Shawn David Thompson was born in Washington, D.C. on April 17, 1967 and grew up in Upper Marlboro, MD. After graduating from high school, Thompson attended the University of Maryland and studied film for four years before leaving for NYC. While waiting tables, he was discovered by acting agent Steve Carson, who placed him in numerous commercials. He then was cast in a number of daytime series, including As the World Turns, Ryan's Hope, The Guiding Light and All My Children.