Sasha Pieterse established a career in global television and cinema starting with her debut in the 2002 sitcom Family Affair. Born in Johannesburg in 1996, she relocated to the United States as a child, eventually rising to prominence for her role as Alison DiLaurentis in the teen drama series Pretty Little Liars, which ran on Freeform for seven seasons.
Early Career and Modeling
Before gaining recognition in acting, Pieterse began her professional life as a child model. By age four, she appeared in commercials, including a campaign for Wenner Bread Products, and served as the face of a national billboard campaign for the SuperCuts salon franchise. She also modeled for the Macy’s Passport fashion show and appeared on the covers of magazines such as Seventeen and BELLO.
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Pieterse transitioned from commercials to screen acting by age six. She portrayed Buffy Davis in the series Family Affair and guest-starred in Stargate SG-1 and House. Her film work includes roles in The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Good Luck Chuck, and The Air I Breathe. In 2010, she joined the cast of Pretty Little Liars, a project that spanned nearly a decade including the 2019 spin-off, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. Later projects included the film Inherent Vice, directed by Thomas Pynchon’s source material, and the 2024 psychological thriller The Image of You.
Music and Lifestyle Ventures
Beyond acting, Pieterse pursued a music career, releasing singles including "This Country is Bad Ass" and "R.P.M." in 2013, characterizing her style as country with southern rock influences. She expanded her brand into lifestyle media, launching a website titled Sasha in Good Taste. In 2019, she published a cookbook through Dey Street Books titled Sasha in Good Taste: Recipes for Bites, Feasts, Sips & Celebrations, which offers party planning tips and cooking instructions.
Personal Life and Public Appearances
Pieterse married Hudson Sheaffer in May 2018 at Castle Leslie in Ireland, and the couple welcomed a son in 2020. She participated in the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars in 2017, where she openly discussed her diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. She has also engaged in philanthropic activities, such as working with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans to assist with home construction projects.
Fast facts
- Born: 17 February 1996, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Spouse: Hudson Sheaffer
- Notable TV work: Pretty Little Liars
- Notable film work: Inherent Vice
- Musical genre: Country and southern rock
- Languages: English, Afrikaans
Questions readers ask
What is Sasha Pieterse best known for?
She is primarily recognized for her role as Alison DiLaurentis in the series Pretty Little Liars and its spin-off, The Perfectionists.
Did Sasha Pieterse participate in reality television?
Yes, she was a contestant on the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars in 2017 and served as a judge on Beat Bobby Flay and Sugar Rush Christmas in 2020.
