Shannon Whirry, born Shannon Meta Whirry in 1964 in Green Lake, Wisconsin, is an American actress known for her work in both film and television. She graduated as the salutatorian of her high school class in 1983 and went on to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

Early in her career, she worked as a bartender and took small bit roles before landing her first film role in Steven Seagal's "Out for Justice" in 1991. She quickly became a familiar face in the direct-to-video erotic thriller genre, starring in films like "Animal Instincts" and "Body of Influence" during the early 1990s.

Her performances in these films earned her a reputation as an icon of the genre. Over time, she transitioned to more mainstream roles, appearing in TV shows such as "ER," "Seinfeld," and "Murphy Brown," as well as films like "Me, Myself & Irene" and the BBC miniseries "Nuclear Secrets."

Shannon Whirry has also performed with theater companies in Arizona, where she currently resides. Her stage roles have garnered her much acclaim, and she continues to take on challenging roles in both film and theater.

Her personal life is relatively private, but she has been open about her love for acting and her passion for the arts. She enjoys living in Arizona and often takes part in local theater productions.

Throughout her career, Shannon Whirry has received recognition for her work, although she has not been the recipient of major awards. Her contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in the erotic thriller genre, have left a lasting impact on audiences and fellow actors.