When Pretty Little Liars first hit our screens back in 2010, nobody really knew how much a specific athlete in a yellow swimming cap would change the game. We all spent years obsessing over "A," but the heart of the show often sat with the girl next door. So, who plays Emily Fields? That would be Shay Mitchell, a Canadian actress who basically walked into the audition room and walked out as one of the most significant LGBTQ+ icons of the 2010s.
Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else as the "loyal" Liar. Mitchell brought this specific blend of vulnerability and quiet strength to a character that, in the original books by Sara Shepard, was described a bit differently—strawberry blonde and slightly more timid. But the showrunners went a different direction, casting Shannon Ashley "Shay" Mitchell, and the rest is Rosewood history.
The Shay Mitchell Era: Why She Was the Perfect Emily
Shay Mitchell wasn’t just a face on a poster; she was the engine behind a character that meant a lot to kids who didn't see themselves on TV. Emily Fields was the jock, the swimmer, the girl with the complicated mom. She wasn't a stereotype.
When you look back at her performance, it’s the small stuff. The way she handled the coming-out arc with her mother, Pam Fields, felt incredibly raw for ABC Family (now Freeform) at the time. Most fans remember the Maya St. Germain era or the "Emison" endgame, but it was Mitchell's ability to play the "internalized struggle" that made the audience root for her. She made us believe in Emily's growth from a scared teenager to a woman who could stare down a hooded killer.
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Beyond the Pool: Mitchell's Career Shift
Most actors get stuck in their teen drama roles forever. They become a "one-hit wonder" of the small screen. Shay didn't.
After Pretty Little Liars wrapped in 2017, she took a sharp turn into something much darker. She played Peach Salinger in the first season of You on Netflix. If Emily was the girl you wanted to protect, Peach was the girl you were terrified of. It was a masterclass in range. She swapped the swimsuits for high-end fashion and a truly toxic obsession with Guinevere Beck.
Then came Dollface on Hulu, where she played Stella Cole. It was a complete vibe shift—funny, breezy, and focused on female friendship. It showed that Mitchell wasn't just a dramatic actor; she had timing.
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What Shay Mitchell is Doing Now in 2026
If you haven't been keeping up, Shay Mitchell is basically a mogul now. While she still acts and executive produces shows like The Cleaning Lady, she’s arguably more famous in some circles for her business empire.
- Béis Travel: She founded this luggage brand in 2018 because she was tired of ugly, expensive suitcases. By 2024, the company was pulling in over $200 million in revenue. You've probably seen those "Weekender" bags all over your Instagram feed.
- Onda: She’s also a co-founder of this canned tequila seltzer brand.
- The Motherhood Journey: Shay is a mom to two daughters, Atlas and Rome, with her longtime partner Matte Babel. She’s famously open about the "messy" side of parenting, which has kept her extremely relevant on social media.
The Impact of Emily Fields
We can't talk about who plays Emily Fields without talking about representation. For a lot of young women, Emily was the first time they saw a lesbian character as a lead in a mainstream "pretty" show.
Some critics argued that the show "de-gayed" her in later seasons or focused too much on her "ships" rather than her individual identity. There was a lot of debate around the "Bury Your Gays" trope when Maya was killed off. But through it all, Mitchell remained a vocal advocate for the character and the community. She’s always been clear that she doesn't like to label her own sexuality, echoing the "love is love" sentiment that Emily eventually grew into.
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Surprising Facts About Shay’s Time on PLL
- She originally auditioned for Spencer Hastings. Can you imagine? Troian Bellisario eventually got the role, and thank god for that, because Troian is Spencer. But Shay’s audition was strong enough that they asked her to read for Emily.
- She’s related to royalty. Well, Broadway royalty. She is a first cousin, once removed, of Lea Salonga (the voice of Mulan and Jasmine).
- The "Shay" name is a nickname. Her birth name is Shannon, but she started calling herself Shay because she was a huge fan of Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo).
How to Follow the Liars Today
If you're feeling nostalgic and want to see what the rest of the cast is up to alongside Shay, you’ve got options. Most of them are still very close. Lucy Hale is consistently starring in movies, Troian is doing indie projects and directing, and Ashley Benson has moved into the lifestyle and fashion space.
If you want to dive back into the world of who plays Emily Fields, your best bet is following Shay on TikTok or Instagram. She does a lot of "Get Ready With Me" videos and travel vlogs that feel way more personal than your average celebrity PR.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Rewatch the Classics: Pretty Little Liars is currently streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max). It’s worth a rewatch just to see how much the cinematography changed from the pilot to the finale.
- Check out Béis: If you need a new gym bag or a carry-on, look at Shay’s brand. It’s actually functional, not just "celebrity merch."
- Watch 'Thirst': Shay has a travel/drink series called Thirst on Max where she explores different cultures through their beverages. It’s basically a more fun version of a travel documentary.
Whether you know her as the girl who survived Rosewood or the woman selling you your favorite suitcase, Shay Mitchell has proven she's way more than just the person who played Emily Fields. She’s a blueprint for how to transition from a teen idol to a legitimate business powerhouse without losing your personality along the way.