[2] He was also a television and film actor, particularly known for his appearances in soap operas, including How to Survive a Marriage, Search for Tomorrow, Generations, and General Hospital.
In 1995, Shannon returned to college to pursue a Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD in gerontology after a nearly 30-year career in acting.
He also served as a teacher of improvisation and theatre director in Los Angeles.
[3] Shannon taught courses in Program Evaluation, Social Policy and Aging, and Society and Adult Development.
His later research work was focused on Multicultural Aging and Creative Arts.