Katt Shea

Biography

Katt Shea, born Kathleen Ann Shea on October 9, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American actress, director, screenwriter, and acting teacher. She is best known for directing the erotic thriller Poison Ivy (1992), which was nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Shea was raised in Detroit by an artist father and a nurse mother. She graduated with honors from the University of Michigan, where she studied teaching. After a brief stint teaching blind children, she moved to Hollywood at age 19, pursuing a modeling career and studying at UCLA. Shea appeared in small roles in films such as Scarface (1983) and Psycho III (1986).

Transition to Directing

In 1986, Shea collaborated with Andy Ruben on The Patriot, leading to a partnership with producer Roger Corman. Corman financed Shea's directorial debut, Stripped to Kill (1987), launching her career as a director. Shea directed several films for Corman, including Dance of the Damned (1989) and Streets (1990), showcasing her talent for storytelling and working with actors.

Breakthrough with Poison Ivy

Shea's breakthrough came with Poison Ivy (1992), starring Drew Barrymore. The film premiered at Sundance and, despite a limited theatrical release, gained a cult following through cable and video. It led to three sequels and established Shea as a notable director in the thriller genre.

Continued Success and Recognition

Shea directed The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999), a sequel to the classic horror film, receiving positive reviews for its complexity and tension. Her television film Sharing the Secret (2000) won a Peabody Award, highlighting her ability to handle sensitive subjects with nuance. Shea's work has been honored with retrospectives at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the British Film Institute in London.

Recent Projects and Teaching

In recent years, Shea directed Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019) and the Netflix original Rescued by Ruby (2022), which received a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. She continues to teach acting, mentoring talents like Drew Barrymore and Sophia Lillis. Shea is also an author, having published her first novel, Batshit Black, a provocative YA novel available on Amazon.

Personal Life

Shea was married to collaborator Andy Ruben from 1979 to 1992. She resides in Agua Dulce, California, where she enjoys horseback riding and continues to contribute to the film industry through her creative endeavors.