When people look into the lives of young performers who make a splash in Hollywood and on Broadway, they often find networks of family support that fuel their journeys. Abi Monterey—born Abigail Shapiro—is an accomplished actress and singer who shares a rich creative background with her younger sister, Milly Shapiro. While Milly captured global attention with her breakout role in the 2018 horror film Hereditary and her Tony-nominated Broadway run in Matilda, Abi has built an impressive career of her own on stage and screen, most notably playing the fictional character Dorothy Spinner in the DC Universe series Doom Patrol.
Understanding the dynamic between Abi Monterey and Milly Shapiro requires looking past simple tabloid labels. They aren't just famous siblings; they are lifelong artistic collaborators who trained together, performed as the Shapiro Sisters, and navigated the unique pressures of the entertainment industry while managing cleidocranial dysostosis, a rare genetic condition that they share with their mother, Michelle Shapiro.
Early Roots and Musical Upbringing in Florida
Born on June 20, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, to parents Michelle and Eric Shapiro, Abi grew up in an environment that heavily encouraged artistic expression. Long before television screens or Broadway playbills came into focus, music served as the household's primary language. Abi began her formal training early, eventually studying as an opera singer at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music.
Her training shaped her vocal control and stage presence, allowing her to transition smoothly into theatrical productions. Before her television career took off, Abi appeared in projects like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and lent her voice to the collective ensemble recording Broadway Kids Against Bullying: I Have a Voice. This rigorous early grounding mirrors the trajectory of her sister Milly, who also started vocal training as a toddler before moving to New York City to pursue professional theater.
Transitioning to Television: The Breakthrough in Doom Patrol
While stage work defined much of Abi's early artistic life, her mainstream television breakthrough arrived when she cast as Dorothy Spinner in Doom Patrol. Portraying a character with complex psychological depths and imaginative, dangerous imaginary friends required a delicate balance of vulnerability and raw acting skill.
Before landing the role, Abi attended Fordham University as a theater major on the performance track. Leaving a traditional university setting to dive straight into a major television series is a high-stakes move for any young actor, but her foundational opera and theater training provided the discipline needed to hold her own alongside a veteran ensemble cast. Her performance on the show introduced her to a massive worldwide fanbase that often bridges over with admirers of her sister's work in genre cinema.
The Shapiro Sisters and Creative Collaboration
One of the most unique aspects of Abi and Milly's professional relationship is their ongoing collaboration. Performing together as the Shapiro Sisters, the two combine their vocal talents and theatrical backgrounds into cabaret acts and musical showcases.
Their creative partnership extends beyond live singing. They frequently team up behind the camera as well, working together on independent music videos and digital artistic projects where they direct, style, and conceptualize the visual elements themselves. In interviews and joint profiles, they often highlight each other's quick-witted artistic minds and shared tastes, proving that sibling rivalry takes a back seat to mutual creative respect.
Navigating Representation and Cleidocranial Dysostosis
Beyond their artistic credits, both Abi and Milly—along with their mother—have been open about living with cleidocranial dysostosis, a rare genetic condition affecting the development of bones and teeth. Growing up in the public eye with a visible, uncommon medical condition presents unique hurdles in an industry obsessed with conventional aesthetics.
Rather than shying away from public scrutiny, the family has embraced visibility. By carving out successful spaces in major television shows and blockbuster films, Abi and Milly have broken down rigid casting molds. They demonstrate that unique physical traits do not limit an actor's range, paving the way for better disability representation in mainstream media. You can read more about how major platforms approach inclusive casting via SAG-AFTRA guidelines on diversity and inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Abi Monterey and Milly Shapiro twins?
No, they are not twins. Abi Monterey was born on June 20, 2000, making her the older sister, while Milly Shapiro was born in 2002.
What is Abi Monterey best known for?
Abi is best known for her role as Dorothy Spinner in the television series Doom Patrol, as well as her extensive background in musical theater and opera performance.
Do Abi Monterey and Milly Shapiro perform together?
Yes. They frequently perform together under the moniker the Shapiro Sisters, combining their classical and musical theater training in live concert settings and collaborative digital projects.
Where did Abi Monterey study acting and music?
Abi trained as an opera singer at the Manhattan School of Music and studied theater as a performance major at Fordham University before transitioning to professional screen acting.
