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Erica Shaffer
Erica Shaffer
Erica Shaffer
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Erica Shaffer is an American actress who has worked in independent films and television.

Key Information

Her film appearances include A Family Affair,[1] The Truth is Always Complicated, The Fall,[2] Catalina Trust, The Socratic Method, Three on a Match and West Coast.

Shaffer's television credits include guest star and recurring roles on Days of Our Lives, Valentine, Eleventh Hour, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, CSI Miami, Las Vegas, The King of Queens, Windfall, The Young and the Restless, Charmed, Mind of Mencia, Clubhouse, Fight for Fame, Silk Stalkings, Veronica's Closet, Night Man and Pensacola: Wings of Gold. She has hosted shows such as Vacation Challenge on the Travel Channel and Cafe Sound on Access Entertainment Network.

Shaffer has been in more than 200 commercials and has also been the host of the web series Personal Injury Network.

Shaffer is a voice over artist for animation and has voiced many characters, including the lead heroines and villains in Pioneer LDC's Nazca, I My Me! Strawberry Eggs, Paranoia Agent and Amazing Nurse Nanako. She has also done voiceovers for radio commercials as well as documentaries for The Learning Channel and The History Channel.

Roles from Shaffer's theater career at the Laguna Playhouse include, "Ruth" from Harvey, starring Charles Durning. Other favorite roles in theater include "Portia" from The Merchant of Venice, "Myrhhine", from Lysistrata, "Joanne" from Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean and "Rose of Sharon" from The Grapes of Wrath. In San Diego Shaffer played "Hyacinth" in Scapan directed by William Ball.

She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and Actors' Equity Association. (AEA)

Shaffer is a private speech and acting coach with her own practice on the west side of Los Angeles.

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Other notes
1992 Spirit of Wonder: China-san no yûutsu Lily voice: English version
1999 Three on a Match
Little Heroes Ms Bakman
Catalina Trust Kitty
2000 West Coast Julie
2001 The Socratic Method Susan Walsh
2004 The Kids Who Saved Summer Penny voice
SpellForce: Shadow of the Phoenix voice: English version
2006 Cattle Call Computer Dating Woman #3
2007 Two-Eleven Elizabeth Summerfeild
2008 The Fall Brooke Jakubiak completed
The B.A.M.N. Squad post-production
2010 Puppet Master: Axis of Evil Elma Coogan
2012 Detention (2011 film) Slone

Anime

[edit]

Television

[edit]

TV commercials

[edit]

Infomercials

[edit]
  • 70s Music Explosion (2005)
  • Bowflex TreadClimber (2006)
  • BetterTrades (2007)
  • Kiyoseki Pro (2007)
  • Cobra Stunlight (2007)
  • Nutrisystem for Men (2007)
  • Luminess Air (2007)
  • Ultreo (2007)
  • KY (2006)
  • Billboards 70s (2009)
  • Ninja (2010)
  • Food Saver System (2011)

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Erica Shaffer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Erica Shaffer is an American actress, voice actress, and spokesperson born on March 6, 1970, in , . She is known for her work in , independent films, commercials, and projects, often portraying reporters, mothers, and supporting characters across various genres. As a member of and (AEA), Shaffer has built a versatile career in , where she also serves as a private speech and acting coach specializing in techniques. Shaffer grew up dancing with the and pursued formal training, earning a (BFA) in from in and a (MFA) in from the . Her early experiences in ballet and theater laid the foundation for her on-screen presence, leading to roles in over 200 commercials and a transition into television and film in the early . Among her notable television appearances, Shaffer has had recurring roles on as reporter Julia and guest spots on shows including , , S.W.A.T., Hawaii Five-0, , Dexter, and . In film, she has appeared in projects such as King Richard (2021) and the independent drama A Family Affair (2001). As a voice actress, Shaffer has contributed to animations and video games, voicing characters like Maria, Hijiri Kanata, and Unchou Kan’u in titles including those from the series. Her multifaceted career also extends to hosting and podcast work, such as playing Louise Irene Marshall in the audio series EDITH! (2021).

