December 2023

Shantel VanSanten joined the cast of FBI: MOST WANTED as Special Agent Nina Chase at the start of season five. She debuted as that character in a recurring role toward the end of the fourth season of FBI and made various appearances throughout FBI’s fifth season. She also appeared in the FBI 2023 global crossover event, for which she filmed in Rome for the FBI: INTERNATIONAL episode.

VanSanten found her passion for the arts at a young age doing local theater, taking acting classes and writing plays in college. Eventually, she followed her calling by moving to Los Angeles. VanSanten first made an impression on audiences in the film “You and I,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Roland Joffe. Shortly thereafter she landed her first major lead TV role as Quinn James on the hit series “One Tree Hill.”

VanSanten’s success has continued to grow with standout roles in several television series. She recently starred as Karen Baldwin for three seasons in the Apple TV+ critically acclaimed drama series “For All Mankind.” VanSanten also had a pivotal role in the Emmy-nominated series “The Boys,” where she played Becca Butcher for two seasons, and in “Shooter,” which she starred in for three seasons. Other series include “Gang Related,” “The Messengers,” and “The Flash” in which she played Patty Spivot. Some additional film credits include “American Murderer,” “The Final Destination” and “Remembrance.” VanSanten is also the voice of Wraith in the award-winning video game “Apex: Legends” and its subsidiaries.

When not focused on entertainment projects, VanSanten is a devoted philanthropist. She volunteers with several organizations, but her real passion is working with The American Lung Association’s Lung Force initiative after getting involved due to the unfortunate passing of her grandmother, Doris Dooyema. VanSanten has hosted several events, raised funds for research, visited Capitol Hill to fight for policy change and to lobby support for respiratory health, and now serves on The American Lung Association’s board. Giving a voice to the voiceless and carrying on her grandmother’s fight is part of the legacy she wishes to create.

VanSanten was born in Minnesota and grew up between the small farm town of Luverne, Minn., and the sprawling city of Houston, Texas. VanSanten currently resides in Los Angeles when she’s not filming in New York City. VanSanten’s birthday is July 25.