"You realize this isn't just about me, right? Like, h-he can't grow up like Homelander."

Shantel VanSanten is the next guest attending the 2026 Cincinnati Comic Expo!

Born in Minnesota and raised in Houston, Shantel found her passion for acting upon moving to Los Angeles. She first made an impression on an audience in the controversial drama, You and I, directed by legendary filmmaker Roland Joffe (The Killing Fields). The movie exposed her passion and power on-screen. Shortly thereafter, she landed her first major TV role on "CSI: NY," which was followed closely by her a series regular role on the hit series "One Tree Hill." VanSanten's success has continued to grow with lead and recurring roles on shows such as "Gang Related," "The Messengers" and "The Flash" on which she played "Patty Spivot." Shantel also starred as "Julie Swagger" the wife of lead character Bob Lee Swagger on the popular USA Network series, “Shooter.” Some of her other film and TV credits include “The Final Destination” and “Remembrance” as well as the CW series "Beauty and the Beast." In 2019, VanSanten starred in the Apple TV+ space series, For All Mankind, and was cast in a recurring role on the Amazon Original series, “The Boys”.

She is currently starring in FBI, as Special Agent Nina Chase, and can be heard as the voice of Anissa in Invincible on Prime. When not focused on TV and film projects, VanSanten is a devoted philanthropist and activist. She volunteers with several organizations but her passion has been in working The American Lung Association's "Lung Force" initiative. She got involved after the untimely passing of her grandmother, Doris Dooymea. She has served as spokeswoman at several events and raised funds for research, education and to help the familiar of this affected.

Get your admission tickets to the 2026 Cincinnati Comic Expo for an opportunity to get an autograph and photo op on Saturday and Sunday with Shantel by getting your tickets to the 2026 Cincinnati Comic Expo here.