Early Life and Education

Upbringing

Erica Shaffer was born on March 6, 1970, in , . She is the daughter of and Janice Shaffer. As an only child raised in a creative household, Shaffer grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged artistic pursuits, including family summer trips to the Southwest and , where they explored Native American culture due to her father's heritage. Shaffer's early years were spent in rural , where she lived close to nature and participated in activities such as raising rabbits and burros through the Club, fostering a sense of independence and connection to her surroundings. The proximity of to Hollywood, just a few hours away, subtly influenced her awareness of the entertainment industry during her childhood, though her initial interests leaned toward hands-on creative experiences rather than formal performance. At the age of six, Shaffer enrolled in her first class and quickly developed a passion for and performing, drawn by her natural talent that placed her in prominent roles. She grew up training and performing with the California Ballet Company, as well as groups like the New West Ballet Theatre and North Coast Ballet, which provided her early exposure to the discipline and of the .

Training and Early Influences

Erica Shaffer pursued formal acting training at (now ) in , where she earned a (BFA) in , graduating magna cum laude. This program provided her with a rigorous foundation in performance techniques, including voice, movement, and character development, essential for her transition into professional acting. Following her undergraduate studies, Shaffer advanced her education at the , obtaining a (MFA) in and Directing, where she also served as a in voice and movement classes. Her graduate work deepened her understanding of theatrical production and , preparing her for diverse roles in stage and screen. During this period, she participated in university theater activities, applying her skills in student-led performances that emphasized ensemble work and . Shaffer's early training was significantly shaped by her extensive background in , beginning with enrollment in classes at age six and continued training with the California Ballet Company throughout her youth. This discipline instilled a strong emphasis on physical precision, stamina, and expressive movement, which complemented her education and informed her approach to embodying characters with heightened physicality. Her childhood dance experiences, rooted in San Diego's community, served as an initial influence bridging her informal beginnings to structured academic pursuits. As she completed her formal education, Shaffer achieved key professional milestones by securing membership in the (SAG), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), and (AEA). These affiliations marked her entry into the unionized acting world, enabling access to auditions and contracts while underscoring her commitment to ethical standards and career sustainability in the industry.

Live-Action Career

Film Roles

Erica Shaffer's live-action film career began in the late 1990s with roles in independent cinema, where she often portrayed complex characters in low-budget dramas exploring personal relationships. Her debut feature was the 1998 independent drama Three on a Match, directed by Fred Robbins, in which she played Beth, one half of a lesbian couple grappling with decisions about parenthood. This was followed by Catalina Trust (1999), a family-oriented indie film where she portrayed Kitty Lehuesen, a supporting character navigating inheritance disputes among siblings. In 2000, Shaffer appeared as Julie in West Coast, a slice-of-life drama set over a single summer day in Northern California, highlighting interpersonal tensions in a coastal community. Her role as Susan Walsh in the 2001 legal drama The Socratic Method further established her in indie circuits, playing a law student involved in ethical dilemmas during a mock trial. Throughout the 2000s, Shaffer continued to build her resume in independent and genre films, frequently taking on supporting roles that added depth to ensemble casts. In The Fall (2008), an independent crime thriller directed by John Krueger, she delivered a lead performance as Brooke, a woman entangled in a web of betrayal and violence following a botched robbery. She transitioned into horror with Puppet Master: Axis of Evil (2010), a direct-to-video entry in the long-running franchise, where she played Elma Coogan, the mother of the protagonist facing Nazi puppet threats during World War II. This was followed by Detention (2011), a black comedy slasher film directed by Joseph Kahn, in which Shaffer portrayed Sloan Foster, a guidance counselor dealing with chaotic high school students amid supernatural events. Around the same period, she appeared in The Truth (2010) as Gabriel's mother, a dramatic role in an indie thriller examining family secrets and redemption. In the 2010s and beyond, Shaffer's film work reflected a progression toward more diverse supporting roles in both mainstream and independent projects, often in dramas and horrors that underscored her versatility in portraying authoritative or maternal figures. She played Caroline in the 2017 indie drama Counting for Thunder, a poignant story of grief and healing in a rural setting. After a role in the Lifetime thriller A Daughter's (2019), Shaffer gained wider visibility as a tournament official in the biographical sports drama King Richard (2021), directed by , supporting the story of the ' rise in . Recent credits include Samantha Jorgensen in the 2020 indie drama By Design, exploring themes of creativity and loss; Doctor Nylander in the 2022 horror-thriller If Walls Could Talk; Ellen in the 2022 slasher Requiem for a Scream; and Chase Abbott's mother in the 2023 romantic comedy-drama The Astrid Experience. Shaffer's filmography is characterized by supporting and occasional lead roles in independent cinema, particularly in dramas that delve into emotional and familial dynamics, as well as horror films where she often embodies resilient maternal or professional archetypes. Her career trajectory demonstrates a steady presence in the indie sector, with selective forays into higher-profile productions like King Richard, allowing her to contribute to narratives of perseverance and human connection without dominating the spotlight.

