Andrew Shue: The Multifaceted Career of an Actor, Athlete, and Entrepreneur
Andrew Shue is widely recognized for his versatility, having successfully navigated careers in the entertainment industry, professional sports, and social entrepreneurship. While many remember him as a staple of 1990s television, his contributions extend far beyond the screen, ranging from the soccer pitches of Zimbabwe to the boardrooms of global non-profits.
Key Facts
- Best Known For: Playing Billy Campbell on the hit series Melrose Place (1992–1999).
- Athletic Achievement: Played professional soccer for the LA Galaxy and Bulawayo Highlanders.
- Entrepreneurship: Co-founded the non-profit DoSomething and the social network CafeMom.
- Education: Earned a B.A. in history from Dartmouth College in 1989.
- Family: Brother of actress Elisabeth Shue.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 20, 1967, in Wilmington, Delaware, Andrew Shue grew up in a family of high achievers. His father, James William Shue, was a lawyer and real estate developer active in Republican politics, while his mother, Anne Brewster, served as a bank executive. Shue's lineage includes a descent from Pilgrim leader William Brewster.
Shue attended Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, where he was later inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994. He continued his education at Dartmouth College, where he excelled as a Regional All America soccer player. During his college years, he spent a winter in Glasgow, Scotland, playing for Queen's Park FC. After graduating with a degree in history in 1989, Shue traveled to Zimbabwe to teach high school mathematics at Founders High School while continuing his soccer pursuits.
Acting Career
Shue's most prominent role came in May 1992 when he was cast as Billy Campbell in the Aaron Spelling soap opera Melrose Place. He remained a series regular for six years, appearing in 191 episodes. During his tenure on the show, he also took on a dramatic role as an abusive husband in Francis Ford Coppola's film The Rainmaker.
Throughout his early career, Shue often appeared alongside his sister, actress Elisabeth Shue, in uncredited roles in films such as The Karate Kid, Cocktail, and Adventures in Babysitting. In 2007, he co-produced and appeared in the film Gracie, a project that served as a tribute to his elder brother, Will, who passed away in 1988. The film's story was loosely based on Elisabeth's experience as the only girl on an all-boys soccer team.
Professional Soccer Career
Unlike many actors who play sports for leisure, Shue pursued soccer at a professional level across several continents. In Zimbabwe, he played for the Bulawayo Highlanders, contributing to a season where the team won both the CBZ Cup and the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League titles. Notably, he was the only white player in the league at the time.
Upon returning to the United States, Shue played indoor soccer for Los Angeles United (1993) and the Anaheim Splash (1994). His career culminated in 1996 when he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS), recording one assist in five games before being placed on injured reserve for the 1997 season.
| Team | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dartmouth Big Green (College) | 1985–1988 | 53 | 8 |
| Bulawayo Highlanders | 1990 | N/A | N/A |
| Los Angeles United (Indoor) | 1993 | 1 | 0 |
| Anaheim Splash (Indoor) | 1994 | 2 | 0 |
| LA Galaxy | 1996–1997 | 5 | 0 |
Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
Shue has leveraged his platform to create impactful digital and social ventures. Alongside Michael Sanchez, he co-founded DoSomething, a global non-profit organization where he continues to serve on the board of directors.
In 2006, Shue and Sanchez also launched CafeMom, a social networking site designed for mothers to share advice and connect. While the community forums were shut down in 2018 due to high advertising costs, the company evolved into a family of brands including The Stir, Baby Name Wizard, and MamasLatinas. Additionally, Shue explored the audio medium by co-hosting the podcast Mad Life.
Personal Life
Andrew Shue has been married twice. He first married floral designer Jennifer Hageney in 1994, with whom he has three sons; the couple divorced in 2008. In 2010, he married ABC News correspondent and Good Morning America co-anchor Amy Robach. The couple separated in 2022 and finalized their divorce in March 2023. By late 2023, reports indicated that Shue had begun dating Marilee Fiebeg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andrew Shue most famous for?
Andrew Shue is most famous for his role as Billy Campbell on the television series Melrose Place, which aired from 1992 to 1999.
Did Andrew Shue actually play professional soccer?
Yes, he played professionally for several teams, including the Bulawayo Highlanders in Zimbabwe and the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer.
What non-profit organization did Andrew Shue co-found?
Andrew Shue co-founded DoSomething, a global non-profit organization, and currently serves on its board of directors.
Is Andrew Shue related to any other celebrities?
Yes, he is the brother of actress Elisabeth Shue.
What happened to the website CafeMom?
While CafeMom's community forums were shut down in May 2018 due to advertising costs, the company continues to operate as a family of sites, including The Stir and Baby Name Wizard.