As an actor, Shaughnessy started in repertory theatres in the UK and went on to become a principal actor with
The Old Vic in London and touring around the world. He went on to perform in national tours, including 18 months in
Godspell for producer
Cameron Mackintosh and has acted in a number of American and British films and television series. Shaughnessy later turned to television and theatre directing. He directed the world premiere of Steve Brown's critically acclaimed musical,
Elmer Gantry at the
Chichester Festival Theatre. In 1985, he made his voice-over debut in
Jim Henson's cult classic
Labyrinth. He voiced Didymus, the Hat and various goblin characters. After appearing in several American films and television series, he became an executive producer of the daytime drama
The Young and the Restless and has directed episodes of
Santa Barbara (1987),
The Young and the Restless,
The Bold and the Beautiful,
Days of Our Lives and many other shows. Shaughnessy has also provided voice work for animation, commercials, films and video games. His father was
Alfred Shaughnessy, a scriptwriter best known for his work as head writer and producer of
Upstairs, Downstairs. His older brother,
Charles Shaughnessy, is also an actor best known as Maxwell Sheffield on
The Nanny and Shane Donovan in
Days of Our Lives, and currently holder of the title of
Baron Shaughnessy; David is his brother's
heir presumptive. His wife is former
Days of Our Lives head writer
Anne Schoettle. The two live in Los Angeles and have three daughters; Amy, Katie and Josie. ==Director==