Television Appearances

Erica Shaffer has amassed over 20 television credits in live-action series, spanning guest appearances, co-starring roles, and recurring parts from the mid-2000s through the , often showcasing her versatility in both dramatic and comedic formats. Her work frequently features supporting characters in ensemble casts, contributing to storylines involving family dynamics, crime investigations, and supernatural elements. In daytime soaps, Shaffer held recurring roles that highlighted her ability to portray grounded, everyday professionals amid high-stakes narratives. On Days of Our Lives, she appeared recurrently as Nurse #2 and Tamar across multiple episodes in 2012, supporting the show's medical and familial drama. Similarly, in The Young and the Restless, she co-starred as Gwen Peterson in 2004–2005, integrating into the soap's intricate web of relationships and corporate intrigue. These roles underscored her dramatic range in serialized storytelling. Shaffer's primetime guest spots often placed her in procedural and comedy series, blending tension with humor. In dramatic procedurals, she played a newswoman in CSI: Miami's 2007 episode "Rush," aiding the investigation into a high-profile murder. She also guest-starred in Eleventh Hour (2008), contributing to the science thriller's exploration of ethical dilemmas, and in Three Rivers (2009), a medical drama focused on organ transplants. On the supernatural side, Shaffer portrayed Anna Woods in Charmed's 2005 episode "Carpe Demon," assisting the protagonists in a magical confrontation. In teen-oriented dramas like The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008) and Valentine (2008), she took on co-starring roles that delved into coming-of-age themes and romantic entanglements. Comedic appearances allowed Shaffer to lean into lighter, relatable characters. She guest-starred as Jamie in The King of Queens' 2005 episode "Awed Couple," injecting humor into a storyline about marital mishaps. In the short-lived sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine (2009), she played Mrs. Bethany Burke, enhancing the show's witty take on family and midlife challenges. Additional spots in comedies such as Greek (2007) further demonstrated her comedic timing in college-life scenarios. Later in her career, Shaffer continued with recurring and guest roles in popular network shows, maintaining a balance between drama and comedy. Her recurring portrayal of Reporter Julia on Scandal from 2012 to 2018 spanned multiple seasons, providing journalistic perspective to political thrillers. She also appeared in action-dramas like S.W.A.T. (2017) and Station 19 (2018), as well as family comedies including Family Time (2012, recurring as Vivian Stallworth). These credits reflect her sustained presence in television across genres.

