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Michael Shannon

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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

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


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.
56th Jeff Awards Nominations Revealed

The Jeff Awards revealed nominations for their 56th anniversary, celebrating excellence in Chicago's Equity theaters. Learn more!
THE BIKERIDERS Streaming Date and Blu-ray Release Detailed

Starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy comes Focus Features’ captivating gritty biker film inspired by true events, THE BIKERIDERS. Releasing in a special Collector’s Edition with exclusive bonus content, THE BIKERIDERS will be available on Digital August 9, 2024 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-rayTM and DVD on August 13, 2024. The movie will be streaming exclusively on Peacock beginning August 9. 
Theater Latté Da Presents SCOTLAND, PA At The Ritz Theater This September

Theater Latté Da brings SCOTLAND, PA to The Ritz Theater from September 18 to October 20, 2024. Enjoy this dark comedy adaptation of Shakespeare's MACBETH set in a 1970s Pennsylvania diner.
THE BIKERIDERS, Starring Jodie Comer, Available to Own or Rent on Digital Tomorrow

The Bikeriders will be available for the first time exclusively on digital platforms where you can rent or buy beginning July 9, 2024, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, The Bikeriders is inspired by true events and delivers on an exhilarating tale about legacy and freedom within a band of outsiders.
THE 24 HOUR PLAYS is Coming to Shelter Island in July

The 24 Hour Plays bring their unique, one-night-only live performances to Shelter Island's Rams Head Inn on July 12, 2024. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Joe Thristino's BRINGER OF DOOM To Premiere Off-Broadway This Summer

Joe Thristino's BRINGER OF DOOM will premiere Off-Broadway at the Players Theatre, featuring dark comedy and mature themes. Learn how to purchase tickets.
THE LIFE AND SLIMES OF MARC SUMMERS to Host 90s Night With Jenna Leigh Green & More

Join DANNY TAMBERILLI, JENNA LEIGH GREEN, and more for a special 90s Night at THE LIFE AND SLIMES OF MARC SUMMERS. Learn how to purchase tickets.
A Red Orchid Theatre Extends TURRET By Two Weeks

A Red Orchid Theatre has announced that World Premiere play TURRET, written and directed by ensemble member Levi Holloway, will extend its run, adding two weeks of performances to a run that sold out in days. P
Review Roundup: Critics Sound Off on Michael Shannon Led TURRET at A Red Orchid Theatre

What did critics think of A Red Orchid Theatre's World Premiere production of TURRET, written and directed by Ensemble Member Levi Holloway? TURRET runs through June 9, 2024 at The Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division in Chicago. Check out the photos below and video clips above!
Review: TURRET at A Red Orchid Theatre

Levi Holloway’s dystopian play TURRET introduces audiences to an intimate bunker in a post-apocalyptic world. And notably, the play marks Michael Shannon’s return to A Red Orchid. Shannon plays Green, who presides over this mysterious bunker in which he’s holding captive his trainee, Rabbit (Travis A. Knight). At the play's opening, this particular iteration of Rabbit appears to be one of many test subjects within Green’s clutches. The first several scenes of TURRET have a kind of mundanity: Rabbit runs furiously on a treadmill while Green performs a series of tests. The text doesn’t reveal much about the nature of these experiments, and audiences are left to wonder what, exactly, is happening for much of the play. 

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?

Michael Shannon has received several nominations for prestigious awards throughout his career. These include: - 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 - Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Bug

What awards has Michael Shannon won?

Michael Shannon has won the following awards: 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, and Performance (Obie Awards) for Bug.

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