Michael Shannon is an American actor and musician who has established himself as one of the most respected and sought-after performers in the industry. With a career spanning decades, he has been acclaimed for his complex and nuanced performances in films such as Revolutionary Road (2008), Nocturnal Animals (2016) and The Shape of Water (2017). He has also had memorable roles on television shows such as Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014) and Manhunter (2013).
Shannon began his career in theater, performing in productions at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater Company. While working at Steppenwolf he formed a close bond with fellow actors John Malkovich, Gary Sinise and Laurie Metcalf. In 1996, he made his feature film debut in Oliver Stone’s U Turn, followed by a breakout performance in Groundhog Day (1993). He went on to star opposite stars such as Richard Gere in The Jackal (1997), Kevin Spacey in K-PAX (2001), Colin Farrell in S.W.A.T. (2003) and Amy Adams in Man of Steel (2013).
In recent years Shannon has won widespread praise for his richly layered performances, often playing complex antiheroes or sinister villains on screen. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the ruthless mob enforcer Nelson Van Alden in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, while his critically acclaimed turn as Detective Loki in Prisoners earned him numerous awards including a Golden Globe nomination. Described by critics as having an “unmatched intensity” that can shift from volatile to tender with ease, Shannon is one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.