Voice Acting Career

Anime Dubbing

Erica Shaffer entered the field of anime dubbing in the late 1990s, beginning her voice acting career with English-language adaptations of Japanese animated series and OVAs, primarily through studios like ADV Films. Her early roles showcased a range of characters, from protagonists to supporting figures, marking her transition into professional voice work focused on anime post-production. Shaffer's vocal performances in dubbing are noted for their versatility, allowing her to portray both action-oriented warriors and emotionally complex individuals across genres like , fantasy, and . This adaptability contributed to her casting in diverse roles, often requiring shifts between intense, combative delivery and nuanced, introspective tones. Her anime dubbing credits span over a decade, with key contributions to several notable series. The following table provides a chronological overview of select projects, including years, formats, characters voiced, and primary dubbing studios where documented:
YearTitleFormatCharacter(s) VoicedStudio
1998NazcaTVYuka Kiritake/Aquira, TV NewscasterADV Films
1999Amazing Nurse NanakoOVAKaoru SatsukiADV Films
2001I My Me! Strawberry EggsTVVice-Principal Reiko MukogawaADV Films
2001Spirit of Wonder: Scientific Boys ClubOVALilyADV Films
2003TexhnolyzeTVMother, Promoter's LoverADV Films
2003Ikki TousenTVKanu UnchoADV Films
2003L/R: Licensed by RoyaltyTVCynthiaADV Films
2004Paranoia AgentTVHarumi Chono, MariaADV Films
2004Daphne in the Brilliant BlueTVRosemaryADV Films
2005Gun x SwordTVEarlADV Films
2006Girls BravoTVHijiri KanataADV Films
2006Ergo ProxyTVQuinnGeneon Entertainment
2007Ikki Tousen: Dragon DestinyTVUnchou Kan'uADV Films
2008Ikki Tousen: Great GuardiansTVUnchou Kan'uADV Films
These roles highlight Shaffer's involvement in high-profile dubs during the early anime boom in , often collaborating with ADV Films on adaptations that emphasized character-driven narratives.

Other Voice Work

Erica Shaffer has provided narration for numerous documentaries on The Learning Channel (TLC) and The History Channel, contributing her versatile voice to educational programming that explores historical and scientific topics. In addition to broadcast narration, Shaffer has lent her voice to countless radio commercials, delivering engaging spots for various brands and enhancing her reputation as a prolific voice-over artist in media. Her animation work extends to video games, where she voiced Sykes in The Last Remnant (2008) and provided voice acting in SpellForce: Shadow of the Phoenix (2004). Throughout her career, Shaffer has contributed to over 200 projects across commercials, infomercials, and other media, showcasing her range in narrative and promotional content. More recently, in 2021, she appeared in the scripted Edith!, voicing the roles of Louise Irene Marshall, Older Woman, and Mother across three episodes.

Advertising Work

Television Commercials

Erica Shaffer has appeared in over 200 television commercials across more than two decades, establishing her as one of the most recognizable faces in American advertising. These 30- to 60-second spots have served as a primary and steady income source for her since the , complementing her pursuits in film and television. Shaffer has contributed to national campaigns both on-camera and through voice-over work, often portraying relatable everyday consumers or spokespersons to promote a wide array of products. Her advertisements frequently highlight themes of , household solutions, and consumer lifestyle enhancements, resonating with broad audiences through her warm, approachable delivery. For instance, she has featured in spots for home and garden brands like and , emphasizing practical benefits for homeowners. Notable examples include her role as a spokesperson in the 2018 Spectrum Business Internet campaign, where she addressed connectivity needs. In the food and beverage sector, Shaffer appeared in a 7UP commercial alongside rapper , showcasing the product's refreshing appeal, as well as earlier ads for (2007) and (2010). For tools and maintenance products, she starred in four 2023 Craftsman spots under the "Do It with Craftsman" banner, demonstrating tool reliability in DIY scenarios, and a 2006 WD-40 commercial highlighting its multi-use versatility. As of 2025, she continues to appear in national TV ad campaigns.

Infomercials

Erica Shaffer has hosted several prominent , leveraging her on-camera presence to promote products in extended formats typically exceeding 30 minutes. In 2006, she co-hosted the infomercial for Time Life's "70s " music collection alongside Barry Williams, featuring nostalgic segments and direct sales pitches for the compilation series. The following year, Shaffer appeared in the TreadClimber infomercial, co-hosting with fitness expert Owen McKibbin to demonstrate the home exercise machine's features, emphasizing ease of use and results for and cardiovascular . Also in 2007, she co-hosted the for Men infomercial with former quarterback , highlighting customized meal plans and testimonials from athletes like Jim Stuckey and to target male audiences seeking sustainable dieting solutions. Beyond these, Shaffer provided voice-over hosting for the audio tracks in the Monster Job Search infomercial, guiding viewers through career advice and job placement services with an engaging narrative style. Her work in these long-form presentations helped refine her on-camera delivery, characterized by a friendly and approachable demeanor that builds viewer trust and encourages purchases. This technique, honed through repeated infomercial roles, involves clear product demonstrations, relatable testimonials, and urgent calls to action, contributing to her recognition as one of television's most familiar commercial faces.

