"It's hard not to have a connection with Shailyn. I don't know how one cannot feel the gravity of this young woman; it's impossible."
-Aunjanue Ellis
Shailyn Pierre-Dixon is best known for her role as 'Young Aminata' in the 2015 award-winning mini-series The Book of Negroes, an adaptation of Lawrence Hill's highly acclaimed novel of the same title. Shailyn's powerful performance won her a Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as a Golden Maple Award nomination for Newcomer of the Year, and ACTRA Award nomination for Outstanding Performance.
Shailyn began her career as a child model, displaying a natural talent for the arts she became increasingly fascinated with acting. She earned her first film role as 'Kelly' in the 2013 Hollywood blockbuster, The Best Man Holiday. In 2014, Shailyn landed the role of 'Young Aminata' in The Book of Negroes, and later that fall became part of broadcast media history, joining the lead cast of Between, Netflix's first Canadian co-production. In 2015, at the age of 11, Shailyn had the honour of presenting at the Canadian Screen Awards, becoming the youngest presenter in Academy history. While awaiting the release of two more film projects in 2016, Jean of the Joneses (SXSW Film Festival), and Hollywood action blockbuster Suicide Squad, Shailyn rejoined the cast of Between for a second season, reprising her role of 'Frances' for which she earned a second Canadian Screen Award nomination. In 2017, Shailyn was honoured by Maison Birks & Telefilm Canada in its 5th edition of the TIFF Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year's Women in Film, becoming the youngest honouree to date. Other recipients of this prestigious recognition include Sandra Oh, Catherine O'Hara, Sarah Polley and Tatiana Maslany.
Taking time to focus on her education, Shailyn attended an immersive arts high school, graduating with honours and as valedictorian of her 2021 Dramatic Regional Arts Program. Continuing her commitment to her craft, Shailyn joined the classes of 2025 pursuing a BFA at university, all while working on several new and exciting projects, guest starring in popular television series Pretty Hard Cases and Departure, released in 2022.
Since the beginning of her career, Shailyn's reputation as an emerging and incredible talent has been preceded only by her reputation as an endearing sweetheart. Audiences and industry heavyweights have taken notice, regarding her as an exciting young face to watch.
"I just want to
be proud
of the work
that I do."
- Shailyn Pierre-Dixon
A note from Shailyn:
I am immensely grateful to be able to do what I love and to have people respond to my work positively. I'm still learning and growing in my craft, trying new things and finding new areas to expand into. I just want to be proud of the work that I do, whatever it may be. I hope that I can inspire others the way that my family and all of the beautiful people I've met while doing this work, have inspired me, to stay focused, work hard, do my best in all things, lead with love and never give up.