Shanna Lynn Moakler was born on March 28, 1975, in Providence, Rhode Island. She is of Irish, Portuguese, and German descent. She attended Barrington High School in Barrington, Rhode Island. Before her acting career, she was involved in beauty pageants.
Moakler began her career in beauty pageants, winning the title of Miss Rhode Island Teen USA in 1992. She went on to win the Miss Teen USA title in 1992. In 1995, she was crowned Miss New York USA, and later that year, she became the first runner-up at the Miss USA pageant after Chelsi Smith won the title. When Smith won Miss Universe, Moakler inherited the title of Miss USA.
Moakler transitioned into acting following her pageant career. She has appeared in both television and film, often in supporting roles. She has not had a lead role in any major motion picture.