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. He continues to provide 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.
^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv"David Shaughnessy (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved 22 October 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
^"Destroy All Humans! 2: Make War Not Love (2006 Video Game)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved 25 September 2021. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)