Other Professional Activities

Theater Performances

Erica Shaffer's theater career began during her formal education, where she honed her skills in classical and contemporary roles. While pursuing her BFA in Acting at in , she performed as Hyacinth in Scapin, directed by William Ball, an early professional credit that showcased her versatility in comedic and dramatic ensemble work. Following this, during her MFA in Acting at the , Shaffer took on significant roles in university-affiliated productions. She portrayed Myrhinne in , directed by Carol Calkins, and Portia in , directed by Harold Dixon, both emphasizing her command of Shakespearean language and classical poise. Additionally, she played Rose of Sharon in at the Arizona Repertory Theatre, under Harold Dixon's direction, a role that highlighted her emotional depth in John Steinbeck's epic narrative. Post-graduation, Shaffer's stage work transitioned into professional Equity productions, building on her academic foundation. She appeared as Joanne in Come Back to the 5 & Dime, , , a role that allowed her to explore introspective character dynamics in Ed Graczyk's drama. Her early training with the California Ballet Company further enhanced her physical expressiveness on stage, contributing to fluid movement in these performances. In 2003, Shaffer earned acclaim for her portrayal of in Mary Chase's Harvey at the Laguna Playhouse, opposite as Elwood P. Dowd; critics noted her nuanced depiction of the nurse's evolving empathy amid the play's whimsical tone. This Equity production marked a pivotal professional milestone, demonstrating her ability to blend timing and subtlety in a revival that toured prior to a planned Broadway engagement. Shaffer's theater experience, particularly her grounding in live performance and ensemble collaboration, provided a strong foundation that informed her transition to screen acting, where she applied disciplined vocal and physical techniques developed on . As a member of , her stage credits underscored a commitment to live theater that complemented her later work in film and television.

Hosting and Coaching

Erica Shaffer has built a notable career in television hosting, leveraging her skills as an actress and spokesperson to engage audiences in and programming. She served as the series host for Vacation Challenge on the , a show that pitted travel agents against each other to create ideal vacations for contestants based on compelling personal stories. Additionally, Shaffer hosted Café Sound on Access Entertainment Network, where she introduced music videos and curated content for viewers interested in contemporary sounds. Her hosting portfolio also includes a featured role on Open Call for the Channel, focusing on talent showcases and industry insights. In recognition of her hosting prowess, Shaffer received a nomination for Best Host at the 2011 ERA Moxie Awards, honoring her contributions to direct-response television and related programming. These roles highlight her ability to deliver energetic, professional on-camera presence, drawing from her extensive experience in commercials and voice work. Beyond hosting, Shaffer maintains a private practice as a speech and acting coach on the west side of , where she provides personalized training to aspiring performers and professionals. With over two decades of expertise in teleprompter use and on-camera delivery—honed through her own career as a host and —she offers specialized coaching in , audition techniques, and media presentation skills. Her approach emphasizes practical, industry-focused guidance, helping clients build confidence for television, film, and commercial opportunities.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0787307/
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  21. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=6206
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  23. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/The-Last-Remnant/Marina-Sykes/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14899820/fullcredits/
  25. http://www.ericashaffer.com/Erica%20Shaffer%20CCN%20June19.pdf
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  31. https://variety.com/2003/legit/reviews/harvey-4-1200540525/
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  33. https://www.playbill.com/article/van-pattens-join-durning-in-cast-of-broadway-bound-harvey-at-laguna-playhouse-com-113185
  34. https://www.prlog.org/11656994-erica-shaffer-nominated-best-host-for-2011-era-moxie-award.html
  35. http://www.filmreference.com/film/24/Erica-Shaffer.html
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