Karen David
Biography
Karen David, born Karen Shenaz David on 15 April 1979 in Shillong, Meghalaya, India, is an Indian‑born English‑Canadian actress, singer and songwriter. She has appeared in more than forty credited screen roles. On television she is known for playing Spanish teacher Francesca “Cesca” Montoya in the British drama Waterloo Road from 2010 to 2011, Princess Isabella in the fantasy series Galavant during 2015‑2016, and Grace Mukherjee in the post‑apocalyptic drama Fear the Walking Dead between 2019 and 2023. Additional TV work includes appearances in Cold Feet, Once Upon a Time, Legacies, Barry and The Irrational. Her film credits include Batman Begins (2005), The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (2008), Red Lights (2012) and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014).
Career overview
Karen Shenaz David was born on 15 April 1979 in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. She is described as an Indian‑born English and Canadian actress who also works as a singer and songwriter. David’s early screen work includes a role in the 2005 superhero film Batman Begins and a part in the 2008 adventure sequel The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior. She continued to appear in feature films such as the psychological thriller Red Lights (2012) and the action spy picture Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014).
In television, David first gained wider recognition portraying Spanish teacher Francesca “Cesca” Montoya in the British drama series Waterloo Road from 2010 to 2011. She later played Princess Isabella in the fantasy musical comedy Galavant during its 2015–2016 run, and from 2019 through 2023 she was a regular as Grace Mukherjee in the post‑apocalyptic series Fear the Walking Dead. Her other TV credits include appearances in Cold Feet, Once Upon a Time, Legacies, Barry and The Irrational. Across her career, David has accumulated more than forty acting credits, spanning both film and television, and is listed under the alternate name Karen Shenaz David.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
40 titles- CIA (2026) as Zara Demir
- Tracker (2024) as Dr Evie Martell
- Isabel's Garden (2024) as Maya
- The Irrational (2023) as Rose Dinshaw
- Land of Gold (2023) as Asha
- Pantheon (2022) as Justine's Mom / Receptionist (voice)
- When Christmas Was Young (2022) as Melody Douglass
- Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021) as Diya Laghari
- In Hollywoodland (2020) as Queenie
- The Rookie (2018) as Det. Rita Calderon
- Legacies (2018) as Emma Tig
- Barry (2018) as Sharon Lucado
- Once Upon a Time: And They Lived Happily Ever After (2018) as Self
- Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television (2017) as Priya
- The Tiger Hunter (2017) as Ruby
- Timeless (2016) as Young Officer Denise Christopher (Dhriti Sirivastava)
- Fear the Walking Dead (2015) as Grace Mukherjee
- Galavant (2015) as Isabella
- Amar Akbar & Tony (2015) as Meera
- Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014) as FBI Lead Agent
- Touch (2012) as Kayla Graham
- Red Lights (2012) as Female Reporter #2
- Once Upon a Time (2011) as Jasmine
- Strike Back (2010) as Barmaid
- Castle (2009) as Sara El-Masri
- Couples Retreat (2009) as Spa Attendant
- The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (2008) as Layla (as Karen David)
- The Colour of Magic (2008) as Liessa
- The Color of Magic - Die Reise des Zauberers Teil 1 (2008) as Liessa
- Flight of Fury (2007) as Barnes's Operational Soldier Flanders
- Provoked: A True Story (2007) as Asha
- Eureka (2007) as Reporter
- Waterloo Road (2006) as Francesca Montoya
- Take 3 Girls (2006) as Lyla
- Criminal Minds (2005) as Mary Meadows
- Batman Begins (2005) as Courthouse Reporter #1
- Top Buzzer (2004)
- Bollywood Queen (2002) as Neeta
- The Paper Round (2002) as Police Woman
- Belonging (2000)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Karen David best known for?
Karen David is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including CIA (2026), Tracker (2024), The Irrational (2023), Pantheon (2022).
When and where was Karen David born?
Karen David was born on April 15, 1979 in Shillong - Meghalaya - India.
How many credits does Karen David have?
Karen David has accumulated over 40 film and television credits across a career spanning from 2000 to 2026.
What is Karen David's background in cinema and television?
Karen David, born Karen Shenaz David on 15 April 1979 in Shillong, Meghalaya, India, is an Indian‑born English‑Canadian actress, singer and songwriter. She has appeared in more than forty credited screen roles. On television she is known for playing Spanish teacher Francesca “Cesca” Montoya in the British drama Waterlo...