Shay Mitchell

In 2010, Mitchell was cast in a role that catapulted her career into teen superstardom. The actress starred in ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars," a mystery drama series based on Sara Shepard's 2006 novel of the same name, about four friends whose lives begin to unravel following the mysterious disappearance of their clique's queen bee. Mitchell played Emily, the athletic and straight-laced member of the group, who realizes that she is gay. "Pretty Little Liars," which was described as a teen version of "Desperate Housewives" (ABC, 2004-), struck a chord with viewers and critics for taking on real-world issues - from body image to homophobia - and giving young women hope and courage to confront their own problems. "Liars" also turned Mitchell and her co-stars Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson and Lucy Hale into Hollywood "It" girls, gracing the covers of magazines and attending major events. Mitchell also earned praise from organizations such as The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for her positive and accurate representation of a gay teen on television.