News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Michael Shannon Headshot

Michael Shannon

Get Michael Shannon Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon is making his mark working with many of the industry's most honored talents and treading the boards in the world's most respected theatres. Recently, Shannon starred in the Academy Award-winning Shape of Water. He has appeared opposite Andrew Garfield in 99 Homes, and co-starred with Julianne Moore and Ellen Page in Freeheld. Shannon has also starred in The Night Before opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Lizzy Caplan, and Jeff Nichol's Midnight Special opposite Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Joel Edgerton and Sam Shepard. Shannon's previous collaborations with Nichols include Take Shelter, for which he received a 2011 Film Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actor; as well as the films Mud and Shotgun Stories. Shannon has also starred in Siofra Campbell's The Price opposite Noomi Rapace, Werner Herzog's Salt and Fire, Liza Johnson's Elvis & Nixon, Matthew M. Ross' Frank and Lola opposite Imogen Poots, and Untitled Joshua Marston Project, co-starring opposite Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates and Danny Glover. Most notably, Shannon made his mark in an Oscar-nominated supporting role in Revolutionary Road, directed by Sam Mendes, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Kathy Bates. With over forty roles in film, Shannon's credits include John McNaughton's The Harvest, Jake Paltrow's The Young Ones, Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, Ariel Vromen's The Iceman, David Koepp's Premium Rush, Liza Johnson's Return, Marc Forster's Machine Gun Preacher, Floria Sigismondi's The Runaways, Werner Herzog's My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done and Bad Lieutenant, Sydney Lumet's Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Oliver Stone's World Trade Center, William Friedkin's Bug, Curtis Hanson's Lucky You, Michael Bay's Bad Boys II, Curtis Hanson's 8 Mile, David McNally's Kangaroo Jack, Cameron Crowe's Vanilla Sky, Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor, John Waters' Cecil B. DeMented, Noah Buschel's The Missing Person and Shana Feste's The Greatest. For all his roles on screen, Shannon maintains a connection to theatre. In 2012, Shannon appeared opposite Paul Rudd, Ed Asner, and Kate Arrington in Grace at the Cort Theatre, for which he was nominated for a 2013 Distinguished Performance Drama League Award. In 2010, he led Craig Wright's Off-Broadway play, Mistakes Were Made, at the Barrow Street Theater, which earned him an Outstanding Lead Actor Lortel Award nomination, an Outstanding Actor in a Play Drama Desk Award nomination, an Outstanding Solo Performance Outer Critics Award nomination, and a Distinguished Performance Drama League Award nomination. Shannon also starred in Roundabout Theatre Company's Long Day's Journey Into Night, earning a Tony Award nomination. Additional theatre credits include Uncle Vanya (Soho Rep Theatre), Our Town(Barrow Street Theatre), Lady (Rattlestick Theatre), The Metal Children (Vineyard Theatre), The Little Flower of East Orange (Public Theatre), The Pillowman and Man From Nebraska (Steppenwolf Theatre), Bug (Barrow Street Theatre, Red Orchid Theatre and Gate Theatre), Mr. Kolpert and The Killer (Red Orchid Theatre), Killer Joe (SoHo Playhouse, Next Lab Theatre and Vaudeville Theatre), The Idiot (Lookingglass Theatre) and Woyzeck (Gate Theatre). On television, Shannon's credits include Martin Scorsese's HBO series, "Boardwalk Empire," co-starring Steve Buscemi and Kelly MacDonald.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Theatre for a New Audience Off-Broadway Production, 2023
Estragon

[Off-Broadway]
TFANA's Off-Broadway Production, 2021
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Johnny

[Off-Broadway]
Barrow Street Theatricals Off-Broadway Production, 2018
Guest Performer

[Broadway]
Roundabout Broadway Revival, 2016
James Tyrone Jr.

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2012
Neighbour

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Transfer, 2010
Felix Artifex

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2009
Stage Manager [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Danny

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Peter Evans

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Chris Smith

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1972
Chad

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Ralph Austin [Replacement]

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
General Manager
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
General Manager

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2020 - Distinguished Performance Award

Michael Shannon, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award

Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Michael Shannon, Grace

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Michael Shannon, Mistakes Were Made

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Michael Shannon, Mistakes Were Made

The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Michael Shannon, Mistakes Were Made


winner
Obie Awards - 2004 - Performance

Michael Shannon, Bug

The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Michael Shannon, Bug

Videos

News


Ken Urbans' A GUIDE FOR THE HOMESICK Extends Off-Broadway

The New York debut of A Guide for the Homesick, a play by Ken Urban, directed by Shira Milikowsky, will extend its limited Off Broadway run. Learn more here!
Catherine Curtin and Sharon Lawrence Will Star in PEN PALS

As part of its rotating cast, Catherine Curtin (“Stranger Things,” “Orange is the New Black”) and Sharon Lawrence (“Joe Pickett,” “NYPD Blue,” “Queen Sugar”) will step into the roles of Bernie and Mags in the Off-Broadway production of Pen Pals.
Kate Burton, Elle McLaughlin & Gail Winar Join the Rotating Cast of PEN PALS

