David Shaughnessy is a British-born actor, television director, theatre director and producer. He is a four time recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award; twice for producing and twice for directing. He was educated at Eton College and the Central School of Speech and Drama, London. He started as an actor in repertory theaters all around the UK and went on to become a principal with the Old Vic Theatre Company in London, touring around the world. He went on to perform in national tours, including 18 months in Godspell for producer Cameron Mackintosh, and acted in television series and movies both in the UK and the US. He was also a busy theatre director in the UK, finding particular synergy with comedy in repertory theatres all around the country. He also directed the critically acclaimed premiere of Steve Brown's musical, "Elmer Gantry" at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Later he turned to television directing. After adding producing to his repertoire, he ultimately became executive producer of the daytime drama, The Young and the Restless. He presently directs for Days of Our Lives whilst also providing many voice-overs for films, animation, commercials and video games.

His father was Alfred Shaughnessy, a scriptwriter. He is best known for his work as writer and producer of Upstairs, Downstairs. David's older brother is the actor Charles Shaughnessy, best known as Maxwell Sheffield on the television show, The Nanny. His wife is former Days of Our Lives head writer Anne Schoettle. David and Anne live in Los Angeles and have three daughters Amy, Katie and Josie.

He is the heir presumptive to the Barony of Shaughnessy, which is held by his brother.