The mystery woman photographed passionately kissing Hollywood great Toni Collette’s musician husband is a 41-year-old chiropractor from Sydney’s North Beaches.
Shannon Egan was photographed with Dave Galafassi in Manly on Wednesday morning, hours before Collette announced their marriage of almost 20 years was over.
Ms. Egan is an “integrative chiropractor” with more than 15 years of clinical experience who, according to an online profile, had her own serious health issues.
“Shannon has a passion for healthy living and has expanded her skills specifically in the areas of women’s health, mind-body connection and children’s health,” reads the profile.
“Shannon has a particular interest in empowering women to live calm, connected and inspired lives. Shannon also loves treating children and enjoys watching them reach their full potential; Trust in your own body and full of vitality.’
The mystery woman snapped passionately kissing the musician husband of Hollywood great Toni Collette, a 41-year-old chiropractor from Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Shannon Egan was pictured with Dave Galafassi in Manly on Wednesday morning
Ms. Egan (above) is an “integrative chiropractor” with more than 15 years of clinical experience who, according to an online profile, had her own serious health issues
On Wednesday morning, Galafasi was seen hugging and kissing the bikini-clad beauty in the water and on the sand in front of other swimmers
Ms. Egan graduated from Macquarie University in 2004 with two degrees – a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and a Master of Chiropractic.
“Through her own health challenges in recovering from chronic illness, Shannon understands the complexities of health and the need for an integrative approach, both medical and holistic,” her profile reads.
“The years during and after her illness and recovery have given her a deep understanding of what it means to face a life-threatening illness.
“As a result, she became fascinated with the emotional experience of illness. It has fueled a lifelong exploration of spiritual growth, meditation and the mind-body connection.’
Galafasi was seen hugging and kissing the bikini-clad beauty in the water and on the sand in front of other beachgoers on Wednesday morning.
“Shannon has a passion for healthy living and has expanded her skills specifically in the areas of women’s health, mind-body connection and children’s health,” reads Ms Egan’s online profile
Dave Galafassi, who was a drummer in an indie rock band when he met the star of Muriel’s wedding, was pictured with Shannon Egan at a morning swim in Manly on Wednesday
Chron Australia contacted Collette’s management about the photos on Wednesday afternoon and announced hours later that the couple had split in a joint statement posted to their newly activated Instagram account
The couple arrived at the beach around 7.30am, spent 15 minutes in the water and then bought a coffee. A witness said the couple “fell on each other.”
At one point they appeared to be deep in conversation as Galafasi rested on a seawall and Ms Egan, wearing an open shirt and sunglasses, leaned forward.
Collette and Galafassi, who met when he was a drummer in an indie rock band, announced their split in a joint statement posted to Instagram Thursday morning.
“It is with grace and gratitude that we announce our divorce,” the couple wrote. “We are united in our decision and are parting with continued respect and care for one another.
Collette, 50, and Galafassi, 44, have two children, aged 14 and 11, and have split their time between Australia and the United States in recent years
Ms. Egan graduated from Macquarie University in 2004 with two degrees – a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and a Master of Chiropractic
“Our children are of the utmost importance to us and we will continue to thrive as a family, albeit in different ways. We are grateful for the space and love you are granting us as we evolve and peacefully move through this transition. Many Thanks.’
Collette reactivated her Instagram account just five days ago, when she shared a photo of herself sipping from a “Happy Birthday” mug with the caption, “I’m back. Hello World. I love you.’
Hours before their divorce announcement, Collette posted a cryptic note on Instagram that read, “No matter what your current circumstances are, if you can think of something better for yourself, you can do it.”
Galafassi was seen resting on a levee wall on Wednesday morning as Shannon Egan, wearing an open shirt and sunglasses, leaned forward. The couple hit the water for 15 minutes around 7:30am and then bought a coffee
Collette announced Thursday that she had split from Galafassi in a joint statement posted to their newly activated Instagram account. “It is with grace and gratitude that we announce our divorce,” the couple wrote
Collette, 50, and Galafassi, 44, have two children, aged 14 and 11, and have split their time between Australia and the United States in recent years.
The couple met in Sydney in 2002 at the launch of Galafassi’s band, Gelbison’s debut album Metal Detector, and their second meeting took place just days later at a house party.
“He was the first person I saw when I walked in the door,” Collette told the Sydney Morning Herald in September 2018.
“He kissed me on the cheek and I just melted away. I planned to stay ten minutes… I was there twelve hours. It was a good day.’
One of Australia’s most renowned actresses, Colette has starred in The Sixth Sense, Little Miss Sunshine, The Hours, Knives Out and the TV series United States of Tara.
Galafassi has his arms wrapped around Shannon Egan on Manly Beach on Wednesday morning
One of Australia’s most renowned actresses, Colette has starred in The Sixth Sense, Little Miss Sunshine, The Hours, Knives Out and the TV series United States of Tara.
She was nominated for an Oscar for The Sixth Sense and won an Emmy for United States of Tara, for which she also received a Golden Globe.
Galafasi and Collette were married less than a year after meeting in January 2003 with Buddhist rituals at their property in Berry on the NSW south coast.
The ceremony was followed by a weekend of parties with dancing monks, fireworks and a vegetarian banquet for 100 guests.
Sydney-born Collette, who is also a singer-songwriter, went on to form a band with Galafassi, who hails from the town of Port Macquarie on the north mid-coast of New South Wales.
Galafassi seemed comfortable in each other’s company during their trip to Manly
Sydney-born Collette, who is also a singer-songwriter, formed a band with Galafassi, who hails from the town of Port Macquarie on the north mid-coast of New South Wales
Toni Collette & The Finish released an album called Beautiful Awkward Pictures in October 2006 and performed at the Sydney Opera House the next month.
The couple have not performed or released music since 2007.
Their daughter Sage Florence was born in January 2008 and son Arlo Robert in April 2011.
Collette opened up about her husband in a January 2003 interview with Now to Love.
“My husband is such a good person,” she said. “He’s so patient. He is great with our kids and he is so loving, caring and supportive. He puts everyone else first. I’m the happiest woman, I really am.”
Collette and Galafassi lived in Sydney in the 2000s before moving to Los Angeles and returning to Sydney.
Time for another hug: Galafassi and Shannon Egan hug after a swim in the sand
Fun in the sun: Shannon Egan beamed as she waded through the surf on Wednesday
In December 2019, Collette announced that Galafassi was involved in a life-threatening motorcycle accident in NSW.
“Recently my husband was in a devastating motorcycle accident,” she wrote on Instagram. “He’s recovering slowly but well now. We are so lucky to still have him.’
Collette thanked NSW Ambulance and Toll Ambulance Rescue for saving her husband’s life.
“It might not have been the case without the work of the incredible people at @nswambulance and @tollambulancerescue,” she wrote.
“Thank you for your promptness, clarity, knowledge, compassion and dedication.
“You saved him and we can’t thank you enough. Yes, it is a very Merry Christmas. THANK YOU‼️’
Nothing to see here: an elderly sunbather looks away as Galafasi and the woman embrace