Shannon DeVido | Performer

Shannon DeVido | Performer

Shannon had lofty goals of being an athlete, preferably a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, but for perhaps obvious reasons, thought musical theater may be a better fit. While unable to find work in her chosen field, on a whim she auditioned for an improv group and realised she had found her people. Having grown up on subversive cartoons like Rugrats and Animaniacs, combined with being shown the likes of Monty Python and Mel Brooks by her dad, it’s no surprise that Shannon found her way to comedy. 

Starring in Hulu’s Difficult People, Shannon got to play a hilarious character who just happened to be disabled.  Up until that point, she was only given roles which were one or the other, so it really changed her view of what was capable in this industry. Best Summer Ever, due to premiere at SXSW was Shannon’s first time leading a film, a new challenge that Shannon loved throwing herself into. The mission was to create a film that was completely inclusive of people with and without disabilities, both on and behind the camera, a rare experience on a Hollywood set. 

Shannon is hoping through being a BAFTA Breakthrough, to meet people and hopefully change their minds a little bit about what a performer with a disability is capable of doing, opening doors not just for herself but for everybody else. Picking the comedic brains of her heroes, Tina Fey and Parks and Rec creator, Mike Schur is also high on her priority list.