John Victor Shea III was born in 1949 in North Conway, New Hampshire, to Elizabeth Mary (Fuller) and Dr. John Victor Shea, a teacher, coach, and assistant Superintendent of Schools. He is of Irish and German descent.
John was raised in Massachusetts, and received his BA from Bates College, which he achieved on debating and football scholarships. He then attended Yale University and earned an MFA directing from its School of Drama.
Following New York stage work, including his portrayal of Paris in a production of "Romeo and Juliet" (1977),initial on-camera notice came on TV with his reverential portrayal of Joseph in the mini-movie The Nativity (1978).
