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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]

[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]

[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


The Best Tony Awards Fashions of the 2020s
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2025

Let’s take a look back at some of the most unforgettable looks that turned the Tony Awards into a true fashion spectacle. Check out photos of all of our favorite Tony Awards fashions of the 2020s!
PEN PALS to Return to DR2 with a Rotating Cast Featuring Kathleen Chalfant, Kate Burton and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025

Following its Off-Broadway premiere, Pen Pals will return this summer at the DR2 Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photo: Michael Shannon and Ruth Wilson in A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 22, 2025

You can now get a first look at newly released artwork for Rebecca Frecknall's production of A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O'Neill. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
Photos: First Look At REVOLUTION At The Flea Theatre Siggy Space
by A.A. Cristi - May 19, 2025

All new production photos have been released from Revolution, produced by Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire, Knives Out), now open at The Flea Theater’s Siggy Space in Tribeca and running through June 7th.
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS UKRAINE @THE TANK to be Presented in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2025

The Tank will present YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS UKRAINE @THE TANK, the first New York production of two plays from Young Playwrights Ukraine. Learn more here and see how to attend!
Photos: Step Inside the Rehearsal Room of REVOLUTION
by A.A. Cristi - May 5, 2025

Rehearsals are officially underway for the Off-Broadway premiere of REVOLUTION, a new play by Brett Neveu, produced by Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon. Check out photos from inside the rehearsal room?
Listen: Paul Rudd Shares Crazy Stories From His Theatrical Career on SMARTLESS Podcast
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2025

Paul Rudd may be best known for his onscreen roles, but he is no stranger to the stage. During a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast, Rudd shared some crazy stories from his theatrical career,
Video: Idina Menzel, Lin-Manuel Miranda & More Reveal Broadway Roles That Got Away
by Michael Major - May 2, 2025

From a musical adaptation of Moonstruck to a Cirque du Soleil Annie Get Your Gun, watch Idina Menzel, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Betty Buckley, Lea Salonga, Bebe Neuwirth, Andrea McCardle, and more reveal the 'Show That Got Away.'
Theatre for a New Audience Appoints Arin Arbus as Artistic Director
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025

Theatre for a New Audience has announced that OBIE Award-winning director Arin Arbus will be its next Artistic Director when Founding Artistic Director Jeffrey Horowitz steps down on August 31, 2025.
Almeida Theatre Reveals Full Cast For Michael Shannon-Led A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2025

The Almeida Theatre has announced the full cast of Rebecca Frecknall’s production of A Moon for the Misbegotten. Learn more about the upcoming production here!
Michael Shannon To Produce Brett Neveu's REVOLUTION Off-Broadway This Spring
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 4, 2025

Revolution, a new play by award-winning playwright Brett Neveu (Eric LaRue, Traitor), will make its New York premiere from May 15 through June 7, 2025.
John Krasinski Will Lead ANGRY ALAN Off-Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 26, 2025

STUDIO  SEAVIEW's first production will be PENELOPE SKINNER’s critically acclaimed dark comedy ANGRY ALAN, starring  award-winning actor JOHN KRASINSKI. We have all of the details about the off-Broadway run here.
Video: Judy Greer Stars in Trailer for Michael Shannon's ERIC LARUE
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 18, 2025

Magnolia Pictures has debuted the trailer for ERIC LARUE, Michael Shannon’s acclaimed directorial debut written by Brett Neveu and based on his 2002 play of the same name starring Judy Greer. Watch it now.
Liv Hill, Siena Kelly and Tanya Reynolds to Star in 1536 at The Almeida Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2025

Liv Hill, Siena Kelly and Tanya Reynolds are cast in the world premiere of Ava Pickett’s Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winning play 1536 at The Almeida Theatre. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Kate Burton and Pauletta Washington Star In PEN PALS At The Theatre at St Clement’s
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 1, 2025

As part of its rotating cast, three-time Tony nominee and Emmy Award winner Kate Burton & Pauletta Washington step into the roles of Bernie and Mags in the hit Off-Broadway production of Pen Pals. See photos from the production.
PEN PALS Additional Performance Added At The Theatre at St Clement's 
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 11, 2025

The producers of Pen Pals have announced a special added performance on Saturday, January 18 at 2 PM and 8PM with Nancy McKeon and Gail Winar. The show runs through February 9, 2025, at St. Clement's Theatre,
A GUIDE FOR THE HOMESICK Off-Broadway to Present Special Talkback Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2025

The Off-Broadway production of A Guide for the Homesick by Ken Urban will present a special series of post-show talkbacks during its extended run this January. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Paul Sparks to Replace Brendan Fraser in GRANGEVILLE at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025

Paul Sparks has joined Samuel D. Hunter’s Grangeville, a Signature-commissioned world premiere directed by Jack Serio. Sparks replaces Brendan Fraser. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Catherine Curtin and Sharon Lawrence in PEN PALS
by Stephi Wild - Dec 27, 2024

As part of its rotating cast, Catherine Curtin and Sharon Lawrence have stepped into the roles of Bernie and Mags in the  Off-Broadway production of Pen Pals. Check out photos here!
Ken Urbans' A GUIDE FOR THE HOMESICK Extends Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Dec 18, 2024

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!

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 notable awards, including the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in Long Day's Journey Into Night. He also received the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Additionally, Shannon earned the Performance award at the Obie Awards for his role in Bug.

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