includes the stars of Gary Strectch and Vinnie Jones. On the other hand, Sossamon is currently stars in one of the TV series of the cable network of HBO called, How to Make it in America, where she portrays the role of Gingy Wu.
Shannyn Sossamon Photo Gallery
