Shelley Hennig holding a microphone, wearing a lavender knitted sweater, speaking at an indoor event.

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Shelley Hennig

Born

January 2, 1987

Died
Birthplace

Metairie, Louisiana, US

Age

39 Years Old

Horoscope

Capricorn

Who Is Shelley Hennig?

Shelley Catherine Hennig is an American actress recognized for bringing depth to complex characters across television and film. Her career trajectory uniquely blends beauty pageant success with compelling dramatic performances.

She first captivated a national audience by winning Miss Teen USA in 2004, an achievement that launched her into the public eye. This early spotlight quickly transitioned into prominent acting roles.

Full NameShelley Catherine Hennig
GenderFemale
Height5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Relationship StatusSingle
Net Worth$2 million
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityEuropean American
EducationDestrehan High School, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts
FatherGlenn H. Hennig Sr.
MotherCathy Distefano Gosset
SiblingsGlenn H. Hennig Jr., Brad Joseph Hennig

Early Life and Education

Born on January 2, 1987, in Metairie, Louisiana, Shelley Hennig grew up as the youngest of three, with two older brothers. Her formative years showed an early passion for dance alongside notable academic achievements.

She attended Destrehan High School, where she was an “Academic Excellence Student” and engaged in dance competitions. Her path led to winning Miss Teen USA, which provided a scholarship to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.

Notable Relationships

A series of notable connections has shaped Shelley Catherine Hennig’s dating history, though she maintains a private approach to her personal life. She had a confirmed relationship with her Days of Our Lives co-star, Jay Kenneth Johnson, from 2007 to 2012.

Hennig is currently unmarried and has no children. She was also rumored to have briefly dated actors Thomas Dekker and Ben McKenzie in the years following her split from Johnson.

Career Highlights

Shelley Catherine Hennig launched her acting career after winning Miss Teen USA in 2004, quickly landing roles that showcased her talent. She earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for her compelling portrayal of Stephanie Johnson on the soap opera Days of Our Lives.

Hennig gained significant fan recognition as Malia Tate on MTV’s supernatural drama Teen Wolf, a role she inhabited for several seasons. Beyond television, she has appeared in notable films like Unfriended and the Netflix action comedy Obliterated, winning a Teen Choice Award for her TV work.

Signature Quote

“Personally, in real life, I’m a little more down-and-dirty than I am glamorous.”