Kate Burton, Elle McLaughlin, and Gail Winar will join the rotating cast of Pen Pals at the Theatre at St. Clements. See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Videos You Missed This Week: THE GREAT GATSBY, THE OUTSIDERS, and More

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! As the year comes to a close, so does the fist half of the 2024-25 Broadway season. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending December 13, 2024 with videos from Annie, The Great Gatsby, The Outsiders, and more!
Photos: PEN PALS Opens With Nancy McKeon and Johanna Day

Pen Pals, the new play by Michael Griffo, officially opened off-Broadway at The Theatre at St. Clement's, starring Johanna Day and Nancy McKeon. Check out photos from opening night here!
Video: Exclusive Clip of 'Alone' from Apocalyptic Musical Film THE END

BroadwayWorld is excited to share an exclusive clip of Alone from The End, the new apocalyptic musical fantasy film starring Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon. In the clip, George MacKay (playing the role of Son) sings and dances while considering his future in the underground bunker in which he lives. Watch it now!
Photos: A GUIDE FOR THE HOMESICK in Rehearsal at Union Square DR2 Theatre

A Guide for the Homesick, a gripping play by Ken Urban, will make its return to the stage under the direction of Shira Milikowsky. Check out rehearsal photos here!
Betty Gilpin Will Succeed Cole Escola in OH, MARY! on Broadway

Oh, Mary! has found its next Mary! Emmy Award-nominated actor Betty Gilpin, best known for “Glow,” and Netflix’s upcoming “American Primeval”, will take over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Nia Vardalos, Mary Beth Peil & More Join PEN PALS Rotating Cast

A rotating cast schedule has been revealed for Pen Pals' Off-Broadway run at the Theatre at St. Clements, starring Nia Vardalos and more. See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Tilda Swinton, Michael Shannon, & More Star in Trailer for Apocalyptic Musical Film THE END

NEON has debuted the trailer for The End, the upcoming apocalyptic musical fantasy film directed by Joshua Oppenheimer and starring Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon. Watch the trailer now!
Actor Michael Shannon to Read Kafka's Work at 92NY Poetry Center

Actor Michael Shannon will perform a reading of Kafka's works at 92NY on October 29.
Johanna Day and Nancy McKeon Will Lead PEN PALS Off-Broadway

 In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the producers of Pen Pals, the new play by Michael Griffo, have announced its New York City debut at The Theatre at St. Clement's. 
Johanna Day and Nancy McKeon to Star in PEN PALS at St. Clement's Theatre

Pen Pals, the new play by Michael Griffo, will have its New York City debut at The Theatre at St. Clement's, starring Johanna Day and Nancy McKeon. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Darko Tresnjak to Direct World Premiere of Taylor Mac's PROSPEROUS FOOLS at TFANA

Theatre for a New Audience has named Darko Tresnjak as director of the world premiere of Prosperous Fools. Learn more about the world premiere and see how to purchase tickets.
McKinley Belcher III and Uly Schlesinger to Star in A GUIDE FOR THE HOMESICK Off-Broadway

McKinley Belcher III and Uly Schlesinger are set to star in the Off-Broadway production of A GUIDE FOR THE HOMESICK, exploring themes of friendship and trauma. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, and More Take Home Equity Jeff Awards

The winners have been announced for the 2024 Joseph Jefferson Equity Awards, more commonly known as the Equity Jeff Awards. These awards are given for theatre arts produced in the Chicago area.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and More Set For The Almeida Theatre

The Almeida Theatre has announced five new productions including Almeida Associate Director Rebecca Frecknall's new production of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, featuring Kingsley Ben-Adir, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Lennie James.
Theatre For A New Audience Founder Jeffrey Horowitz To Retire

Jeffrey Horowitz, Founder of Theatre for a New Audience, having led and grown the not-for-profit organization since 1979, will retire on August 31, 2025, at the end of TFANA's just-announced season of Shakespeare alongside plays by classical and contemporary playwrights.
THE END Musical Film Starring Tilda Swinton Will Be Available in the UK, Germany, and Austria

The End, the musical film starring Tilda Swinton, will soon be available in the UK, Germany, and Austria. The film has been acquired by MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company.
Cast and Creative Team Set for THE LEHMAN TRILOGY at Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie Theater will stage the Tony Award-winning play THE LEHMAN TRILOGY. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Shannon been in?

Michael Shannon has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Shannon been in?

Michael Shannon has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Michael Shannon been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Grace, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Mistakes Were Made, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Mistakes Were Made, Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Mistakes Were Made, Performance (Obie Awards) for Bug and Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Bug.

What awards has Michael Shannon won?

Michael Shannon has won several awards, including: - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night - Performance (Obie Awards) for Bug

Get Michael Shannon Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos