Gerry Shanahan was born in Waterford City. He moved to Navan Co. Meath at an early age. He started his acting career in 2001. He is the holder of a Private Pilots license and is an American Kenpo Karate Black Belt instructor. He trained at the Gaeity School of Acting in Dublin and the Irish Film Actors studio in Ireland run by John Cantwell. He also trained in the USA with Margie Haber, Crystal Carson and Mark W. Travis. He has appeared with many leading talents including: Donald Sutherland, Geoffrey Rush, Niamh Cusack and Gerard McSorley. He also writes and directs.